Methods of studying the work of professionals Flashcards
Explain qualitative research
Explores the meaning of people’s experiences, cultures, a particular issues or case
Is exploratory - often questions which starts with what/how
Openended question which are only semistructured
Typically does not have a hypotheses (prediction) because of it exploratory nature
Typically collect more than one kind of data
Data “comes from the field” - the natural setting where the participants are
Methods can change during study
What is the strength of qualitative research?
It provides information about the “human” side of an issue fx.behaviors, beliefs, emotions etc..
Effective in identifying intangible factors, such as social norms, socioeconomic status, gender roles
What are some qualitative research methods?
Observation
Focus groups
In-depth interviews
Semi structured interview
Which ethical issues are relavant for qualitative resarch?
Research ethics: between the researcher and the people they study
Core principles are
- Respect for persons - ensure autonomy
- Beneficence - minimize social and phychological risk
- Justice - participation should share in the benefits of the knowledge gained
What is an interview ?
A purposeful conversation in which one person asks prepared questions (interviewer) and another answers them (respondent)
To gain information on a particular topic or a particular area to be researched
What is an interview guide?
A tool for the interviewer
Reminder
Helps to maintain focus
Describe observation as a method
Qualitative method
Is the main source of information in the field research
A researcher goes into the field to observe the conditions in their natural state
Why use observation as a method?
There is something more than it is told
Concealment, forgetfulness, lack of attention, reflection
Describe participated observation
Collecting data on naturally occurring behaviors in their usual contexts
You enter the given life world
- Establish relationships
- Get involved
- Learning from own experience and from the studied people’s reactions to your presence
Explain quantitative research
Examine the relationship between variables
Describtive research - often questions which starts with how much/ What
Experimental research - often questions which start with does
Close ended questions - often very structured
- Uses hypotheses
- Data is in the form of numbers
Data in form of instruments as: Questionnaires or surveys
Mostly inflexible in methods
What are the basic differences between quantitative and qualitative research?
Their analytical purpose/gain
The types of questions they pose
The types of data collection instruments they use
The forms of data they produce
The degree of flexibility built into study design
Explain reliability and validity
Validity:
- Defines the strength of the final results and whether they can be regarded as accurately describing the real world
Reliability:
- Any significant result must be more than a one-off finding and be repeatable
- The same result every time if under same conditions
