Network Analysis, Small-N Cases, Ethnography, Interviews Flashcards
What is participant observation in ethnography?
Directly observing and participating in the daily life of the group studied.
What are the dimensions of participant observation?
Exposure (overt vs. covert) and access (open vs. closed).
What are the dimensions of participant observation?
Exposure (overt vs. covert) and access (open vs. closed).
What is the purpose of small-N research designs?
To conduct in-depth analysis of one or a few cases to yield broader insights.
What is the difference between descriptive and theory-testing case studies?
Descriptive studies have little prior knowledge, while theory-testing examines cases conforming or deviating from theory.
What are the two types of involvement in research?
Passive (observing from distance) and Active (engaging in activities).
Passive involvement risks the ‘Hawthorne Effect’ where subjects change behavior because they are being observed.
What are field notes in data collection?
Detailed written accounts of observations, conversations, and reflections. Types include mental, scratch, and full.
What is visual data in qualitative research?
Photos and videos used as memory aids, discussion prompts, or data themselves.
What types of sampling are often used in qualitative research?
Non-probability sampling methods such as Purposive, Snowball, and Theoretical sampling.
What is Grounded Theory?
An inductive approach where theory emerges from data analysis rather than being predetermined.
What is the focus of Ethnographic Sensibility and Interpretivism?
Subjective meanings, context, and the social construction of reality, contrasting with Positivism’s emphasis on objective observation.
What are the strengths of qualitative research?
Rich, deep understanding; contextualization; insight into emic (insider) perspectives.
What are the weaknesses of qualitative research?
Limited generalizability; potential for bias; challenges in reliability and validity; time-intensive.
What is the purpose of interviews in qualitative research?
To gather in-depth information on perspectives, experiences, opinions, and accounts, especially for topics not directly observable.
What are the types of interviews in qualitative research?
Unstructured, Semi-structured, and Structured interviews.
What characterizes unstructured interviews?
Conversational and flexible, guided by broad themes with significant control for the interviewee.
What is a semi-structured interview?
Uses an interview guide but allows flexibility in wording, order, and probing; most common in qualitative research.
What is the process for conducting semi-structured interviews?
Develop an interview guide, select participants, ensure ethics, build rapport, listen actively, and analyze data.
What are the strengths of semi-structured interviews?
Rich data, understanding perspectives, exploring complex issues, and flexibility.
What are the weaknesses of semi-structured interviews?
Time-consuming, potential for bias, limited generalizability, and reliability concerns.
