Observations and interviews Flashcards
Observations
going into ‘the field’ and describing, analyzing and interpreting what you have seen
advantages op observation
- allows researcher to gather behavioral data without asking questions
- data generally more reliable from respondent bias
disadvantages of observations
- opinions and attitudes remain hidden
- observer bias -> the tendency to see what we expect to see
controlled vs uncontrolled observations
whether the surrounding in which the observation takes place is altered for the sake of the observation
participant vs non participant observation
does the observer interact with the observation
structured of unstructured observation
whether the criteria that are noted in the observation are predetermined
concealed vs unconcealed observation
whether the participant know they are being studied
complete participation
the researcher works with the subject under study and may conceal that he/she is an observer
moderate participation
researcher observes the scene under study, maintaining a certain distance and never intervening
active participation
the researcher does not conceal that he she is an observer
what is a interview
a guided, purposeful conversation between two or more people
what is a interview
a guided, purposeful conversation between two or more people
unstructured interview
the interviewer does not enter the interview setting with a planned sequence of questions
structured interview
conducted when is know what information is needed
predetermined questions
semi structured interview
allowing new ideas to be brought up during a interview as a result of what the interviewee says
bias in an interview
any error that creeps into the information gathered
bias frequently occurs because; interview
question not understood correctly
respondent provide answer he she thinks the researcher would like to hear
bias during an interview can be reduced by;
trust with the respondent
when respondent seems confused clarify questions
do not come across judgemental
face to face interview disadvantages and advantages
- time consuming
- geographical limitations
+ non-verbal cues
+ can clarify doubts about questionnaire
telephone interviews disadvantages and advantages
- no body language
- low response rate
+ discomfort of face to face is avoided
+ number of calls can be high
self administered interviews disadvantages and advantages
- cannot be to long or complex
- low response rate
+ lowest cost option
+ expanded geographical coverage
group interview disadvantages and advantages
- group pressure
- dominant opinions can overshadow
+ time and cost efficient
+ stimulates deeper discussion
focus group
consist of 6-8 members with a moderator leading the discussion on a particular topic, concept or product
expert panel
researchers share expert knowledge and opinion about a certain issue