Paper 3 Content Flashcards
What is a semi-structured interview?
A qualitative data collection method where the researcher asks a set of predetermined open-ended questions but allows for flexibility in follow-up questions based on participants’ responses.
What is a case study?
A detailed investigation of a single individual, group, or event, providing an in-depth understanding of a phenomenon within its real-life context.
What is a focus group?
A qualitative method where a small group of participants discuss a particular topic guided by a moderator, often used to explore group dynamics and shared experiences.
What is participant observation?
A qualitative research method where the researcher actively participates in the group or context being studied while observing behaviors and interactions.
What is non-participant observation?
A research method where the researcher observes the group or situation without actively engaging or influencing the participants.
What is content analysis?
A method used to analyze qualitative data, often textual, by identifying patterns, themes, or recurring concepts within the material.
What is informed consent?
Ethical requirement where participants are fully informed about the research process, including potential risks, and voluntarily agree to take part.
What is the right to withdraw?
An ethical principle ensuring participants can leave a study at any time without penalty or consequence.
What is deception in research?
When participants are misled or not fully informed about the true nature of the study, which should only occur if absolutely necessary and ethical safeguards are in place.
What is protection from harm in research ethics?
Researchers must ensure that participants are not subjected to physical or psychological harm during or after the study.
What is confidentiality in research?
An ethical consideration that ensures personal data of participants is kept private and not shared without their permission.
What is debriefing in research?
The process of informing participants about the true purpose of the study after it has been completed, especially if deception was used.
What is random sampling?
A sampling method where each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected, ensuring unbiased representation.
What are the characteristics of a True (lab) experiment?
~Random allocation
~IV/DV
~Causation
~Controls
~Operationalised
What are the characteristics of Natural experiments?
IV is naturally occurring in society, not manipulated by the researcher.
What are the characteristics of Quasi experiments?
IV is existing differences between people, not manipulated by the researcher.
What are the characteristics of a Field experiment?
Experiments which take place outside of the lab
What are the characteristics of Semi-structured interviews?
An interview guide is used but can be deviated from for greater flexibility
What are the characteristics of Structured interviews?
An interview guide provides set questions in a set order - all participants receive the same questions
What are the characteristics of Unstructured interviews?
Conversational style discussion to build rapport and better understand a topic.
What are the characteristics of Focus groups?
Groups of 5-10 people sit with the researcher to answer questions led by the researcher.
What are the characteristics of Surveys?
A survey is a way of collecting information from a large and dispersed group of people rather than from a very small number. It may combine quantitative data with qualitative data. Surveys often use questionnaires with closed questions to collect data because it is easier to do statistical analysis of such data.
What are the characteristics of Case studies?
The researcher observes the behaviour of an individual or a group of individuals. They are often longitudinal and use a range of methods to collect different types of data (triangulation).
What are the characteristics of Observations?
These are often naturalistic but can be in a controlled environment also. A researcher can choose to carry out a participant observation, where he or she is part of the group that is being observed, or a non-participant observation, where he or she is not part of the group. Participants may know they are being observed (overt) or not (covert).
