Psy2005

Question 1

What is qualitative research?

Answer 1

Research that gives findings not achieved by statistical or quantitative procedures

Question 2

What are 4 features of Small Q Qualitative research?

Answer 2

• It is concerned with qualitative scientific values such as validity, reliability and validity
• It uses techniques still associated with quantitative research
• It is concerned with discovering one objective “truth”
• It focuses on searching for answers

Question 3

What are 4 features of Big Q research?

Answer 3

• It focuses on how research reflects the complex, social world we live in
• It values subjectivity
• The findings are heavily influenced by the actions of the researcher- they are active, generative and creative in the process
• It focuses on searching for answers whilst also creating the answers

Question 4

What type of data does Big Q research create?

Answer 4

Rich, holistic data that is contextual. It does not aim to be generalisable, but instead values subjectivity.

Question 5

What does reflexivity mean in terms of Big Q research?

Answer 5

The researcher takes an active role in manipulating and undertaking the research procedure.

Question 6

How does Big Q research involve the researcher’s credentials?

Answer 6

As they are heavily involved in the research process, we have to consider how their individual features will affect the procedure/findings (beliefs, experience, gender, age etc.)

Question 7

How does the process of qualitative data differ from quantitative research?

Answer 7

Instead of the stages being rigid and sequential (Research Question →→ Research Design →→ Data Analysis →→ Reporting), the different stages in the data analysis can be repeated, and can affect the research design. This is called iterative research.

Question 8

What is ontology?

Answer 8

The nature of reality- is the one objective reality or does it vary in different circumstances.

Question 9

What is epistemology?

Answer 9

How reality is examined, how do we know what reality is?