Qualitative Data Flashcards
What are focus groups?
Researcher throws out to the group members some specific issues and questions, the members of the group debate the topics
Researcher facilitates the group
10 people or less usually
Composition of groups is carefully planned
Depth of information
What are the issues with a focus group?
Too many members and then some may not have the opportunity to speak
Avoid strongly conflicting views
What is quantitative research?
Numerical data
Quantifies variables
Structured methods e.g. interviews, surveys
Inferential statistics
Generalize findings
What is qualitative?
Describes and categorises data
Involves the detailed study of speech/conversation/text
Analyses broad units of text
What is a positivism position?
Objective testing
Replicated
Investigate specific variables while controlling others
However, sometimes it’s too abstract and can’t be applied to real life situations
What is a constructivism position?
Subjective
Depth of understanding
No generalisability
Lack of ecological validity
Time-consuming
What is the double hermeneutic?
The researcher interprets the participant’s interpretation of their world
Then the researcher brings their own beliefs to the situation which affects their understanding
What are the types of approaches used in data collection and data analysis?
Pure qualitative
Pure quantitative
Mixed (both quantitative and qualitative)
What is triangulation?
Mixed approach
Using two or more types of research e.g. interviews, observations, surveys
What is a naturalistic observation? What’s an advantage of this?
Observe ps behaviours in their natural settings
Take notes on analysis later
High ecological validity
What are the issues with a naturalistic observation?
Lack of control over what happens
Difficult to be present and not influence behaviour of others
What are the types of interviews?
Structured: specific questions and orders with no flexibility
Semi-structured: some flexibility e.g. changing order of questions based on ps response
Unstructured: entirely flexible, based on a guide, questions are open-ended
What is ethnography?
Researchers immerse themselves in the group they’re studying
Participant observation
Collect data on members of cultures/groups
