Qualitative data collection Flashcards
Observation & types
Looking at behaviours and interactions to understand complex situations
* Can be non-participative (natural things, less intrusive, less emotions) OR
* Participative (subjective, difficult to do both)
* Each can be covert or overt
* Can be structured (QT, predefined and looking for) or unstructured (QL, no structure, looking at)
Adv/Dis of observations
- Adv: direct measure, easy, saves time, natural surroundings
- Dis: potential for bias, articial situation, difficult and requires training
Interviews
Interaction between interviewer and interviewee to produce knowledge
* Structure: standardised questions (little flexibility)
* Semi-structured: using an interview guide
* Unstructured: uses a topic to steer interview
* In-depth: extensive
Bracketing & rapport
Bracketing: interviewer explores subjectivites and assumptions to become more aware and increase rigour
Rapport: developing mutual trust and understanding
Adv/Dis of interviews
- Adv: explore sensitive topics, good for shy people/low literacy, when bringing people together is difficult
- Dis: power imbalances, interviewer bias, time consuming
Focus groups
Structured small interview groups guided by focus questions
* Less intimidating & more economical but provides less information
Approaches to increase depth of data collection
Funnelling: broad to specific to ease participants
Story telling: questions to lead participants into story telling, to feel more comfortable but can distort reality
Solicited narratives
Probing
Journalling
Writing down thoughts, feeling, experiences to blend with account of events (usually in phenomenology)
Boundaries in data collection
Crossing line of therapy
Friendship vs research
Emotional exhaustion
Professional role despite emotional involvement
To avoid: use supervisors, HRECs, guidelines
