Qualitative data collection

Question 1

Data saturation

Answer 1

Go to saturation refers to the point in the research process when no new information is discovered in data analysis and this redundancy signals to research as a data collection can stop

Question 2

Probability sampling

Answer 2

Each data unit in the population has a known likelihood of being included in the sample

Question 3

Different types of probability sampling

Answer 3

• Random sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Systematic sampling
• Stratified sampling

Question 4

Non-probability sampling

Answer 4

Does not involve random selection are recruited based on accessibility and convenience

Question 5

Different types of non-probability sampling

Answer 5

• Convenience sampling
• Snowball sampling
• Quota sampling
• Purposive sampling

Question 6

Convenience sampling

Answer 6

This is where the researcher includes whoever they can find in a particular location

Question 7

Volunteer sampling

Answer 7

Instead of the researcher contracting participants, people volunteer themselves to take part, usually after seeing an advert

Question 8

Snowball sampling

Answer 8

This is where participants are recruited through other participants

Question 9

Quota sampling

Answer 9

The researcher will choose a sample according to specific traits or demographics that reflects the makeup of the population

Question 10

Purposive sampling

Answer 10

The researcher chooses a specific group of people relevant to the phenomenon they are researching

Question 11

Data collection methods

Answer 11

• Interviews
• Focus groups
• Participant observations
• Content analysis
• Photos, poetry or art

Question 12

Structured interviews

Answer 12

Set of specific and ordered list of questions that the interviewer will ask the participant

Question 13

Semi-structured interviews

Answer 13

Open ended questions so that the interviewer may ask follow up questions based off the answers given by participants

Question 14

Unstructured interviews

Answer 14

One or two issues covered in great detail but there is no set plan to the interview questions

Question 15

Strengths of interviews

Answer 15

• Respondents own words, thoughts and feelings
• Opportunity to explore issues
• Non verbal behaviours can be captured and analysed

Question 16

Limitations of interviews

Answer 16

• Cannot be readily compared
• Interviewer effect
• Trained interviewer
• Time consuming

Question 17

Focus groups

Answer 17

Enables participants, through interaction, to re-evaluate, and reconsider their own understandings of experiences

Question 18

Strengths of focus groups

Answer 18

• Ability to interview a number of people together
• Observe interactions
• Beneficial brainstorm

Question 19

Limitations of focus groups

Answer 19

• Influence of the group
• Need to ensure all participants have the chance to speak and be heard
• Superficial
• Complex to transcribe

Question 20

Observations

Answer 20

Away together by watching people, events, or noting physical characteristics in the natural setting
- Overt
- Covert
- Participant observation
- Non-participant observation

Question 21

Strengths of observations

Answer 21

• Captures a situation in its natural context
• Variety of data
• Little equipment needed
• Biased

Question 22

Limitations of observations

Answer 22

• Access issues
• Time consuming
• Researcher needs to be experienced
• Effect of an observer can alter behaviour

Question 23

Content analysis

Answer 23

A research tool used to determine the presence of certain words themes or concepts within some existing qualitative data