Qualitative data collection Flashcards
Data saturation
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
Probability sampling
Each data unit in the population has a known likelihood of being included in the sample
Different types of probability sampling
- Random sampling
- Cluster sampling
- Systematic sampling
- Stratified sampling
Non-probability sampling
Does not involve random selection are recruited based on accessibility and convenience
Different types of non-probability sampling
- Convenience sampling
- Snowball sampling
- Quota sampling
- Purposive sampling
Convenience sampling
This is where the researcher includes whoever they can find in a particular location
Volunteer sampling
Instead of the researcher contracting participants, people volunteer themselves to take part, usually after seeing an advert
Snowball sampling
This is where participants are recruited through other participants
Quota sampling
The researcher will choose a sample according to specific traits or demographics that reflects the makeup of the population
Purposive sampling
The researcher chooses a specific group of people relevant to the phenomenon they are researching
Data collection methods
- Interviews
- Focus groups
- Participant observations
- Content analysis
- Photos, poetry or art
Structured interviews
Set of specific and ordered list of questions that the interviewer will ask the participant
Semi-structured interviews
Open ended questions so that the interviewer may ask follow up questions based off the answers given by participants
Unstructured interviews
One or two issues covered in great detail but there is no set plan to the interview questions
Strengths of interviews
- Respondents own words, thoughts and feelings
- Opportunity to explore issues
- Non verbal behaviours can be captured and analysed
Limitations of interviews
- Cannot be readily compared
- Interviewer effect
- Trained interviewer
- Time consuming
Focus groups
Enables participants, through interaction, to re-evaluate, and reconsider their own understandings of experiences
Strengths of focus groups
- Ability to interview a number of people together
- Observe interactions
- Beneficial brainstorm
Limitations of focus groups
- Influence of the group
- Need to ensure all participants have the chance to speak and be heard
- Superficial
- Complex to transcribe
Observations
Away together by watching people, events, or noting physical characteristics in the natural setting
- Overt
- Covert
- Participant observation
- Non-participant observation
Strengths of observations
- Captures a situation in its natural context
- Variety of data
- Little equipment needed
- Biased
Limitations of observations
- Access issues
- Time consuming
- Researcher needs to be experienced
- Effect of an observer can alter behaviour
Content analysis
A research tool used to determine the presence of certain words themes or concepts within some existing qualitative data
