Qualitative Data Collection

Question 1

Ethnography

Answer 1

where researchers immerse themselves in groups or organisations to understand their cultures

Question 2

what is a research interview

Answer 2

professional conversation seeking to describe and explain the meaning of central themes - gain in-depth info around the topics

Question 3

3 types of interview

Answer 3

• structured
• semi-structured
• unstructured

Question 4

STRENGTHS of interviews

Answer 4

• rich in detail
• flexible - ask probing Q
• smaller sample
• ideal for sensitive interviews
• accessible
• researcher has control over data produced

Question 5

LIMITATIONS of interviews

Answer 5

• time consuming ~ for researcher and participants
• lack of breadth
• smaller sample size
• some prefer anonymity for sensitive issues
• participants have less control ~ not empowering

Question 6

What goes into an interview guide

Answer 6

• background/demographics
• behaviours
  -opinions/values
• feelings
• knowledge
• sensory

Question 7

key features of a focus group

Answer 7

• data collected from multiple participants at the same time
• relatively unstructured
• leader of the session = moderator
• typically face-to-face
• social interaction ~ complex

Question 8

ADVANTAGES of focus groups

Answer 8

• flexibility ~ exploring unanticipated issues
• gather new knowledge on novel topics
• everyday ways of talking about topics ~ ecological validity
  -empowerment of participants
• good for those daunted by research participation
• can facilitate disclosure

Question 9

DISADVANTAGES of focus groups

Answer 9

• no in-depth follow up of experiences
• difficult to manage
• hard to bring back to topic
• logistics, availability, location
• assistance
• time consuming
• inconvenient for participants