Qualitative Methods

Question 1

define/explain; grounded theory

Answer 1

collect data first, theory last, some qualitative researchers completely upend the theory to methodology to methods to hypothesis to data process

Question 2

4 Types of Qualitative Research

Answer 2

1. Case Studies
2. Ethnographies
3. Focus Groups
4. Observation

Question 3

define/explain; case study

Answer 3

take one thing and study it well, ex. one family, one sibling system, one town, one university etc, the combined data collection methods usually leads to a really nuanced picture

• the case is usually chosen to be representative of something, can give a lot of depth, but not a lot of generalizability
• done in both methodologies

Question 4

define/explain; ethnographies

Answer 4

usually long term work, living at research site, traditionally 9-12 months, sometimes 3 weeks - a month
-researcher is focusing on really understanding informants’ perspectives by living there, doing some things, participating (participant observation) etc

Question 5

define; focus group

Answer 5

• group interview, fast, cheap

- validity can be questionable due to interviewer effects, group dynamics are different for each groups

Question 6

define; synergy (focus groups)

Answer 6

when talking about one concept generates discussion about another

Question 7

define; face validity

Answer 7

the respondent understands the question given, and is responding to what is truly being asked

Question 8

define; consistency effects (focus groups)

Answer 8

where we like to stick to an opinion that we’ve expressed, even if it’s changed or not relevant

Question 9

define; moderator/researcher effects (focus groups)

Answer 9

where tone of voice, body language etc influences group responses

Question 10

define/explain; observation in qualitative research

Answer 10

in a natural setting, unstructured focus is possible, but usually some focus

• field notes are taken, recording is possible
• quantitative: mostly counting occurrences
• qualitative: mostly words, descriptions

Question 11

What are some ways to ensure reliability in observation based research?

Answer 11

having 2 or more observers, and comparing their notes, observing over a prolonged period of time, ex. different times of the day, different days, times of the year etc