Qualitative methods and interviewing

Question 1

define paradigm

Answer 1

the beliefs, assumptions, values and practices shared by a research community.

Question 2

positivism

Answer 2

the ‘standard view of science.’

Knowledge = science

Goal of research is to produce ‘objective’ knowledge.

Question 3

realist ontology

Answer 3

Objective, underlying reality to be discovered.

Question 4

deduction

Answer 4

‘top down.’

Research questions derived from pre-existing theoretical frameworks.

Data tests theory.

Question 5

what social sciences challenged positivist approach

Answer 5

Feminism

Poststructuralism

Postmodernism

Social constructionism

Hermeneutics

Phenomenology

Question 6

inductive approach

Answer 6

‘bottom up.’

Collection of data to develop theory.

Question 7

qualitative data and collection techniques

Answer 7

Interviews

Focus groups.

Analysis of secondary sources.

Observational techniques.

Participatory methods and action techniques.

Stories.

Question 8

types of research interviews

Answer 8

Structured interviews

Semi-structured interviews

Unstructured interviews