Qualitative methods of data collection Flashcards
what are some strengths of qualitative research?
Detailed explanation of a phenomenon - in the “real” life situation;
Understands the individual perspective and common themes across a group
Generates new theory;
Can produce naturalistic generalisations
what are some strengths of qualitative research within sports and exercise sciences?
Generates new theory within an emerging professional;
Explores individual difference – for “marginal gains”
Identify and explains unexpected, unusual, extreme findings;
Can produce naturalistic generalisations
what is becoming the “gold standard” of sports science research?
Mixed methods is becoming the “gold standard” of sport and exercise science research
what are some of the methods of collecting Qualitative data?
Interviewing
Focus Groups
Observation (participant / non)
Diary / Journal
Visual / Images / archives
what are some strengths of interviews?
Gain detailed understanding /explanation of a phenomenon;
Understand a phenomenon from within the “real” life situation;
Identify and explain unexpected, unusual, extreme findings;
Explores individual difference & ascertain similarities across information rich sample
what are some limits of interviews?
Recall – can this be addressed?
Influence of the interviewer
The “truth”?
Requires a skilful researcher
Relevant / missed data (especially unstructured)
Reliance on “drive-by” interviews
what is a focus group?
A number of individuals (6-8 individuals) collaboratively sharing ideas, feelings and thoughts about a topic area
Facilitated and moderated by the researcher, with participants increasingly take the lead / control
what are some strengths of focus groups?
Dynamic interaction that often brings forth new ideas with detail across participants
Validate themes across the group
Less time consuming to cover a wider sample
what are some weaknesses of focus groups?
Difficult to cover sensitive issues
Dominant and submissive individuals
Logistics
Transcribing and data analysis is very challenging
Anonymity
what are some observational methods?
Complete Observer (overt)
Participant observation (overt)
Fully participant observation (overt & covert)
what are some points of observational methods?
“Real”? Behaviours understood in the natural setting
At times participant not aware of those behaviours
Impact of the observer ?
What are you looking for?
Recording observational data? (CBAS)
