Qualitative Research Flashcards
Why choose qualitative over quantitative research?
●Explore participant experiences
●Explain behaviour/attitudes holistically
●Research under-explored ideas
●Discover new variables
Describe Qualitative vs. Quantitative data
●Qualitative: Rich, narrow, in-depth data collected in natural settings
●Quantitative: Broad, shallow data collected in controlled settings (e.g., labs)
Qualities of a Good Qualitative Researcher
●Qualitative sensibility (interest in process/meaning)
●Critical and questioning approach
●Reflexivity (awareness of own position)
●Analytical skills
●Strong interactional skills
●Mastery of data collection & analysis methods
Fundamentals of Qualitative Research
●Focus on meaning, not numbers
●No hypothesis testing, group comparisons, or aiming for replication
●Explores multiple truths, no single answer
●Values context
●Recognises the role of researcher bias
Ontology in Qualitative Research
Beliefs about reality
●Realism: Reality is separate from human understanding
●Relativism: Reality is inseparable from human practices
Epistemology in Qualitative Research
●Theory of knowledge
●Determines what constitutes valid, trustworthy, true knowledge
Qualitative Methodology
●Framework for research design and process
●Guides participant selection, data collection, and analysis methods
●Examples: interviews, surveys, thematic analysis
Variety in Qualitative Research
●Diverse methodologies (e.g., thematic analysis, grounded theory, discourse analysis)
●Various data sources (e.g., interviews, focus groups, surveys, visual media)
Hallmarks of a Good Qualitative Study
●Alignment with fundamental qualitative principles
●Ethical conduct
●Recognised methodological approach
●Rigorous data collection
●Clear and engaging writing
Ethical Considerations in Qualitative Research
Ethical issues can arise at all stages of the research process (pre-study, data collection, analysis, reporting, publishing)
Ethical Issues: Pre-Study Phase
●Obtain university ethics approval
●Secure access permissions and negotiate authorship
●Obtain permission for using existing instruments/procedures
Ethical Issues: Beginning the Study
●Disclose study purpose to participants
●Ensure voluntary participation and informed consent
●Respect cultural norms and sensitivities
●Obtain appropriate consent for vulnerable populations (e.g., children)
Ethical Issues: Data Collection
●Minimise disruption to organisations/sites involved
●Avoid deception; discuss data purpose and usage
●Offer reciprocity or rewards to participants
●Store data securely
Ethical Issues: Data Analysis
●Report all findings, including contrary results
●Protect participant privacy through anonymisation
Ethical Issues: Reporting Data
●Avoid falsifying data
●Use appropriate language and protect participant identities
Ethical Issues: Publishing
●Share reports with participants and stakeholders
●Adapt reporting for diverse audiences
●Disclose funding sources and potential conflicts of interest
Different Qualitative Approaches: Examples
●Narrative research
●Phenomenology
●Grounded theory
●Ethnography
●Case study
What is Narrative Research?
Analysis of spoken or written accounts of events, chronologically connected
What is Phenomenological Research?
Describing shared experiences of a phenomenon across participants
What is Grounded Theory Research?
Generating or discovering a theory grounded in participant data
What is Ethnographic Research?
●Examining shared patterns (behaviour, beliefs, language) within a cultural group
●Involves extended observation
What is Case Study Research?
●In-depth description and analysis of a specific case or cases
●Aiming for a comprehensive understanding of the case(s)
