Qualitative Research Flashcards
What data collection methods do we use in qualitative research?
Methods are flexible and sensitive to the social context
Data collection takes place in real life situations and often involves direct interaction with individuals
Collection of data incorporated reflexivity - the researcher is aware of own role in data generation
Why do we use qualitative research?
Influence: qualitative research can provide information about social processes and the way people behave
By understanding this it is possible to influence and potentially change them
Prediction: qualitative research can help in formulation of hypotheses by developing an in depth understanding of a phenomenon
e.g. informed choice research
What sampling techniques do we use in qualitative research?
Tend not to use probability sampling
Tend to be smallish
Allow for flexibility
What is ontology?
What you see as the essence of things in the social world - how you make up social reality
Is there one objective reality or are there multiple realities?
How do we interview people in qualitative research?
Most common form of data generation in qualitative health research
Can be one to one, couple or group interviews
Face to face, telephone or via Internet
Structured, semi structured or unconstructed
What are the advantages of researcher as research instrument?
In depth views of one person
Accessing meaning that might be lost in structured interview
Privacy may mean sensitive issues can be discussed
What are the disadvantages of the researcher as research instrument?
Very resource heavy
Reliance on talk
Reliance on personal skills and judgement of interviewer
May not be a culturally appropriate approach
Produced in a specific social situation - generalisable?
Ethical issues?
What are the issues in generating data in qualitative research?
Is knowledge constructed in the interview? e.g. informed consent
Reflexivity - is researcher neutral/ a participant/ an informer?
What is the focus of observational methods in qualitative research?
Focuses on interactions, actions and behaviours and how these occur in real life settings
Focuses on a specific setting (classroom, clinic)
Data cannot be obtained through another methods (e.g. Interview)
Uses experience in real life setting
What are the challenges of the observational approach to qualitative research?
Time and resource consuming
Messy and complex
Can be unfocused
Recording observations can be difficult Requires: Detailed observation Mindful listening Memory Writing narratives Reflexivity - preconceptions social, cultural, gender etc.
What ethical issues are present in qualitative observational methods?
Overt and covert observation - influence of observer?
Burden on participant
Relationship between observer and observed
Confidentiality and anonymity
Consent
