qualitative research as a whole

Question 1

Prime research goals

Answer 1

Understanding Human Experiences in Depth

To explore and understand people’s lived experiences, emotions, and behaviors.
Emphasis is on “how” and “why” questions rather than numerical outcomes.
Example: Investigating how individuals with insomnia perceive its impact on their daily lives.
Capturing Context

To study phenomena within their natural, social, or cultural contexts.
Recognizes that meaning is often shaped by contextual factors.
Example: Examining how insomnia is experienced differently in diverse cultural or socioeconomic settings.
Exploring Complexity and Subjectivity

To uncover the nuanced, subjective experiences of individuals.
Acknowledges the diversity of perspectives and how these are influenced by personal and contextual factors.
Example: Highlighting how two people with the same insomnia symptoms might experience them differently.
Generating Theories or Concepts

To develop new theories, frameworks, or explanations rather than testing predefined hypotheses.
Often exploratory in nature.
Example: Developing a theory about how insomnia influences emotional well-being and relationships.
Emphasizing Process Over Outcomes

To understand processes, patterns, and meanings rather than just outcomes or results.
Example: Studying how insomnia develops and is maintained over time in patients.

Question 2

Transferability (Not generalisability)

Answer 2

Example of Transferability
Using Kyle et al. (2010) (qualitative study on insomnia):
* Thick Description: If Kyle et al. provide detailed descriptions of participants (e.g., age, lifestyle, type of insomnia, cultural background), readers can decide if the findings are relevant to their own context (e.g., applying insights to patients with similar insomnia issues).
* Application: A healthcare provider working in a similar demographic might transfer the findings to their patient care, even if it’s not statistically representative of all people with insomnia.

Question 3

what is transferability

Answer 3

Transferability is a key concept in qualitative research, distinct from the generalizability commonly discussed in quantitative research.
What is Transferability? Definition: Transferability refers to the extent to which the findings of a qualitative study can be applied or “transferred” to other contexts or settings.
Unlike generalizability (which assumes statistical representativeness), transferability is about how relevant the insights from one context are to another similar context.

How Transferability Works
1. Context-Dependent: Qualitative research often focuses on specific, rich, and detailed accounts of individuals, groups, or situations. Findings are deeply tied to the context in which the research was conducted.

responsibility-It is up to the reader (or practitioner) to determine if the context and insights are similar enough to apply the findings elsewhere. (Compared to quant which is up to researcher)

2. Thick Description:
   o For transferability to be possible, qualitative researchers provide thick descriptions of their study.

Question 4

Qualitative paradigms

Answer 4

Constructivist Paradigm
Assumes reality is socially constructed and subjective.
Focuses on understanding participants’ perspectives and how they interpret their experiences.
The researcher and participant co-construct knowledge.

Interpretivist Paradigm
Focuses on interpreting and making sense of human experiences.
Assumes that meaning is subjective and context-dependent.
Acknowledges the researcher’s role in interpreting data.

Question 5

core aims of qual research-

Answer 5

To Understand Meaning
Aims to explore the meaning people assign to their experiences, behaviors, and social worlds.
Example: Understanding what insomnia means to someone and how it affects their identity.

To Capture Rich, Detailed Data
Aims to gather in-depth and holistic data that cannot be reduced to numbers.
Example: Using interviews to explore not just symptoms of insomnia but also emotional and relational effects.

To Explore Phenomena Without Predefined Frameworks
Aims to investigate new or poorly understood phenomena with flexibility.
Example: Exploring insomnia in populations where little research exists, such as adolescents or rural communities.

To Provide Voice
Aims to empower participants by sharing their stories and perspectives.
Example: Sharing the voices of insomnia sufferers to raise awareness about its impact.

To Address Contextual Variability
Aims to study phenomena in specific, real-world contexts, rather than isolating variables.
Example: Understanding how cultural norms shape attitudes toward insomnia and seeking help.

Question 6

isolating factors from quant

Answer 6

transferability- does not aim to be generalisable

Not not rely on large sample sizes- quality over quantity

replicability- qual does not aim to e replicable, but this is a key concept in quant-

Question 7

replicability

Answer 7

Qualitative Research and Replicability
In qualitative research, replicability is not a priority or paradigm because:
Qualitative research operates under interpretivism or constructivism, which emphasize the subjective, context-specific nature of reality.
Each study is unique, influenced by its specific participants, researcher interactions, and context.
The goal is authenticity and depth of understanding, not reproducibility.

Alternative in Qualitative Research: Dependability
Instead of replicability, qualitative researchers focus on dependability. This involves:
Ensuring that the research process is transparent and well-documented, so others can see how the findings were reached.
Dependability is often assessed through audit trails and external review rather than through direct replication.

Question 8

reflexivity-

Answer 8

Reflexivity in qualitative research refers to the researcher’s awareness of how their personal background, perspectives, biases, and experiences influence the research process and outcomes. It involves reflecting on how these factors shape data collection, analysis, and interpretation. By being mindful of their role, researchers aim to maintain objectivity, improve the validity of their findings, and ensure transparency in how their subjectivity may affect the study. Reflexivity encourages a more ethical and thoughtful approach to conducting research.