Qualitative research design

Question 1

What is theoretical perspective?

Answer 1

How the researcher views the world and the assumptions they make about the nature of the world and reality.

Question 2

What is epistemology?

Answer 2

the assumptions a researcher makes about the best way of investigating the world and about reality.

Question 3

What is realist ontology?

Answer 3

the idea that the world is real and science proceeds by examining and observing it. There is a single truth. Facts exist and can be revealed through experiments.

Question 4

What is relativist ontology?

Answer 4

the idea that the while truth is constructed. Scientific laws are basically created by people to fit their view of reality, there are many truths and facts depend on the viewpoint of the observer.

Question 5

What is methodology

Answer 5

the strategy or plan of action that allows you to group together your research techniques to make a coherent picture.

Question 6

What are methods?

Answer 6

what you actually do. The techniques and procedures you use to gather and analyse data/evidence related to a specific research question or hypothesis.

Question 7

What are the two main schools of epistemology?

Answer 7

• Positivism- believes the best way to investigate the world is through objective methods. It fits within a realist ontology.
• Social constructionism- believes that reality does not exist by itself but is constructed and given meaning by people. Their focus is on feelings, beliefs and thoughts. This fits better with relativist ontology.

Question 8

What are quantitive approaches to study design?

Answer 8

• Collect and analyse numerical data.
• Tells you if there is a difference but doesn’t necessarily explain why.
• Variables are controlled as much as possible to eliminate interference and measure the effect of any change.
• Randomisation is used to reduce subjective bias.

Question 9

What are qualitative approaches to study design?

Answer 9

• Usually starts with a broad question rather than a specific hypothesis.
• It develops a theory rather than starting with one- it is inductive rather than deductive.
• Helps understand how people experience certain phenomena and what their interpretation of this is.
• Focuses on collecting rich data to explore why and how things happen.
• There is no need for large sample sizes but need to be careful that participants give accurate information and that the researcher can be objective to ensure the data is trustworthy.

Question 10

Types of qualitative data

Answer 10

• Interviews (structured, semi-structured or unstructured)
• Focus groups
• Questionnaires or surveys
• Diaries and field notes.