Qualitative research Methods Flashcards
Focus groups features
A number of group members come together and discuss a topic which has been chosen by the researcher.
A group moderator is present and records data and keeps participants on track and on topic.
By having the group experience and interacting with one another, the group begin to create meanings attached to the topic of discussion by responding and reacting to each other.
Shared experience can spark discussion covering lots of ground on the topic, meaning moderator influence is minimalized – essentially lessens their impact on the results.
Data is of a high validity due to the discursive nature – gets to the core of the topic of discussion.
Focus groups strengths
Lee Morris (middle class older male) perhaps received more data asking questions to groups of young makes instead of conducting one-one interviews.
Participants think about their answers in more detail as a result of hearing other pps thoughts and opinions increasing the validity.
Focus groups are a practical research method - a much swifter way of interviewing a bigger number of participants.
Focus groups weaknesses
Interviewer bias – Attendance of interviewer may influence results, e.g., challenging to get a working-class female to discuss period poverty with a middle-class male.
Peer influence and social pressure can influence information offered by pps.
Info can be difficult to quantify because of the discursive nature.
Unstructured Interviews features
US are a primary source of information producing qualitative data.
Covers several topics and general areas
Informal and makes use of ‘open ended’ questions for more in-depth answers
Respondent can develop and elaborate on any of the areas covered
The interviewer can ask ‘follow up’ questions
Unstructured interviews strengths
A very flexible way of collecting data
Researchers can clarify and further explore different points
Good for discovering meanings, feeling, motives etc. ‘Verstehen’ can be achieved and as result a more in-depth understanding of behavior
Unstructured interviews weaknesses
There is the risk of the interviewer going off track digressing into irrelevant information
Can be a challenge to quantify results, as much of the data is descriptive in nature
Can also be very time-consuming for both the researcher and the respondent
Participant observation features
Primary data is collected and is qualitative in nature
The researcher becomes a participant in the group they are observing
The group/individual are therefore studied in their natural setting
PO examines meanings behind the action and how the group interprets their world
Strengths of participant observation
In-depth insight into social behaviour
Good at exploring issues of feelings, meanings and interactions, and processes relating to those of which are being observed
Insight of culture, the behaviour of closed groups such as gangs
Weaknesses of Participant observation
Time-consuming for researcher
Costly due to high researcher involvement
Can be dangerous if observing gang behavior for example
Non-participant observation features
Primary data collected and is qualitative due to the descriptive nature
The researcher observes social behaviour without being a part of their activities, e.g. classroom behaviour
Researcher must take what they have seen at face value and interpret what has been observed
Can be done covertly or overtly
Non-participant observations strengths
Good for describing natural behaviour especially when done covertly
This leads to high levels of ecological validity
Good for studying a diverse range of social situations, e.g. classroom and gang bevhaiour
Non-participant observation weaknesses
Time-consuming
Expensive due to high researcher involvement
Difficult to quantify behaviour
Case study features
Qualitative data, mostly a primary source
Involves systematic and in-depth examinations of a single event or case
Carried out to obtain specific information/understanding over testing hypothesis
Case studies may sometimes use secondary data e.g. police, school, and health records may be used
Strengths of Case studies
Allows in-depth analysis and understanding of certain cases
May generate new ideas and hypotheses for future research
Can be used to disprove a particular theory
Case study weaknesses
Time-consuming and demanding of researcher since they involve an in-depth study of a certain group
Information can be difficult to collate and information may be difficult to qauntify
