Qualitative Research Methods Flashcards
How can qualitative methods be defined?
Illuminating the participant’s subjective meanings, actions and social contexts. Can be an explicit rejection of quantitative approaches rather than an alternative.
What does the non positivist qualitative research paradigm argue?
That there is no correct version of reality or knowledge but rather multiple versions that are bound by the context in which they happen or are created.
What are key elements of a qualitative paradigm?
- Analysis of words that aren’t reduced to numbers
- Use of more naturally occurring data collection methods i.e. would occur anyway if the researcher wasn’t there
- Interest in meanings rather than reports and measures of behaviour or internal cognitions
- Use of inductive theory generating research
- Rejection of the idea of the objective scientist
- Recognition that researchers bring their subjectivity into the research process- and this is seen as a strength rather than a bias
What are some features of quantitative methods?
Seeks to identify relationships between variables to explain or predict, seeks pattern and tends to be deductive, values objectivity, reduces diversity of responses to an average, has a fixed method, can be completed quicker, generates broad data which can be statistically powerful
What are some different ways of collecting qualitative data?
Naturally occurring, Interviews, focus groups, analysis of secondary sources e.g. diaries, observational techniques
What should qualitative researchers stay mindful of when conducting research?
Researchers could carefully monitor and stay mindful of their biases; they should also be mindful reflecting about their power dynamic between themselves in an in/out group, particularly when they have shared experiences with ppts.
What are the different ways an interview can be conducted? (four)
Structured- scripted, standardised schedule, used in large scale samples for example
Semi structured- non standardised and non directive, flexible list of themes and questions
Unstructured- obtaining info about views + opinions, experiences, often interviewee oriented
In depth- more of a guided conversation
How may a qualitative researcher prepare to run an interview?
Interview guide acts as a fence- schedule or script that should be a flexible tool aimed at maximising flow of information- objectives should be clear and translate to specific questions or sub topics, preparation of interview skills and building rapport, could run a PILOT INTERVIEW
Give some elements of how you would structure a qualitative interview e.g. order, language and flow
Order questions so that non-threatening ones are first, have a nice starter q that is not too general but also allows for discussion, probes, clear non technical language, use someone from your target pop for pilot, ensure questions allow to meet study aims, consider length of interview
What are probes and what are th different types?
Prompts to encourage answers from participants. Types inc:
Silent- nodding slowly e.g.
Echo- repeat last statement and ask respondent to continue
Neutral- encouraging ‘I see’ or ‘uh-huh’
Direct- ‘tell me more’
Phased assertion- imply you already know something
Detail- who, where, what, when, how
Clarifying- you said ‘x’ please describe what you mean by that
