Qualitative Research w10

Question 1

What was Wilhelm Wundt’s theory?

Answer 1

Idea of introspection as a scientific methodology. Distinguished between the immediate experience - the conscious processes we have when stimuli are presented & mediate - need physical measurements using instruments.

Question 2

Good and bad thing about standardised tests?

Answer 2

Can help identify behavioural characteristics and cognitive capacities, but not what it feels like for the individual.

Question 3

What is qualitative research used for/by?

Answer 3

Used in basic research to develop a narrative description of behaviour. Used by practitioners in clinical, educational and occupational psychology.

Question 4

Why is qualitative research useful?

Answer 4

It gives insights into people’s experiences, behaviour and motivations - can discover new insights due to flexible nature. Useful in initial phases of researching a topic.

Question 5

What are 4 typical characteristics of qualitative research?

Answer 5

1. Subjective: focused on experience.
2. Descriptive: rarely testing hypotheses.
3. Small samples: inc case studies.
4. Presented as narratives - no statistical analysis.

Question 6

How can qualitative data be collected? The method of data collection alone doesn’t make it a qualitative study

Answer 6

From group discussions - focus groups (discuss particular topic, guided by researcher). Interviews - individuals/small groups. Naturalistic observations. Existing records - e.g. letters

Question 7

What is a limitation of introspection? What was done to overcome this.

Answer 7

Introspection is fundamentally subjective. Introspectors had rigorous training to eliminate bias in self-observations.

Question 8

How is qualitative research reported?

Answer 8

The issue of interest is described. Agroup is identified and explains how their experiences will be assessed. Uses “” from discussion to support + identify content themes. Rarely framed in terms of hypothesis-testing.

Question 9

How is qualitative data analysed? Types of analysis?

Answer 9

1. Familiarsation with data. 2. Generate coding. 3. Search for themes based on coding. 4. Review themes. 5. Define + label themes. 6. Write report. e.g. content analysis, thematic analysis and grounded theory.