qualitative reserach

Question 1

What are the different methods to qualitative data collection?

Answer 1

observation / ethnographic 
case studies
interviews and oral histories (semi-structured)
focus groups
diaries (written and video)
media data
documents / archives
internet data
naturally occurring data

Question 2

What is qualitative data?

Answer 2

descriptive data, which can be observed by not measured numerically.

words/images/ observations as data

produces rich data and detailed, complex accounts from smaller cohort of participants

seeks patters, but explores difference and diversity

theory generating and inductive

values subjectivity and reflexivity

takes time and no formula

Question 3

What are the advantages of qualitative data?

Answer 3

building a big picture

attempt to provide rich descriptions and possible explanations of peoples meaning making

can be an adjunct / pre-cursor to quantitive

Question 4

How do you prepare for interviews, and what are they good for?

Answer 4

Think about broad range of themes, putting into logical order.

Prepare prompts/probes

Leave sensitive questions until the end.

They’re good to obtain information from participants regarding a particular aspect of their life experience.

Question 5

How do you structure focus groups, and what are they good for?

Answer 5

careful planning, organising or questions / tasks and ethical considerations (confidentiality is tricky).

They’re a good way to collect data from a group of people.

Question 6

What is thematic analysis?

Answer 6

Is a form of qualitative data analysis.

Question 7

what is the basic approach to thematic analysis

Answer 7

transcribing textual data

analytic effot

identifying themes and sub-themes