Qualitative Theory/Methods

Question 1

Below are several aspects of research. Indicate whether each describes quantitative or
qualitative research.
a. Quantitative
b. Qualitative

1) Researchers are primarily interested in credibility, dependability, and confirmability of
results.
2) Study design emphasizes the importance of random sampling, large sample sizes, and the
objectivity of the researcher.
3) The researcher assumes that social facts are socially constructed.
4) The purpose of the research is to identify a causal explanation of an event.
5) The approach focuses on inductive reasoning.
6) The researcher’s role is to provide high involvement, partiality, and empathy.
7) It is important that the results are valid externally and internally, reliable, and objective.

Answer 1

1) b
2) a
3) b
4) a
5) b
6) b
7) a

Question 2

For the next 5 questions, place the following steps of coding analysis in the correct order:
A. Explore and define relationships between themes.
B. Develop each theme
C. Compare the relationships between themes with all the transcripts you have.
D. Search for individual key terms/themes.
E. Determine the relative significance of each theme.

Answer 2

d,b,e,a,c

Question 3

In the Chapter, authors assert that qualitative research is well respected within the field of
wildlife management and used almost exclusively.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

When is qualitative research best? Why? (describe at least 3 conditions and reasons) (6
parts)

Answer 4

The intuitive need to understand social issues from the perspective of people experiencing them has led to a resurgence of qualitative research in many social research fields.
Qualitative studies provide thick rich description of social context and allow managers to decide for themselves if people and social contexts are similar enough for generalization.

Question 5

Give an example of a socially constructed social fact related to wildlife conservation, and
explain how it might differ in different social contexts.

Answer 5

Moral obligation to preserve the environment and pro-environmental behavior.

Question 6

Based on the chapter reading, the credibility of qualitative research is improved by:

a) prolonged time in the field
b) larger numbers of informants
c) documenting informants’ stories in their own words
d) all of the above

Answer 6

d-all of the above

Question 7

Based on the chapter reading, PAR stands for:

a) Participatory Action Research
b) Participatory Analogue Research
c) Participatory Animal Research
d) Participatory Action Relief

Answer 7

a-participatory action research

Question 8

Describe the steps for coding qualitative data. Be sure to identify key elements of each step.

Answer 8

1. Search for individual key terms/themes.
2. Develop each theme
3. Determine the relative significance of each theme
4. Explore and define relationships between themes
5. Compare the relationships between themes with all the transcripts you have