Research methodology 7: Qualitative Flashcards
Define qualitative research
Attempts to make sense of phenomena in terms of the meanings that people bring to them
Addresses beliefs and processes.
benefits of qualitative reserarch?
depth and detail
openess in possible responses
avoid pre-judgements
no need for resttrictive hypothesis
what are limitations of qualitative research
highly subjective
not generalisable
cannot compare groups/
transcription and analysis can be time consuming
why use qualitative research
Qualitative research takes an interpretative, naturalistic approach to its subject matter.
Sets a patient-centred agenda.
Challenges received wisdom.
Theory can emerge from the data - can generate new hypotheses
Can inform quantitative studies.
what are the steps to carry out a qualitative study
- Formulating the research question
- method
- select and recruit sample
- data collection
- interpretation and anylsis
- validity checks
what are the methods of qualititative research ?
Observation
Textual analysis / analysis of documents
Focus groups
Interviews
how is observation carried out ?
The researcher is immersed in the social setting being studied.
Observe and listen to participants with a view to gaining an appreciation of the culture of the group
Aim to gather first-hand information about social processes in a ‘naturally occurring’ process.
what is discourse analysis ?
Understanding how language is used
what is narrative analysis?
Understanding how stories or public opinion develop over time
what is content analysis
Looking for biases or deviations from the truth in e.g. the media
what are phenomenological analysis
Understanding patients lived experience and how they make meaning from it
what are the different interview types?
- structured
- semi-structured
- unstructured
what are some sampling types ?
extreme/deviant case; homogenous; typical case; snowball
what are the 5 key steps of framework analysis?
Familiarisation Identifying a thematic framework Indexing Charting Mapping and Interpretation
what is identifying a thematic framework mean?
Identify key issues, concepts, themes
Draw upon:
a priori issues (e.g. original research aims; topic guide of interview schedule)
Emergent issues raised by respondents
