Week 9 Flashcards

Qualitative Research Methods (Part 1)

1
Q

What is the primary focus of quantitative research?

A

Numbers and associations.

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2
Q

What are the goals of quantitative research?

A

To measure and/or test.

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3
Q

What is the output of quantitative research?

A

Generalizable data to make inferences about relationships.

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4
Q

What is the primary focus of qualitative research?

A

Phenomena and experiences.

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5
Q

What are the goals of qualitative research?

A

To understand and explore.

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6
Q

What is the output of qualitative research?

A

Contextual data focusing on values, beliefs, perceptions, and experiences.

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7
Q

How does quantitative research differ from qualitative research in terms of data output?

A

Quantitative research outputs generalizable data, while qualitative research outputs contextual data.

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8
Q

What type of data does qualitative research prioritize?

A

Contextual data focusing on personal and societal values, beliefs, and perceptions.

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9
Q

Which research type is more exploratory in nature, quantitative or qualitative?

A

Qualitative.

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10
Q

In which type of research is testing and measurement a primary goal?

A

Quantitative research.

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11
Q

What are the objectives of quantitative research?

A

To measure something and to test a ‘cause-effect’ or association hypothesis.

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12
Q

What types of research questions are asked in quantitative research?

A

“What is the prevalence of X?” and “Is X associated with Y?”

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13
Q

What types of research questions are asked in qualitative research?

A

“How is X perceived?” and “What’s it like to experience X affecting Y?” (open-ended questions).

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14
Q

What recruitment methods are used in quantitative research?

A

Probability or non-probability sampling with sample size calculations.

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15
Q

What recruitment methods are used in qualitative research?

A

Purposive/purposeful sampling until ‘saturation’ is achieved.

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16
Q

What are the primary data collection methods in quantitative research?

A

Surveys, questionnaires, and tests with standardized procedures for all subjects.

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17
Q

What are the primary data collection methods in qualitative research?

A

Interviews, focus groups, and observation.

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18
Q

What type of data analysis is used in quantitative research?

A

Statistical analysis, such as regression analysis.

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19
Q

What type of data analysis is used in qualitative research?

A

Thematic analysis and content analysis.

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20
Q

When is qualitative research appropriate for exploratory purposes?

A

When little is known about the phenomenon, population, or area of interest.

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21
Q

When is qualitative research appropriate for descriptive purposes?

A

To elaborate on how or why something occurs.

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22
Q

What characterizes a fully structured interview?

A

Predetermined questions, fixed wording, and a pre-set order.

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23
Q

What characterizes a semi-structured interview?

A

Predetermined questions, but the order can be modified, wording can be changed, and additional questions can be inserted.

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24
Q

What characterizes an unstructured interview?

A

No predetermined questions; the interviewer has a general topic/area of interest but allows the interview to develop naturally.

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25
Q

What is the purpose of the introduction phase in an interview sequence?

A

The interviewer introduces herself, explains the purpose of the interview, assures confidentiality, and verifies permission to record or make notes.

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26
Q

What is the goal of warm-up questions in an interview?

A

To ask easy, general questions to help get the interviewee focused.

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27
Q

What happens during the main body of an interview?

A

Questions are asked in logical progression, covering the main purpose of the interview.

28
Q

What are cool-off questions in an interview?

A

General concluding questions that ensure saturation of responses, such as “Is there anything else you would like to add?”

29
Q

What is the purpose of the closure phase in an interview sequence?

A

To thank the participant for their time, verify how data will be used, and inform the participant about access to data (if applicable).

30
Q

What is the purpose of a probe in an interview?

A

A probe is a device used to get respondents to expand on an answer when additional information has not been fully shared.

31
Q

What is the purpose of a prompt in an interview?

A

A prompt suggests a range of possible answers or examples when the participant has difficulty understanding the meaning of a question.

32
Q

What is an important consideration when using prompts in an interview?

A

Be conservative in the use of prompts to avoid leading participants to certain answers.

33
Q

What is a key listening tip for interviews?

A

Listen more than you speak.

34
Q

How should questions be expressed during an interview?

A

In a clear, straightforward, and non-threatening way.

35
Q

What should you avoid during an interview to ensure unbiased responses?

A

Avoid cues like facial expressions or body language that can lead participants to respond in a certain way.

36
Q

What attitude should you convey during an interview?

A

Enjoy it (or at least pretend to) and avoid giving the impression that you are bored or annoyed by the participant.

37
Q

Why should closed-ended questions (e.g., yes or no) be avoided in interviews?

A

They are better suited for surveys.

38
Q

Why should long questions be avoided in interviews?

A

They can confuse participants and make responses unclear.

39
Q

What is a double-barreled question, and why should it be avoided?

A

A question that asks about two things at once (e.g., “How do you feel about the effectiveness of respiratory therapies now compared with ten years ago?”). It can confuse respondents and lead to unclear answers.

40
Q

Why should questions involving jargon be avoided?

A

They may not be understood by participants, especially if the audience is the general public. Questions should be pre-tested and written at no more than a grade 6 reading level.

41
Q

Why should leading questions be avoided?

A

They can bias participants’ responses by implying a correct or preferred answer (e.g., “How do you feel about the superior method of treating allergies with corticosteroid inhalers?”).

42
Q

Why should offensive questions be avoided?

A

They can make participants uncomfortable and unwilling to provide honest responses.

43
Q

What is one advantage of interviews compared to written or online surveys?

A

They allow for flexibility in modifying questions.

44
Q

What is a potential disadvantage of interviews in terms of time?

A

They can be time-consuming, depending on the length of the questionnaire and the number of respondents (most interviews range between 30-60 minutes).

45
Q

Why can bias be a disadvantage in interviews?

A

Biases are difficult to rule out, though this is not always an issue for qualitative research.

46
Q

What is a focus group?

A

A method of posing questions to a small group (usually 8-12) of selected individuals who represent your population of interest.

47
Q

Who facilitates a focus group, and what is their role?

A

A trained moderator facilitates the discussion, and a recorder summarizes answers on a screen or flipchart to keep the group focused and ensure answers are documented.

48
Q

Can focus group deliberations be recorded?

A

Yes, group deliberations can be recorded, but only with the permission of the group.

49
Q

How does the format/structure of focus group questions compare to one-to-one interviews?

A

It is similar but more interactive, with greater use of probes and prompts.

50
Q

What is a key characteristic of a good moderator regarding neutrality?

A

A good moderator remains neutral and does not agree or disagree with opinions voiced by participants.

51
Q

How does a good moderator ensure equal participation?

A

By ensuring everyone has an opportunity to be heard, preventing interruptions, and stopping more vocal participants from dominating the conversation.

52
Q

Should a good moderator actively participate in the conversation?

A

No, a good moderator does not actively participate in the conversation.

53
Q

How does a good moderator manage the discussion?

A

By keeping participants on topic.

54
Q

What time-related skill is important for a good moderator?

A

Good timekeeping skills.

55
Q

Why are focus groups considered highly efficient?

A

They increase the amount and range of data by obtaining responses from multiple people at the same time.

56
Q

Are focus groups expensive to set up?

A

No, they are relatively inexpensive to set up.

57
Q

How do focus groups provide natural quality controls?

A

Participants provide checks and balances on each other, and extreme views can be put into perspective.

58
Q

What role do group dynamics play in focus groups?

A

They help identify areas of consensus and agreement.

59
Q

How can focus groups be beneficial for participants with limited literacy skills?

A

They provide a way to gather data without relying on written responses.

60
Q

Why is a skilled moderator essential in focus groups?

A

To maintain order, encourage contributions, and handle personality conflicts, differences of opinion, or domination by 1-2 group members.

61
Q

What is a limitation regarding the number of questions in focus groups?

A

The number of questions that can be asked is limited, usually fewer than 10 in one hour.

62
Q

Why can confidentiality be a disadvantage in focus groups?

A

Because it can be challenging to guarantee confidentiality in a group setting.

63
Q

Why might focus groups not be appropriate for certain types of data collection?

A

They may not be suitable for collecting data on very sensitive or highly emotive issues.

64
Q

What is a direct observational method?

A

Direct observation of (or sometimes participation in) an area of interest.

65
Q

What does it mean to be a “known or unknown observer”?

A

The observer may or may not reveal their presence to those being observed, e.g., watching custodians at work.

66
Q

How are observations typically recorded in observational methods?

A

Through diaries, field notes, or digital recorders.