Communications 205 Chapters 14 & 15 Flashcards

Qualitative Research Overview

• Qualitative research captures the form and content of human interactions, emphasizing the meaning that emerges from these interactions.
• Discourse in qualitative research refers to the naturally occurring messages that serve as data sources.

Research Process and Analysis

• Inductive analysis involves developing theories based on the qualitative data rather than testing pre-existing theories.
• The qualitative research process is non-linear and flexible, guided by research questions with analysis starting soon after data collection.
• Credibility in qualitative research is crucial due to the potential for multiple interpretations; researchers aim to validate their findings.

Data and Research Questions

• Research questions in qualitative studies provide a focus and often seek to understand "how" or "what" of a phenomenon.
• Data in qualitative research is expansive and can encompass anything observable or captured, reflecting the complexity of human behavior and interactions.

Ensuring Credibility

• Threats to credibility arise when contradictory data is ignored, undermining interpretations and conclusions.
• Member checks enhance data credibility by allowing participants to review and contribute to interpretations, potentially providing valuable insights.

Characteristics of Qualitative Research

• Qualitative research methods are sensitive to social constructions of meaning, employing empirical, inductive, and interpretive approaches.
• Researchers collect data as the primary instrument and must navigate their influence on the research environment.

Sampling and Access

• Maximum variation sampling involves collecting data until redundancy is reached, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the research topic.
• Access to research settings often requires the assistance of gatekeepers or sponsors for effective engagement with participants.

Researcher Role and Methodology

• The researcher’s role is pivotal; they are the primary data collector and must adapt to the environment while building rapport with participants.
• Various observational roles (complete participant, observer as participant, etc.) allow researchers to immerse in the interaction setting for richer data collection.

Limitations and Advantages

• Limitations of qualitative research include challenges in accessing communication environments and the potential alteration of participant behavior due to the researcher’s presence.
• Advantages include the ability to gather nuanced insights about marginalized or non-participating populations, exploring communication elements often overlooked in quantitative studies.

Data Collection and Flexibility

• Qualitative data is gathered through observation and note-taking, requiring flexibility and adaptability in research design.
• Researchers often utilize snowball, purposive, or maximum variation sampling strategies to identify study participants.

Research Purpose and Planning

• Defining the research purpose establishes a clear roadmap for the project, with a focus surrounding broad research questions or expectations.

Explore key concepts from Chapters 14 and 15 of Communications 205 through these flashcards. This quiz covers essential terms such as qualitative research, discourse, and inductive analysis, helping you grasp the fundamentals of qualitative research methodologies.