MSOP1016 Qualitative Research Methods: Interviews, Focus Groups, Thematic Analysis

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary form of qualitative data?

Words (correct)
Numbers
Charts
Graphs

What is the main focus of thematic analysis in qualitative research?

Measuring numerical variables
Creating charts and graphs
Identifying meaningful themes or patterns (correct)
Calculating frequencies and p-values

Where is qualitative research commonly applied?

Social sciences and health services (correct)
Economics and finance
Physics and chemistry
Engineering and mathematics

Why is qualitative research often preferred for studying groups of people?

Allows deeper understanding and flexibility (D) Signup and view all the answers

In qualitative research, what does 'exploring narratives' refer to?

Storytelling and understanding experiences (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used when data collection stops due to no new information or themes being obtained from the sample?

Data saturation (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which qualitative research approach involves the development of hypotheses, models, or theories by researchers?

Inductive approach (A) Signup and view all the answers

In one-on-one interviews, who participates along with the researcher?

Only the interviewee (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of ethnographic research in qualitative studies?

To observe or immerse in a certain setting or culture (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of interview lacks flexibility due to a specific and standardized set of questions?

Structured interviews (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of semi-structured interviews over structured interviews?

Flexibility in guiding discussions (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential step that should be taken before conducting interviews in qualitative research?

Obtaining informed consent from the interviewees (C) Signup and view all the answers

In qualitative research, what does using a framework approach primarily aim to achieve?

Increased rigor in the study (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to keep data anonymous in qualitative research?

To protect the identity of the participants (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when deciding whether permission is required to conduct interviews in qualitative research?

The context and individuals being interviewed (A) Signup and view all the answers

What common method is used for analyzing qualitative data, as mentioned in the text?

Thematic analysis (D) Signup and view all the answers

How is reliability defined in qualitative research?

The extent to which a second analysis of a transcript would agree with the first analysis (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a 'parking zone' during a focus group session?

To temporarily set aside off-topic discussions for later consideration (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which method of data analysis involves a structured approach to identifying patterns within qualitative data?

Thematic Analysis (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern when it comes to small sample size in qualitative research studies?

Sample selection bias (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does reflexivity impact the qualitative research process?

It influences the interpretation of data based on personal experiences (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of coding in qualitative research?

To condense data while retaining key messages (D) Signup and view all the answers

In qualitative research, what does 'inter-coder reliability' refer to?

The agreement between two researchers conducting separate analyses (A) Signup and view all the answers

'Thematic Analysis' falls under which category of data analysis approaches?

'Bottom-up' approach (D) Signup and view all the answers

'Framework Analysis' differs from 'Thematic Analysis' in that it:

'Top-down' approach using a pre-determined framework or theory (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does validity refer to in qualitative research?

Determining if data accurately reflects what participants said or meant (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the disadvantages mentioned for interviews?

Keeping to the topic (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is maintaining good social skills important for interviewers?

To establish rapport with the participants (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the roles of an interviewer during an interview?

Keeping silent and listening actively (B) Signup and view all the answers

How can a researcher achieve data saturation in focus groups?

By ensuring at least three focus groups with similar characteristics (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of using focus groups in research?

Enhanced group dynamics and deep discussions (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a practical consideration mentioned for interviews?

Long time needed to travel to location (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why do homogeneous group participants in a focus group make data analysis easier?

Easier comparison of experiences (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is an important step in running a focus group?

Setting ground rules before the discussion starts (D) Signup and view all the answers

What makes a focus group different from individual interviews?

Involves a moderator or facilitator leading the discussion (A) Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

What is Qualitative Research?

Qualitative data exists in the form of words rather than numbers
Qualitative analysis is about finding meaningful themes or patterns in the data
It is not about estimating frequencies/proportions and p-values!

Applications of Qualitative Research

Common in social sciences such as anthropology
Useful in health services research and pharmacy practice
Helps in studying groups of people, observing practices in different cultures, and exploring narratives

Key Features of Qualitative Research

Inductive and interpretive approach
Researcher's role is influential in data collection and analysis
Participants' perspectives are considered, and the research is conducted from their point of view

Qualitative Research Methods

One-on-One Interviews

Key informant interviews with knowledgeable individuals
Face-to-face interviews, structured, semi-structured, or unstructured
Useful when the participant or process of interest is not directly observable

Types of Interviews

Structured interviews: systematic approach, standardized questions, and limited flexibility
Unstructured interviews: in-depth exploration of complex issues, time-consuming, and difficult to analyze
Semi-structured interviews: partially structured, flexible, and guided by open-ended questions

Focus Groups

A form of group interview with 6-8 people, moderated by a facilitator
Discussion is audio or video recorded, and verbatim transcripts or notes are analyzed
Helps in digging deeply into a subject, with group dynamics facilitating conversation and idea generation

Advantages of Focus Groups

Cost-effective and reliable
Helps in gathering lots of data quickly
Participants feel comfortable sharing views and experiences

Procedures for Focus Groups

Obtain consent, set ground rules, and introduce the topic
Describe the aims and objectives of the study
Leave participants to discuss, intervening only to refocus the discussion if necessary

Data Analysis

Thematic analysis: systematic, structured approach to identifying patterns within qualitative data
Content analysis: classifying, summarizing, and tabulating data
Framework analysis: organizing and describing data into a presentable format, using a theoretical framework or literature review

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