Qualitative Research Design and Analysis
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Questions and Answers

What does ontology primarily focus on in research?

  • The techniques used for measurement
  • The historical context of knowledge
  • The uniqueness of human actions
  • The nature of reality (correct)

Which position asserts that reality is influenced by our ideas and experiences?

  • Positivist position
  • Idealist position (correct)
  • Critical realism
  • Realist position

In which paradigm are knowledge and reality considered specific to social and cultural contexts?

  • Positivism
  • Relativism
  • Constructivism
  • Interpretivism (correct)

What is the primary goal of the data coding stage in thematic analysis (TA)?

<p>To identify and label segments of the dataset (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which research paradigm recognizes that while there is one reality, our understanding is shaped through interactions?

<p>Critical realism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of epistemology is emphasized by positivists?

<p>Knowledge can be tested and measured (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes constructivism?

<p>Multiple realities exist that require interpretation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In thematic analysis, what is a key consideration during the data familiarization stage?

<p>Generating analytic ideas and notes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the thematic analysis process?

<p>Initial theme generation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the theme development phase?

<p>Assessing the fit of themes to the data (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized during the theme refining phase of thematic analysis?

<p>Clearly demarcating each theme (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which common misconception about thematic analysis is mentioned?

<p>It is a descriptive method (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the example by Shepherd et al. (2019), what was the primary aim of their thematic analysis?

<p>To investigate the role of social media in mental health interactions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the overarching themes identified in the Shepherd et al. (2019) study?

<p>The impact of diagnosis on personal identity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should researchers stay focused on when writing up their thematic analysis?

<p>Maintaining focus on their research question (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a step in the thematic analysis process?

<p>Choosing a single method of analysis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key aspect of reflexivity in qualitative research?

<p>Analyzing data objectively without personal influence (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic that distinguishes Thematic Analysis (TA) from other qualitative methodologies?

<p>TA emphasizes the analysis of themes across a dataset. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided content, what is the primary focus of research utilizing Thematic Analysis?

<p>Interpreting the meaning and patterns within the content of what people say (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Thematic Analysis, what does "code reliability" refer to?

<p>The consistency of coding across different researchers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples most accurately reflects a research question suitable for Thematic Analysis?

<p>What are the most common reasons people use a particular online service? (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key difference between Reflexive Thematic Analysis and Code Reliability Thematic Analysis?

<p>Reflexive TA emphasizes subjectivity, while Code Reliability TA strives for objectivity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of a "codebook approach" in Thematic Analysis?

<p>Using pre-defined codes to analyze data systematically and efficiently. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a potential limitation of Thematic Analysis?

<p>It can be subjective and influenced by researcher bias. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Methodology

A comprehensive approach to research, encompassing theory, methods, and other design elements.

Method

A specific process or tool used within research, often for data analysis or collection.

Reflexivity

The practice of reflecting on your own biases, assumptions, and experiences as a researcher.

Thematic Analysis (TA)

A qualitative research method for identifying and analyzing patterns in a data set, focusing on themes and systematic coding.

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Reflexive TA

A type of thematic analysis where coding is dynamic and reflective, similar to grounded theory.

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Code Reliability TA

A type of thematic analysis that emphasizes reliability and consistency in coding, often using inter-rater reliability calculations.

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Codebook Approaches

A type of thematic analysis that uses pre-defined codebooks, but doesn't prioritize reliability of codes.

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TA Focus

Research using TA should focus on the content of language and what people say, rather than how they say it.

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Ontology

The nature of reality or the social world; focuses on what exists and what can be known.

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Epistemology

The theory of knowledge; focuses on how we can study and understand the social world.

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Positivism

A belief that there is one objective reality that can be measured and tested.

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Constructivism

A belief that there are multiple realities that are shaped by individual experiences and interpretations.

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Research paradigm

A framework that combines ontology and epistemology to guide research.

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Dataset familiarisation

The first stage of thematic analysis where you familiarize yourself with your dataset.

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Data coding

The second stage of thematic analysis where you identify and label meaningful segments of data.

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Thematic analysis

A systematic approach to identifying, analyzing, and interpreting patterns in data.

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Theme Development and Review

An iterative process of examining and refining themes based on the coded data. It involves checking if themes accurately represent patterns and are relevant to the research question. This may involve merging, splitting, or entirely eliminating themes.

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Core Focus of a Theme

The central idea or concept that governs a theme, organizing and unifying its related codes.

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Demarcation of Themes

Themes should be distinct and clearly identifiable, avoiding overlap or ambiguity. They should be defined with specific criteria and boundaries.

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Writing up Themes

A narrative that integrates themes, data extracts, and the research question, providing a compelling story and insights. It should be focused, using only relevant themes and avoiding forcing data to fit the desired narrative.

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Thematic Analysis: Not A Single Method

Thematic Analysis (TA) is not a single, monolithic method, but rather a flexible approach with variations in its application.

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TA: Diverse Approaches

TA encompasses various approaches, including those focusing on reliability and consistency in coding, as well as those emphasizing reflective analysis and contextual understanding.

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TA: Beyond Description

TA is not solely a descriptive method, but can also be used to explore underlying meanings, concepts, and relationships within data.

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TA: Guidelines Exist

There are existing guidelines and frameworks for conducting TA, offering a structured approach and ensuring rigor in the analysis.

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Study Notes

Qualitative Research Design

  • Methodology is a combination of theory, methods, and other elements in research.
  • Methods are processes or tools for analyzing or collecting data.
  • Things to consider in qualitative analysis:
    • Accuracy of the situation's portrayal
    • Detail of the context
    • Understanding from participants' perspectives
    • Flexibility and openness to change in the approach

Reflexivity

  • Quantitative research aims for objectivity, while qualitative research is skeptical of this absolute objectivity.
  • Researchers' viewpoints and experiences influence observations.
  • Considerations for reflexivity include:
    • Sensitivity to personal issues
    • Impact of personal experiences on interpretation
    • Assumptions that may bias interpretation
    • Potential for alternative interpretations by others

Thematic Analysis (TA)

  • A method for identifying, analyzing, and interpreting patterns in qualitative data.
  • Braun & Clarke (2021) define TA as a method for developing, analyzing, and interpreting patterns across a qualitative dataset through systematic data coding.
  • TA is a method, not a specific methodology; it's an umbrella term for qualitative analysis approaches focused on themes.
  • It is not tied to a particular theoretical framework.

Uses of TA in Qualitative Research

  • Identifying patterns in individual experiences
  • Examining views and opinions
  • Analyzing behaviours and practices

Types of Thematic Analysis

  • Reflexive TA: Similar to grounded theory; coding is an active and reflexive process. Can involve inductive or deductive approaches to data analysis and coding, meaning focused on uncovering meaning from the data or testing against a theory, respectively. Also includes semantic and latent coding for different levels of analysis.
  • Qualitative research frameworks can be experiential or critical.
  • Theoretical frameworks can be realist or relativist.
  • Code reliability in TA: Emphasis on measuring and calculating inter-rater reliability.
  • Structured codebooks may still be used for TA.

Theoretical Foundations

  • Ontology: The nature of reality, what exists.
  • Epistemology: The study of knowledge, how we know it.
  • Methodology: How to acquire knowledge.
  • Methods: Precise procedures to acquire knowledge.

Combining Ontologies & Epistemologies: Research Paradigms

  • Positivism: One objective reality measurable through interactions.
  • Critical Realism: One reality, but knowledge is achieved through interactions.
  • Constructivism: Multiple realities that need interpretation.
  • Pragmatism: Approach based on whatever works in research.

Conducting Thematic Analysis

  • Stages of TA:
    • Dataset familiarization (reading and rereading data, identifying themes and potential avenues of inquiry).
    • Data coding (identifying pertinent segments in the data).
    • Initial theme generation (grouping codes based on common themes or important concepts).
    • Theme development and review.
    • Theme refinement, definition, and naming (iterative process of refining identified themes)
    • Writing up (connecting themes and writing up results/discussions based on coding and data extracts).

Myths and Misperceptions

  • Thematic analysis is not a single method.
  • TA is not a generic way to analyze qualitative data.

Example of TA (Shepherd et al. 2019)

  • Used social media to explore perspectives of mental health service users, using #dearmentalhealthprofessionals.
  • Findings categorized into themes about the impact of diagnosis, the balance of power, therapeutic relationships, and support provision.

Evaluating Thematic Analysis

  • Useful for primary and secondary data.
  • Highly flexible, usable with various theoretical frameworks.
  • Subjective and reliant on the researcher's experience.
  • Often poorly performed or explained.

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Thematic Analysis - Qualitative Research Design PDF

Description

This quiz explores the principles and methodologies of qualitative research design. It focuses on key concepts such as reflexivity, thematic analysis, and the influence of researcher bias. Test your understanding of qualitative methods and their application in various contexts.

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