Qualitative Research in Psychology
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Questions and Answers

What characterized the scientific method's approach in the 20th century?

  • It was inflexible and resistant to change.
  • It rejected all forms of qualitative research.
  • It allowed for objective observations and theory adjustments. (correct)
  • It relied solely on subjective interpretations.

    • What did Parker (1994) refer to as 'the three methodological horrors'?

  • The ethical dilemmas in conducting research.
  • The issues of context, meaning, and interpretation. (correct)
  • The dominance of quantitative research in psychology.
  • The limitations of qualitative research methods.

    • How does qualitative research differ from quantitative research concerning the 'gap'?

  • It attempts to work against the gap.
  • It ignores the gap entirely.
  • It acknowledges the gap and works with it. (correct)
  • It focuses only on numerical data.

    • What was a major issue faced by the scientific method within psychology?

    <p>It faced challenges with volunteer characteristics and language understanding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What marked the 'birth' of qualitative methodology in psychology?

    <p>A realization of the limitations of suppressing interpretation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is the scientific method considered superior to other knowledge acquisition methods?

    <p>It enables objective observations and predictions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What issue does qualitative research aim to address that quantitative research struggles with?

    <p>Understanding and interpreting the gap.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What challenge arises from the attempt to 'wish the gap away' in quantitative research in psychology?

    <p>It creates a false sense of confidence in predictions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the researcher in qualitative research?

    <p>To be central in interpreting the phenomena being studied.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feature is emphasized in qualitative research concerning descriptions?

    <p>Thick descriptions include both the researcher's thoughts and objective information.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of context is important in qualitative research?

    <p>Wider social, political, cultural, and historical contexts should be considered.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is the term 're-search' used in qualitative research?

    <p>It indicates a continuous search for meanings in lived experiences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key view of interpretation in qualitative research?

    <p>It serves as the bridge between objective data and subjective understanding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are social phenomena viewed in qualitative research?

    <p>They are concept-dependent and influenced by the meanings ascribed to them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does qualitative research identify as the main limitation of quantitative research?

    <p>It aims for an objective representation that ignores interpretation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'surplus of meaning' refer to in qualitative research?

    <p>The variability and change in interpretations as understanding evolves.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of reflexivity in qualitative research?

    <p>It emphasizes the researcher's role in generating knowledge.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the concept of fidelity relate to qualitative research?

    <p>It means presenting an accurate representation of the phenomenon being studied.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'emergent design' imply in qualitative research?

    <p>Theories evolve as the investigation progresses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is meaning considered negotiable in qualitative research?

    <p>Meaning evolves and adapts based on context and time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the process of qualitative research as cyclical?

    <p>Research involves repeated reviews and adaptations of hypotheses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way do qualitative methods differ from quantitative methods?

    <p>Quantitative methods involve testing hypotheses at the beginning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key aspect of the researcher's interpretation in qualitative studies?

    <p>It can be influenced by the researcher's context and history.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does context play in qualitative research findings?

    <p>Context provides essential background that influences interpretations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of selecting a sample in research?

    <p>To ensure the sample is representative of a population</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which sampling method aims to provide the most information about a specific topic?

    <p>Purposeful Sampling</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential disadvantage of unstructured observations?

    <p>The researcher may influence the participants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of unstructured interviews?

    <p>They allow for flexibility and unexpected responses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In qualitative sampling, which type of individuals should be selected?

    <p>Those who can provide rich and detailed information</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one way to effectively record observations during a study?

    <p>Divide notes into observations and interpretations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic do semi-structured interviews have compared to unstructured interviews?

    <p>They use a predetermined list of questions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a suggested approach when conducting observations?

    <p>Stay inconspicuous but be friendly when approached</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first step in the data analysis spiral?

    <p>Organize the data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which strategy is NOT recommended for minimizing researcher bias during data analysis?

    <p>Ignore contradictory evidence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of software programs like Atlas.Ti and ethnograph in qualitative research?

    <p>To store and organize lengthy field notes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a recommended practice when analyzing data?

    <p>Get multiple or varying perspectives on issues</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should a researcher do to ensure the reliability of their final analysis?

    <p>Conduct triangulation by collecting different types of data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by 'the researcher as an instrument' in qualitative research?

    <p>The researcher's biases influence data interpretation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the primary functions of the data analysis spiral?

    <p>To classify data into categories and themes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to back up files when conducting qualitative research?

    <p>To prevent data loss by storing in a safe location</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Qualitative Research in Psychology

    • Qualitative research is an interpretive approach, where the researcher's perspective is crucial in understanding the meaning of a phenomenon.
    • It is a dynamic process of exploring, elaborating, and systematizing the significance of a specific issue or problem.
    • It emphasizes understanding the subjective experience and the context of a phenomenon.

    Key Features of Qualitative Research

    • Thick Description: Requires detailed and comprehensive descriptions, including the researcher's feelings and thoughts alongside objective observations
    • Context: Research takes place in natural settings, considering the broader social, political, cultural, and historical contexts. Researchers immerse themselves in the study environment to gain a deep understanding.
    • Meaning: Qualitative research delves into the subjective meanings people ascribe to events and behaviors. It involves understanding experiences from the participant's perspective.
    • Interpretation: Acknowledges that perception and understanding are subjective and influenced by the researcher's background and experiences.
    • Truth: Challenges the notion of absolute truth, recognizing that any single account is limited by the researcher's context.
    • Reflexivity: The researcher actively reflects on their own biases and influences on the research process and findings.
    • Fidelity: Aims to provide a true and accurate representation of the phenomenon being studied.

    Process

    • Qualitative research involves a cyclical and iterative process of data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
    • The researcher continuously revisits the data, seeking clarification and new insights, leading to an emergent design where theories emerge from the data rather than being pre-determined.

    The Quantitative-Qualitative Divide

    • Quantitative research emphasizes objective measurement and testing of pre-defined hypotheses. It assumes a separation between observer and observed.
    • Qualitative research embraces the subjectivity of knowledge and seeks to understand the meaning of experiences from the participant's perspective.
    • The "three methodological horrors" (lack of ecological validity, ethical issues, and limitations of scientific methods in capturing complex human experiences) challenge the assumptions of quantitative research.
    • Qualitative research addresses those issues by working with, rather than against, the gap between reality and its representation.

    Data Collection

    • Qualitative Sampling: Purposeful sampling is employed to select participants or objects that provide the most relevant information.
    • Observations: Observations are conducted in natural settings, allowing the researcher to understand the context and behaviors of the participants.
      • Observations can be conducted as an outsider or a participant observer.
      • Disadvantages: The researcher may miss important information, the researcher's presence may influence behavior, and unexpected events may occur.

    Different Forms of Data Collection

    • Observations:
      • Experiment with different data recording strategies.
      • Introduce yourself to the participants.
      • Remain quiet and inconspicuous, but be friendly.
      • Separate observations from interpretations.
    • Interviews:
      • Interviews allow the researcher to gather information about facts, beliefs, feelings, motives, and behaviors.
      • Interviews are often open-ended or semi-structured, allowing flexibility and depth but possibly limiting comparability across participants.

    Data Analysis

    • Data Analysis Spiral: A cyclical process involving organizing, perusing, identifying themes, integrating, and summarizing data.
    • Researcher as Instrument: The researcher's biases and values influence the interpretation of data.

    Strategies for Minimizing Bias

    • Triangulation: Collect multiple types of data about the phenomenon.
    • Multiple Perspectives: Seek out various viewpoints on an issue.
    • Contradictory Evidence: Look for data that challenges initial assumptions.
    • Acknowledge Biases: Clearly state any potential biases in the final research report.

    Using Computer Databases

    • Software programs such as Atlas.Ti, Ethnograph, and Superhyperqual, help with storing, segmenting, and organizing qualitative data.
    • Mastering these programs can be time-consuming but ultimately saves time in the long run.
    • Always backup files in a secure location.

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    Related Documents

    RDA Qualitative Research Notes Week 1 PDF

    Description

    Explore the key features and methodologies of qualitative research in psychology. This quiz delves into the significance of context, thick descriptions, and the subjective experiences that shape our understanding of phenomena. Test your knowledge on how qualitative research differs from quantitative approaches.

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