Qualitative Research in Social Sciences
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Questions and Answers

What is a characteristic of secondary sources?

  • They provide original information gathered by the researcher
  • They can lead to some details being lost or changed (correct)
  • They are always more trustworthy than primary sources
  • They offer a firsthand account of an event

    • Why is it not always possible for historians to use primary sources?

  • Because primary sources are difficult to analyze
  • Because the ideal scenario is hard to achieve in many research situations (correct)
  • Because primary sources are always biased
  • Because primary sources are often incomplete

    • What is the purpose of evaluating the authenticity of historical data?

  • To establish the credibility of the researcher
  • To analyze the reliability of the data
  • To verify the trustworthiness of the source (correct)
  • To determine the accuracy of the data

    • What is an example of a criterion used to evaluate the accuracy of historical data?

    <p>The language use and general knowledge</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a limitation of historical research?

    <p>The availability of data is often limited by factors outside the researcher’s control</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of primary sources?

    <p>They offer a firsthand account of an event</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of internal criticism of historical data?

    <p>To evaluate the accuracy of the data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of a moderator in a group discussion?

    <p>To ensure everyone participates and no one dominates</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main benefit of studying Genie in a case study?

    <p>To provide a detailed and in-depth understanding of language development</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be a clue to determine the authenticity of a historical document?

    <p>The age and quality of inks used</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important for historians to be critical and careful about the information they gather?

    <p>To avoid spreading incorrect information</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of ethnographic studies?

    <p>A holistic perspective of the culture</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a limitation of case studies?

    <p>They cannot be generalized to the broader population</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be a consequence of using an inaccurate primary document?

    <p>It can lead to a cycle of spreading incorrect information</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main advantage of case studies?

    <p>They provide a rich and detailed understanding of a specific phenomenon</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of a researcher in an ethnographic study?

    <p>A participant-observer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of a case study?

    <p>A unique and detailed examination of a specific phenomenon</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a limitation of ethnographic studies?

    <p>They are time-consuming and require a long-term commitment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a benefit of ethnographic studies?

    <p>They provide a detailed and nuanced understanding of a specific culture</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common drawback of case studies?

    <p>The researcher's biases may affect the results</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which company offers software packages like Scrapbook for qualitative researchers?

    <p>QSR International</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of N6 (formerly NUD*IST) software?

    <p>Searching for text or coding patterns and generating reports</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which software allows users to link project documents such as video and audio files?

    <p>NVivo</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which operating systems is HyperRESEARCH available for?

    <p>Mac and Windows</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the student edition of NVivo software?

    <p>No specific name is mentioned</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between ethnographers and historians when it comes to forming research questions or hypotheses?

    <p>Ethnographers do not form research questions or hypotheses until they have observed enough, while historians do.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of research is Thomas Jordan's Victorian Childhood (1987) an example of?

    <p>Historical research</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is understanding the historical context of a phenomenon important?

    <p>Because you cannot fully evaluate or appreciate scientific advances without it</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first step in conducting historical research?

    <p>Define a topic or problem</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of primary sources in historical research?

    <p>To give a close view of the actual events</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between primary and secondary sources of historical data?

    <p>Primary sources are original materials, while secondary sources are one step removed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of evaluating evidence in historical research?

    <p>To check the authenticity and accuracy of the evidence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the final step in conducting historical research?

    <p>Interpret results</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main advantage of using primary sources in historical research?

    <p>They provide a close view of the actual events</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of synthesizing data in historical research?

    <p>To combine the data to create a clear and complete set of information</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of qualitative research in social or behavioral sciences?

    <p>To understand why people do what they do</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can documentation provide in qualitative research?

    <p>Useful information and confirmation of other data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can archival records provide in qualitative research?

    <p>Detailed information about organizational structure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main advantage of participant observation in qualitative research?

    <p>It allows for personal insights that are hard to get through other methods</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of direct observation in qualitative research?

    <p>To observe and understand the setting without interrupting normal activities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a focus group in qualitative research?

    <p>A meeting of people moderated by a researcher</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a challenge of participant observation in qualitative research?

    <p>It requires the researcher to be accepted by the group</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can physical artifacts provide in qualitative research?

    <p>Information about the morale of the organization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Qualitative Research

    • Qualitative research is a type of study in social or behavioral sciences that explores why people do what they do.
    • It uses methods like interviews, surveys, case studies, and other personal techniques to explore behaviors.

    Research Sources

    • Primary sources: original materials from the time being studied, such as artifacts, documents, interviews, and oral histories.
    • Secondary sources: one step removed from the original events, such as summaries, lists of primary sources, and newspaper columns.

    Documentation

    • Documentation can provide a lot of useful information, such as an organization's goals and policies.
    • Documents can confirm or challenge other information gathered.

    Archival Records

    • Archival records give detailed information about how an organization is structured.
    • Examples of archival records include organizational charts and budgets.

    Physical Artifacts

    • Physical artifacts are objects that can be interpreted, such as a dark, gloomy space that might indicate low morale.
    • Physical artifacts can provide information about the organization and its culture.

    Direct Observation

    • Direct observation involves watching what happens in the environment being studied without getting involved.
    • It allows researchers to see how people interact and understand the setting.

    Participant Observation

    • Participant observation involves the researcher becoming part of the group being studied.
    • It can provide personal insights that are hard to get through other methods, but it requires the researcher to be objective and accepted by the group.

    Focus Groups

    • A focus group is a meeting of people moderated by a researcher to discuss specific topics.
    • The environment should encourage open communication, and the moderator should avoid influencing the group's opinions.

    Case Studies

    • A case study is a detailed and in-depth examination of one person or place in a special situation.
    • It focuses on the specific conditions surrounding the person or place, as well as the person or place themselves.
    • Case studies can take a long time to complete but can provide rich and detailed information.

    advantages of Case Study Method

    • Allows researchers to look closely and collect detailed information.
    • Uses multiple methods to gather information.
    • Provides a rich understanding of what is happening.

    Disadvantages of Case Study Method

    • Can be time-consuming.
    • Researcher's biases may affect data collection and interpretation.
    • Not suitable for establishing cause-and-effect relationships.
    • Findings cannot be easily generalized.

    Ethnographies

    • Ethnographies aim to understand a culture.
    • Uses similar methods to case studies, but with a broader focus on the culture as a whole.
    • Characteristics of ethnographic studies include:
      • Holistic perspective
      • Naturalistic orientation
      • Prolonged field activity
      • Preconceived ideas

    Historical Research

    • Historical research, also known as historiography, involves studying the past to understand the present.
    • Conducting historical research involves:
      1. Defining a topic or problem
      2. Formulating a hypothesis
      3. Gathering data from various sources
      4. Evaluating evidence
      5. Synthesizing data
      6. Interpreting results
    • Historical research uses primary and secondary sources, including artifacts, documents, and interviews.

    Sources of Historical Data

    • Primary sources: original materials from the time being studied, such as artifacts, documents, and interviews.
    • Secondary sources: one step removed from the original events, such as summaries, lists of primary sources, and newspaper columns.

    Authenticity and Accuracy

    • Authenticity (external criticism) focuses on the authenticity of historical data.
    • Accuracy (internal criticism) focuses on the accuracy of historical data.
    • Evaluating data involves checking for authenticity and accuracy.

    Limitations of Historical Research

    • Limited availability of data
    • Data from others' observations may be questioned
    • Time-consuming and difficult
    • Less rigorous criteria for evaluating measurement tools

    Qualitative Research Tools

    • Software packages such as N6 (formerly NUD*IST), NVivo, and HyperRESEARCH are available to help manage and analyze large, complex data sets.
    • These tools allow users to import, code, and analyze data, as well as search for patterns and relationships.

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    Quiz Team

    Description

    This quiz explores the methods and sources of information used in qualitative research, including interviews, surveys, and case studies, to understand human behavior.

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