43 Questions
What is a characteristic of secondary sources?
They can lead to some details being lost or changed
Why is it not always possible for historians to use primary sources?
Because the ideal scenario is hard to achieve in many research situations
What is the purpose of evaluating the authenticity of historical data?
To verify the trustworthiness of the source
What is an example of a criterion used to evaluate the accuracy of historical data?
The language use and general knowledge
What is a limitation of historical research?
The availability of data is often limited by factors outside the researcher’s control
What is a characteristic of primary sources?
They offer a firsthand account of an event
What is the purpose of internal criticism of historical data?
To evaluate the accuracy of the data
What is the primary goal of a moderator in a group discussion?
To ensure everyone participates and no one dominates
What was the main benefit of studying Genie in a case study?
To provide a detailed and in-depth understanding of language development
What can be a clue to determine the authenticity of a historical document?
The age and quality of inks used
Why is it important for historians to be critical and careful about the information they gather?
To avoid spreading incorrect information
What is a characteristic of ethnographic studies?
A holistic perspective of the culture
What is a limitation of case studies?
They cannot be generalized to the broader population
What can be a consequence of using an inaccurate primary document?
It can lead to a cycle of spreading incorrect information
What is the main advantage of case studies?
They provide a rich and detailed understanding of a specific phenomenon
What is the role of a researcher in an ethnographic study?
A participant-observer
What is a characteristic of a case study?
A unique and detailed examination of a specific phenomenon
What is a limitation of ethnographic studies?
They are time-consuming and require a long-term commitment
What is a benefit of ethnographic studies?
They provide a detailed and nuanced understanding of a specific culture
What is a common drawback of case studies?
The researcher's biases may affect the results
Which company offers software packages like Scrapbook for qualitative researchers?
QSR International
What is the primary function of N6 (formerly NUD*IST) software?
Searching for text or coding patterns and generating reports
Which software allows users to link project documents such as video and audio files?
NVivo
Which operating systems is HyperRESEARCH available for?
Mac and Windows
What is the name of the student edition of NVivo software?
No specific name is mentioned
What is the main difference between ethnographers and historians when it comes to forming research questions or hypotheses?
Ethnographers do not form research questions or hypotheses until they have observed enough, while historians do.
What type of research is Thomas Jordan's Victorian Childhood (1987) an example of?
Historical research
Why is understanding the historical context of a phenomenon important?
Because you cannot fully evaluate or appreciate scientific advances without it
What is the first step in conducting historical research?
Define a topic or problem
What is the primary purpose of primary sources in historical research?
To give a close view of the actual events
What is the main difference between primary and secondary sources of historical data?
Primary sources are original materials, while secondary sources are one step removed.
What is the purpose of evaluating evidence in historical research?
To check the authenticity and accuracy of the evidence
What is the final step in conducting historical research?
Interpret results
What is the main advantage of using primary sources in historical research?
They provide a close view of the actual events
What is the purpose of synthesizing data in historical research?
To combine the data to create a clear and complete set of information
What is the primary focus of qualitative research in social or behavioral sciences?
To understand why people do what they do
What can documentation provide in qualitative research?
Useful information and confirmation of other data
What can archival records provide in qualitative research?
Detailed information about organizational structure
What is the main advantage of participant observation in qualitative research?
It allows for personal insights that are hard to get through other methods
What is the primary purpose of direct observation in qualitative research?
To observe and understand the setting without interrupting normal activities
What is a focus group in qualitative research?
A meeting of people moderated by a researcher
What is a challenge of participant observation in qualitative research?
It requires the researcher to be accepted by the group
What can physical artifacts provide in qualitative research?
Information about the morale of the organization
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:
- Defining a topic or problem
- Formulating a hypothesis
- Gathering data from various sources
- Evaluating evidence
- Synthesizing data
- 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.
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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