Qualitative Research Methods in SOHP503

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Questions and Answers

Which analysis method is most commonly associated with qualitative research?

Predictive Modeling

Thematic Analysis (correct)

Statistical Analysis

Regression Analysis

What is a primary strength of using interviews in qualitative research?

They allow for in-depth exploration of participant perspectives. (correct)

They are less time-consuming than surveys.

They have a standardized question format.

They facilitate quantitative data collection.

What is a significant limitation of focus groups?

They can lead to groupthink among participants. (correct)

They require fewer participants than individual interviews.

They often yield rich and varied data.

They are too costly to implement.

What is essential for crafting a quality transcript in qualitative research?

Complete verbatim transcription without omissions. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective when selecting participants for qualitative research?

To find participants who can provide diverse and rich data. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one key objective of the qualitative research session listed?

Discussing data collection strengths and limitations (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT listed as a main data collection technique in qualitative research?

Surveys (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the research process, what is the purpose of evaluating the literature?

To help focus the research question (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which step comes directly after obtaining ethical approval in the research process?

Data collection (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a characteristic of a quality transcript in research?

It reflects accuracy and context of spoken words. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential ethical issue to consider when recruiting participants?

Potential bias from personal relationships (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of data collection technique involves gathering narratives from individuals?

Textual Data Collection (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which phase is NOT typically a part of the qualitative research process?

Statistical testing (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of semi-structured interviews?

They allow flexibility to explore topics in depth. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why are focus groups particularly suited for qualitative research?

They allow for a guided discussion among multiple participants. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial ethical consideration in participant observation?

Ensuring participants are aware they are being observed. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which collection method is considered the gold standard for interviews?

Face to face interactions. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What role do ground rules play in focus group settings?

They establish expectations for participant behavior and discussion. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What type of observation involves the researcher taking notes without interacting with participants?

Non-participant observation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How many participants are typically involved in a single focus group session?

3-8 participants. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential effect if participants are aware they are being observed?

They might alter their behavior due to observation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of orthographic transcription in qualitative research?

To capture actual words and non-semantic sounds (A) Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of thematic analysis are potential themes and subthemes identified?

Reviewing (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which element is crucial when preparing for data analysis in qualitative research?

Implementing margins and line numbers (A) Signup and view all the answers

What should researchers consider regarding the appropriateness of their data collection methods?

Do they align well with the research question? (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the 'familiarisation' process in the thematic analysis stages?

Becoming acquainted with the dataset at a conceptual level (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which qualifier might a researcher use to evaluate whether a qualitative approach is suitable for their study?

Is the research question focused on understanding experiences? (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of thematic analysis, what is the significance of the 'defining and naming themes' stage?

To articulate the meaning and significance of identified themes (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the first considerations for data collection in qualitative research?

Which data collection methods will provide rich insights? (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a strength of using interviews as a data collection method?

They provide immediate insights. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which limitation is specifically associated with focus groups?

Group conformity. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What ethical issue is associated with observation as a data collection method?

Inability to control the environment. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a disadvantage of using textual data for research?

Participants may forget to complete entries. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common method for recruiting participants after obtaining ethical approval?

Approaching organizations for support. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is NOT a strength of qualitative research methods?

They minimize participant engagement. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which bias is particularly noted in the context of interviews as a data collection method?

Interviewer bias. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does pre-existing textual data primarily offer to researchers?

Historical context for the research. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a potential drawback of focus groups related to data collection?

They may limit individual ideas due to dominant voices. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How can researcher bias impact qualitative data collection methods?

It can distort the interpretation of data collected. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Qualitative SOHP503 Project Research Studies

Qualitative research project studies were presented by Rebecca Slee and Fiona Fraser
The session overview included introduction to data collection and data analysis methods
Self-directed activity, feedback on activity, and Q&A were also included

Session Objectives

Main methods of data collection in qualitative research discussed
Strengths and limitations of data collection methods discussed
Transcript quality discussed
Data analysis techniques discussed

The Research Process

The research process involves nine steps starting with developing the research question
Followed by searching and evaluating the literature
A choice of methodology, research design, and preparation of a research proposal (SOHP503)
Sampling and recruitment of participants
Ethical approval and data collection
Data analysis and dissemination of results

Questions to Ask Yourself

From whom do you need data
How do you access and recruit participants?
How do you analyse the data to answer your research question
What ethical issues do you need to consider?

Main Data Collection Techniques in Qualitative Research

Interviews
Focus Groups
Observation
Textual data collection (e.g., diaries, stories)

Interviews in Qualitative Research

Suitable for research questions related to experiences or meanings
Three types: structured, semi-structured, and unstructured
Collection methods: face-to-face (gold standard), virtual

Focus Groups in Qualitative Research

Collects data from multiple participants simultaneously
Guided discussion around a particular topic exploring views, opinions, or perspectives
One idea may stimulate another
Suitable for exploring views, opinions, and perspectives
Typically includes 3-8 participants
Facilitated and sometimes observed
Ground rules established at the outset

Observation in Qualitative Research

Data collection through observation
Participant and non-participant observation, structured and unstructured
Recording using observational protocols
Ethical considerations when participants are aware of observation
Sampling considerations (time, duration, place, type of event, arrangements)

Participant-Generated Textual Data

Diaries and pre-existing textual data (secondary data) are collected

Strengths and Limitations of Data Collection Methods

Strengths and limitations of interviews, focus groups, text, and observation discussed

Recruiting Participants

Potential participants need to be informed about the research (Braun & Clarke, 2013, p59)
Strategies following ethical approval (e.g., approaching organizations, using the internet, social media, identifying gatekeepers)

What Makes a Quality Transcript?

Orthographic transcription of what's said and who is speaking
Actual words, including non-semantic sounds
Anonymising transcripts
Sufficient time allocated
Margins and line numbers for analysis

Stages of Thematic Analysis

Transcription/field notes, reading, and familiarization
Searching for potential themes
Reviewing themes and subthemes
Coding (entire dataset)
Defining and naming themes
Writing up

Activity

Return to the paper identified in the first session
Be prepared to discuss the research question, data collection methods (interviews, focus groups, etc.), data analysis, and the appropriateness for the question

Feedback from Activity

Feedback related to the research question, data collection, data analysis, and method appropriateness.

Examples from Recent Qualitative Research

Examples related to recent qualitative research discussed

Questions for Consideration

Is a qualitative approach suitable for the research?
How will data be collected (focus groups, interviews, etc.)?
Where will participants be identified?
What analysis method will be used?
Strengths and limitations of what's collected and justifying the decisions made

Useful References

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2013). Successful Qualitative Research. Los Angeles: Sage Publications Ltd.
Bryman, A. (2016). Social research methods. 5th edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Durdella, N. (2019). Qualitative Dissertation Methodology: A guide for research design and methods. California: Sage Publications Ltd.
Gray, D. E. (2014). Doing research in the real world. 3 edn. London: Sage Publications Ltd.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential elements of qualitative research methods as discussed in SOHP503. It includes data collection techniques, data analysis methods, and the overall research process. You'll explore the strengths and limitations of various approaches while reflecting on the ethics and quality of your research.