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?

<p>Complete verbatim transcription without omissions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

<p>Discussing data collection strengths and limitations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Surveys (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To help focus the research question (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Data collection (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

<p>Potential bias from personal relationships (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Textual Data Collection (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Statistical testing (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of semi-structured interviews?

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

Why are focus groups particularly suited for qualitative research?

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

What is a crucial ethical consideration in participant observation?

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

Which collection method is considered the gold standard for interviews?

<p>Face to face interactions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do ground rules play in focus group settings?

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

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

<p>Non-participant observation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>3-8 participants. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<p>Implementing margins and line numbers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<p>They provide immediate insights. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which limitation is specifically associated with focus groups?

<p>Group conformity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Inability to control the environment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

<p>Approaching organizations for support. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>They minimize participant engagement. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Interviewer bias. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Historical context for the research. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

How can researcher bias impact qualitative data collection methods?

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

Flashcards

Qualitative research

A research methodology focused on understanding and interpreting human experiences, perspectives, and social phenomena.

Interview

A structured conversation between a researcher and participant to gather information on a specific topic or experience.

Focus group

A group discussion led by a facilitator where participants share their perspectives and experiences on a specific topic.

Observation

Observing and recording information about individuals or settings in their natural environment.

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Textual data collection

Analyzing existing written or visual data like personal diaries, letters, social media posts, and other documents.

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Transcription

A comprehensive document containing all the spoken words exchanged during an interview or focus group.

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Data analysis

The systematic process of examining, analyzing, and interpreting qualitative data to identify patterns, themes, and insights.

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Ethical approval

The process of gaining informed consent, ensuring confidentiality, and minimizing risks in qualitative research.

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Thematic analysis

A method of analyzing qualitative data that examines the relationship between words and phrases.

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Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA)

A method of analyzing qualitative data where the researcher seeks to understand the meaning of experiences from the participant's perspective.

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Structured Interview

A type of interview where the researcher has a predetermined set of questions and follows a strict structure.

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Semi-structured Interview

A type of interview where the researcher has a general guide of topics to cover but allows for flexibility in the conversation.

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Unstructured Interview

A type of interview with no pre-determined questions or structure, allowing for spontaneous exploration of topics.

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Participant Observation

The participant is aware they are being observed and knows the purpose of the observation.

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Non-participant Observation

Observing participants without their knowledge. Raises ethical concerns.

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Orthographic transcription

A written record of spoken language, including pauses, hesitations, and non-verbal cues.

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Anonymising transcripts

A process of preparing transcripts for analysis, making them anonymous by removing identifying information like names and details.

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Familiarisation

The initial step in thematic analysis, which involves getting familiar with the data through repeated reading and note-taking.

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Searching for themes

The stage where potential themes and subthemes are identified from the data.

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Defining and naming themes

The process of defining and naming themes identified from the data, ensuring they are distinct and coherent.

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Writing up

The stage where the findings from the thematic analysis are written up, providing a comprehensive and systematic account of the data.

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Duration

The time it takes for a researcher to collect data from a participant, during a study, such as conducting an interview or observing a participant.

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Place

The place where data collection takes place, such as at someone's home, in a lab, or in a public area. It can impact the quality of data.

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Type of event

The type of data collection method used, such as interviews, focus groups, observations, or textual analysis. Each method has its strengths and limitations.

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Gatekeeper

A person who helps recruit participants for research, such as a doctor or teacher. They know and influence people you may want to study.

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Sampling considerations

Considerations to think about when designing your research, such as how long it will take, where you will collect data, and which method you'll use.

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Strengths and limitations

The strengths and limitations of a specific data collection method, such as interviews, focus groups, observations, or textual analysis. Each method has different strengths and limitations.

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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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