Qualitative Research Methods Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of establishing rapport within a social group during observations?

To influence the behavior of participants

To ensure participants leave prematurely

To restrict interactions among participants

To gather unstructured observational data (correct)

Which method of sampling observations involves staying in a single location?

Multiple positioning

Single positioning (correct)

Stationary positioning

Mobile positioning

What type of sampling involves dividing the population into distinct subgroups?

Convenience sampling

Stratified random sampling (correct)

Cluster sampling

Systematic sampling

What is defined as the entire group of interest in a research study?

Population Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes descriptive notes in observational research?

Objective descriptions of observed events Signup and view all the answers

Which sampling technique involves selecting every kth case from a list?

Systematic Random Sampling Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does 'frequency and duration' focus on during an observation?

The temporal patterns of activities Signup and view all the answers

What type of sampling is characterized by researchers using non-random methods?

Non-Probability Sampling Signup and view all the answers

Reflective notes primarily document which aspect of the researcher's experience?

Personal reflections and progress Signup and view all the answers

What criterion is used to determine whether a person can join a study's population?

Inclusion Criteria Signup and view all the answers

Mobile positioning in observational research refers to what action?

Following a person throughout an activity Signup and view all the answers

Which sampling method involves dividing the population into segments sharing common characteristics?

Strata Sampling Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of a sampling frame in research?

A list of specific population elements Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential issue that can arise when a sample fails to represent the population appropriately?

Sampling Bias Signup and view all the answers

Which sampling method recruits all individuals from a population during a specific time frame?

Consecutive Sampling Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Quota Sampling in research studies?

To meet a predetermined number from each stratum Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of focus group interviews?

They consist of prolonged social interactions between researchers and participants. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical size of a group in focus group interviews?

Five or more participants Signup and view all the answers

What role do researchers play in focus group interviews?

They serve as moderators to guide discussions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of photo elicitation in interviews?

To stimulate discussion through photographic images. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of participant observation, what is the observer-participant role?

The observer conceals their identity as a researcher. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant hurdle observers must overcome in participant observation?

Gaining entrée into the social group. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Photovoice method involve?

Participants creating and interpreting their own photographs. Signup and view all the answers

What is one outcome of using diaries in research?

They capture intimate and detailed descriptions of everyday life. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a frequency distribution?

To systematically arrange numerical values and count occurrences. Signup and view all the answers

Which measurement level allows for ordered rankings based on certain criteria?

Ordinal Signup and view all the answers

What does the standard deviation represent in a dataset?

An index of variability among scores. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of range in statistics?

The difference between the highest and lowest scores. Signup and view all the answers

In hypothesis testing, what does it indicate if p < alpha?

The null hypothesis should be rejected. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the interval measurement level?

It has a true zero point. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes a nominal measurement level?

No inherent order, just named categories. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the null hypothesis in statistical testing?

It serves as a starting point for testing against alternative hypotheses. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of probability sampling?

Each element of the population has an equal chance of selection. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using probability sampling over non-probability sampling?

It allows estimation of sampling error. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sampling methods is characterized by using readily available informants?

Convenience Sampling Signup and view all the answers

What is a common drawback of utilizing probability sampling?

It may be impractical to implement. Signup and view all the answers

What is snowball sampling primarily used for?

To ask initial informants to refer additional participants. Signup and view all the answers

In quantitative studies, what should researchers focus on regarding sample size?

A larger sample reduces sampling error. Signup and view all the answers

Which sampling method is best suited for quick and cost-efficient research?

Convenience Sampling Signup and view all the answers

What does power analysis help researchers estimate?

The sample size needed for statistical validity. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Focus Group Interviews

Prolonged social interaction between researchers and participants.
Participants are often selected as a homogenous group for a comfortable group dynamic.
Researchers act as moderators.

Photo Elicitation

Interview stimulated and guided by photographs.
Participants take pictures and then interpret them.
Used for historical and non-historical research.

Photovoice

Participants take photos and interpret them to express their perspectives.

Diaries

Can provide intimate and detailed description of a person’s everyday life.

Observer-Participant Role in Participant Observation

Junker (1960) identified two categories:
- Complete participants conceal their identity as researchers.
- Complete observers do not attempt participation in the group’s activities.
Observers must overcome two hurdles:
- Gaining entrée into the social group.
- Establishing rapport and developing trust within the social group.

Gathering Unstructured Observational Data

Features of the setting, characteristics of people, activities, frequency and duration, process, and outcomes are key considerations.

Sampling Observations and Selecting Observational Location

Single positioning means staying in one location.
Multiple positioning involves moving around the site to observe behaviors from different locations.
Mobile positioning involves following a person throughout an activity.

Recording Observations

Logs (field diaries) represent a daily record of events and conversations in the field.
Field notes synthesize and understand data.
- Descriptive notes are objective descriptions of observed events and conversations.
- Reflective notes document the researcher’s personal experiences, reflections, and progress.

Sampling in Quantitative Research

Knowledge about the world is partial and temporary.
Our knowledge approximates the world but is not a true representation.
Population is the entire group of interest.
Sample is a subset of the population.
Researchers specify population characteristics through eligibility criteria.
- Inclusion criteria determines whether a person qualifies as a member of a population.
- Exclusion criteria excludes someone as a member of a population.
Sampling Bias is the failure to achieve representativeness.
Strata is a segment of a population based on shared characteristics.

Categories of Sampling Plan

Probability sampling is based on random selection with each element having an equal chance of being chosen.
- Simple Random Sampling is through lottery or a table of random numbers.
- Stratified Random Sampling involves taking certain areas of the population, dividing them into sections, and then randomly selecting from each section.
- Systematic Random Sampling involves selecting every kth case from a list.
- (Multistage) Cluster Random Sampling involves selecting broad groups rather than individuals.
Non-Probability Sampling is non-random.
- Accidental, Convenience, Incidental sampling utilizes readily available subjects.
- Quota Sampling identifies strata of the population and determines how many participants from each stratum are needed to meet a quota.
- Consecutive Sampling involves recruiting all people from an accessible population over a specific time interval or for a specified sample size.
- Purposive or Judgmental sampling involves hand-picking subjects based on the researcher’s knowledge of the population.

Evaluating (Non-) Probability Sampling

Probability sampling is the best method for obtaining representative samples.
It allows researchers to estimate the magnitude of sampling error.
The drawback is impracticality.
Practical issues can affect who can be included in a sample.

Sample Size in Quantitative Studies

Researchers need to pay attention to the sample size needed for statistical conclusion validity.
Using as large a sample as possible minimizes sampling error.
Power analysis can estimate sample size.

Frequency Distribution

Systematic arrangement of numerical values from lowest to highest, with a count of how many times each value was obtained.
Range is the highest score minus the lowest score.

Measurement Levels

Nominal:
- Lowest level.
- Numbers are assigned for classification.
- Example: 1 = male; 2 = female; 3 = others.
Ordinal:
- Attributes are ordered or ranked according to some criterion.
- Example: ability to perform ADLs; 1 = completely dependent; 2 = needs another person’s assistance; 3 = needs mechanical assistance; 4 = completely independent.
Interval:
- Distance between the ranking is specified.
- Example: 60 Celsius is 10 Fahrenheit warmer than 50 Fahrenheit
Ratio:
- Highest scale.
- Example: 200 pounds is twice as heavy as 100 pounds.

Inferential Statistics

Based on negative inference, utilizing a null hypothesis.
Researchers seek to reject the null hypothesis through statistical tests.
Significance levels (alpha or a) are commonly .05 and .01.
P-value is compared to the alpha level:
- If p < a, the null hypothesis is rejected.
- If p > a, the null hypothesis is accepted.

Types of Qualitative Sampling

Convenience sampling: Utilizes readily available informants.
- Not a preferred approach even in qualitative studies.
Snowball sampling: Asking early informants to identify other potential participants.
- More cost-efficient and practical.

Standard Deviation and Variability

Average of deviations from the mean.

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Description

This quiz explores various qualitative research methods, including focus group interviews, photo elicitation, and participant observation techniques. Understand the roles of researchers, participants, and the significance of each method in gathering data. Test your knowledge of these crucial research strategies used in social sciences.