Qualitative Research Methods Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is a potential drawback of participant observation in research?

It provides instant quantitative results.

It may lead to reactivity if participants are aware of being observed. (correct)

It ensures complete accuracy in data collection.

It eliminates biases associated with subjective observation.

What type of notes document researchers' personal experiences and reflections during observational research?

Field notes

Interpretive notes

Reflective notes (correct)

Descriptive notes

Which challenge is associated with qualitative analysis?

It has a universal set of rules for analysis.

Condensing rich narrative data into concise reports is difficult. (correct)

It is based solely on numerical data.

Identifying patterns requires minimal creativity.

What is the primary focus of qualitative analysis?

Identifying patterns and meanings in non-numerical data. Signup and view all the answers

What skill is essential for a qualitative analyst during data analysis?

Skill in identifying and integrating patterns Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in Spradley's 12-step method for ethnographic analysis?

Locate informant Signup and view all the answers

In the context of data organization, which method involves the use of technology?

Computerized methods Signup and view all the answers

Which step involves breaking down narrative data into smaller units during content analysis?

Break down data Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of componential analysis in Spradley's method?

To discover cultural themes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method of data organization mentioned?

Analytical methods Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of descriptive phenomenology?

Describing conscious experiences in everyday life Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is primarily associated with descriptive phenomenology?

Edmund Husserl Signup and view all the answers

What does the phase of 'bracketing' in descriptive phenomenology entail?

Identifying and setting aside preconceived beliefs Signup and view all the answers

Interpretive phenomenology is primarily based on which philosophical approach?

Hermeneutics Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic of interpretive phenomenology as highlighted in the content?

It seeks to understand the meanings behind lived experiences. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic describes how qualitative research designs can adapt during the research process?

They are flexible and adjustable during data collection. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of ethnographic research?

Describing and interpreting culture and cultural behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What type of perspective does ethnographic research seek to provide?

Emic perspective (insider view) of culture. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'triangulating data collection strategies' refer to in qualitative research?

Incorporating various data collection methods for better accuracy. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of qualitative research tradition mentioned?

Experimental design Signup and view all the answers

What type of data is central to ethnographic research?

Cultural artifacts. Signup and view all the answers

In qualitative research, why is it important for researchers to be reflexive?

To critically assess their involvement and influence on the research. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of information does ethnography typically analyze?

Cultural behavior, cultural artifacts, and cultural speech. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of selecting participants in grounded theory research?

To contribute to the emerging theory Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of unstructured interviews in qualitative self-report techniques?

They are highly flexible and conversational Signup and view all the answers

How does data collection typically change during the progression of a qualitative study?

It may incorporate new methods of collection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a self-report technique used in qualitative research?

Observation Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical sample size for participants in grounded theory studies?

20 to 30 participants Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of qualitative observation methods?

To understand behaviors in naturalistic settings Signup and view all the answers

Which technique involves participants taking photos to express their experiences?

Photo elicitation Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of focus group interviews?

They involve small groups guided by a moderator. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of Lincoln and Guba’s framework?

Trustworthiness Signup and view all the answers

Which criterion refers to the stability of data over time?

Dependability Signup and view all the answers

What does confirmability aim to ensure in qualitative research?

The potential for congruence between independent perspectives Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy enhances the quality of qualitative research through the use of various methods?

Data triangulation Signup and view all the answers

What does transferability refer to in Lincoln and Guba's trustworthiness criteria?

The extent to which qualitative findings can be applied to different settings Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following criteria is analogous to internal validity in quantitative research?

Credibility Signup and view all the answers

Prolonged engagement is a strategy used to enhance which aspect of qualitative research?

Trustworthiness Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does authenticity refer to in the context of trustworthiness?

The portrayal of participants' lived experiences by researchers Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of member checking in qualitative research?

To verify participants' contributions and interpretations Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes reflexivity strategies in qualitative research?

Documenting the researcher's personal experiences and biases Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Qualitative Research Overview

Qualitative research designs and approaches vary
Analysis of qualitative data is crucial
Trustworthiness and integrity in qualitative treatment is important

Characteristics of Qualitative Research Design

Emergent design: flexible and adjustable data collection as study progresses
Triangulating data collection strategies: involving multiple methods to gather data from different perspectives
Holistic perspective: understanding the whole phenomenon, not just isolated parts
Intensive researcher involvement and reflexivity: researcher is deeply involved, acknowledging their personal perspective and biases
Ongoing data analysis: continuous analysis to direct subsequent strategies

Qualitative Research Traditions

Ethnography: detailed study of a culture, using extensive fieldwork to understand behavior and experience
- Understanding the emic (insider) perspective of the culture
- Employing multiple data sources, including cultural behavior, artifacts, and speech
- Importance of participant observation
Phenomenology: Understanding people's everyday life experiences
- Two types: descriptive and interpretive
  - Descriptive: based on Husserl's work, focusing on the description of lived experience and what it's like to be that person
  - Interpretive: based on Heidegger's work, focusing on the meaning of experience and interpreting the nature of existence
- Emphasizes lived experiences
- Recognizes physical ties to the world
Grounded Theory: developing theory from data
- Based on the work of Glaser and Strauss, and Charmaz
- Focuses on understanding social interactions and actions
- Data collection and analysis occur simultaneously
- Uses in-depth interviews (20-30 people) and other data sources (observations and documents)
Descriptive Qualitative Studies: a mix of different designs and methods; holistically describes phenomena as perceived by people who experience them; often involve content analysis of narrative data to identify themes and patterns

Other Qualitative Research

Case studies: focus on description and explanation of individuals, families, groups, organizations, or communities studied over an extended period
Narrative analysis: analyzing stories people tell about their experiences (numerous approaches to analyzing texts)
Feminist research: focuses specifically on how gender domination and discrimination shape women's lives and consciousness
Participatory action research (PAR): produces knowledge through close collaboration with groups or communities vulnerable to control or oppression

Sampling in Qualitative Research

Sample quality is important: information-rich data sources are selected
Goal: discovering meaning and uncovering multiple realities instead of generalizing to a population
Representativeness is not a key issue
Random selection is not considered productive

Types of Qualitative Sampling

Convenience sampling (volunteer): practical approach but not preferred
Snowball sampling (network): sample might be restricted to small network of acquaintances
Purposive sampling: researchers intentionally choose the best cases to maximize contribution to the study
Theoretical sampling: decisions about where to find data to develop emerging theory optimally

Sample Size in Qualitative Research

No explicit, formal criteria but determined by informational needs
Decisions to stop sampling are guided by data saturation
Data quality affects sample size

Sampling in Specific Research Methods

Ethnography: mingling with many members, informal conversations with 25-50 informants, or multiple interviews with key informants; sampling of things as well as people
Phenomenology: small samples (often 10 or fewer); participants who have experienced phenomenon of interest and articulate their experience; may sample artistic or literary sources
Grounded theory: typically involves samples of 20-30 people

Data Collection in Qualitative Studies

Methods may change as the study progresses
Common methods include self-report and observation

Qualitative Self-Report Techniques

Unstructured interviews: conversational and flexible, using grand tour questions
Semi-structured interviews: use of a topic guide
Focus group interviews: small groups (5-10 people) led by a moderator
Diaries: historical details, records of everyday life
Photo elicitation: interview stimulated and guided by photographic images; photovoice allows participants to take and interpret photos

Unstructured Observational Methods

Aim: understanding behaviors and experiences in naturalistic settings
Excellent method for capturing many clinical phenomena and behaviors
Potential problem of reactivity: when participants know they are observed
Risk of observational biases

Recording Observations

Log or field diary: Daily record of events, conversations
Field notes: detailed descriptive notes of events, conversations (objective); reflective notes (documenting personal experiences, biases, etc.)

Analysis of Qualitative Data

Qualitative analysis: understanding, describing, and interpreting non-numerical data (words, stories, observations)
Identifying patterns, themes, and meanings
Skill in identifying and integrating patterns
Requires skill in analyzing data and integrating findings

Qualitative Analysis Challenges

No universal rules: multiple ways of analyzing
Voluminous data: intensive work is needed
Strong inductive powers and creativity needed
Condensing data to concise reports is necessary

Data Management

Developing a coding scheme
Coding the data
Identifying themes
Interpreting the data
Reporting findings

Data Organization

Manual methods
Computerized methods

Content Analysis

Analyze the content of narrative data to identify themes and patterns
Break down data into smaller units
Code and name units according to content
Group coded material by shared content
Identifying prominent themes in data

Ethnographic Analysis (Spradley's 12-Step Method)

Steps to analyze data collected through ethnographic observation
Includes locating and interviewing an informant; making and analyzing recordings; following steps to identify cultural themes, etc.

Phenomenological Analysis

Three schools of phenomenology: Duquesne, Utrecht, Heideggerian
Each school has a slightly different approach and methodology which the students can study

Van Manen's Phenomenological Method

Specific methods to study lived experience

Grounded Theory Analysis

Three analytic approaches (Glaser, Strauss, and Charmaz)
Purpose of grounded theory: understanding a central concern or core variable

Trustworthiness and Integrity in Qualitative Treatment

Debate about rigor and validity in qualitative research
Proliferation and confusion about terminology
Lincoln and Guba's framework: focused on trustworthiness, encompassing credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability
Criteria for trustworthiness: credibility, dependability, confirmability, transferability, and authenticity

Strategies to Enhance Quality in Qualitative Research

Strategies to improve quality of qualitative research: prolonged engagement, persistent observation, comprehensive and vivid information recording, audit trail, member checking, and data triangulation

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Description

Test your knowledge on qualitative research methods and analysis techniques. This quiz covers important aspects such as participant observation, qualitative analysis challenges, and key steps in ethnographic methods. Perfect for students studying qualitative research in social sciences.