Qualitative Research Methods

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary aim of sampling in qualitative research?

To ensure every participant has equal representation

To create a standardized sample size

To generalize findings to a larger population

To achieve transferability of the findings (correct)

Which type of sampling involves selecting participants based on specific characteristics relevant to the research?

Convenience sampling

Snowball sampling

Random sampling

Purposive sampling (correct)

What does the concept of saturation refer to in qualitative research?

Collecting a complete dataset from every possible participant

Reaching a point where no new information is gained (correct)

Ensuring diversity in sample representation

Filling the sample with as many participants as possible

Which of the following is NOT a common sampling strategy used in qualitative research?

Random sampling Signup and view all the answers

What is one key criterion for judging the quality of qualitative research?

The methodological rigor of qualitative tools used Signup and view all the answers

What research design approach is appropriate for exploring meanings and experiences in qualitative research?

Thematic analysis Signup and view all the answers

In qualitative research, which factor is crucial for determining the sample size?

Resource availability Signup and view all the answers

Why might researchers choose convenience sampling in qualitative studies?

To gather data quickly and with minimal effort Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of qualitative research?

It values the subjectivity of the researcher. Signup and view all the answers

Which sampling method is most commonly associated with qualitative research?

Purposive sampling Signup and view all the answers

What type of data does qualitative research primarily utilize?

Qualitative data Signup and view all the answers

How does qualitative research typically approach theory generation?

By generating theory inductively Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant feature that differentiates qualitative research from quantitative research?

Qualitative research focuses on context and natural settings. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of qualitative research considers the researcher's self-awareness?

Research reflexivity Signup and view all the answers

In qualitative research, the trustworthiness of the research is often measured by which criteria?

Credibility and transferability Signup and view all the answers

What does qualitative research specifically avoid in its methodological approach?

Having preconceived ideas Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of qualitative data analysis?

To interpret patterns and themes in data Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the type of reality qualitative research recognizes?

Multiple versions of reality Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary considerations when designing qualitative research?

Ethical approval processes Signup and view all the answers

Which approach emphasizes the emotions and subjective meanings in qualitative research?

Naturalistic inquiry Signup and view all the answers

How does qualitative research typically view the role of context in studies?

As essential to understanding the research phenomenon Signup and view all the answers

When discussing qualitative research quality, which of the following is emphasized?

Rigor in data interpretation Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of qualitative research as highlighted in the objectives?

Exploring key characteristics of qualitative research Signup and view all the answers

Which method is more associated with qualitative research compared to quantitative research?

Case studies and interviews Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Qualitative SoHP503 Project Research Studies

The presentation is about qualitative research projects for SoHP503, delivered by Rebecca Slee and Fiona Fraser at the University of Plymouth.
The session overview includes an introduction to qualitative methods, a self-directed activity, feedback from the self-directed activity, and the transition to Qualitative Research 2 and qualitative analysis.

Qualitative Research Session Objectives

By the end of the session, participants will have explored key characteristics of qualitative research.
They will also have compared qualitative and quantitative research features.
Participants will have identified approaches used in qualitative research.
The presentation also emphasizes trustworthiness and robustness within qualitative research.

The Research Process

The research process is presented as a flow chart.
- It begins with developing the research question.
- Steps include searching and evaluating literature, choosing methodology and research design, preparing a research proposal, sampling and recruitment of participants, data collection, and data analysis.
- Finally, there's dissemination of results.
The steps are presented with a visual representation.
The presenter mentions Lacey (2010) in connection with the research process.

Some Characteristics of Qualitative Research

Qualitative research deals with multiple versions of reality, emphasizing the world's inner workings and people's understanding, beliefs, and experiences.
It avoids preconceived notions.
Qualitative data is in words and is not reducible to numbers.
Qualitative research is an inductive approach, which means it generates theories based on observed data.
Researchers' reflexivity (self-awareness) is a crucial consideration.
The presentation highlights the subjective nature of the researcher, and the importance of considering context and bias.
It should adhere to rigour.
It uses purposive sampling.

Building Blocks of Qualitative Research

The presentation covers various research designs such as ethnography, phenomenology, grounded theory, and action research.
Specific data collection methods like personal interviews, focus groups, observation, and document analysis are mentioned.
Common data collection tools like semi-structured interview schedules, field notes, audio/video recordings, journals, and diaries are discussed.
Gray (2014) is cited in relation to these aspects.

Links Between Research Design and Purpose

Specific research designs like ethnography, phenomenology, grounded theory, and action research are linked to particular research purposes.
Ethnography focuses on describing cultural practices and social interaction.
Phenomenology focuses on understanding personal experiences.
Grounded theory clarifies concepts and develops new theories.
Action research solves practical problems and provides guidelines.
Mixed-methods approaches also come into the discussion.

Building Blocks of Quantitative Research

The presentation details quantitative research design.
Types of quantitative research design like Experimental, Quasi-Experimental, and Observational are mentioned.
Methods of data collection, including surveys, randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials, observation schedules, experiments, and document analysis.
Tools such as measurements, questionnaires, official statistics, and business data are also part of the overview.
The presentation references Gray (2014).

Activity

Students are asked to produce a list of qualitative research features and quantitative research features.
This will help in a discussion of the differences between qualitative and quantitative research.

Qualitative Research Article

Participants are asked to review a qualitative research article by Lea, Kirby, and Tilley (2024).
- This article details "Dogs as a gateway to the good life".

Sampling in Qualitative Research

Qualitative research uses smaller samples than quantitative research.
The aim is not to generalize findings.
Instead, qualitative research stresses transferability.
Sampling depends on factors like the research method, availability of subjects, resources, and depth of information required.
The presenters introduce the concept of saturation when evaluating sample size.

Some Sampling Strategies

The presentation lists purposive sampling, convenience sampling, snowball sampling, and theoretical sampling.

Judging the Quality of Qualitative and Quantitative Research

Credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability are mentioned in the context of judging the quality of qualitative research.
Internal validity, external validity, reliability, and objectivity are part of the assessment of quantitative research.
- The presenter cites Lincoln and Guba (1985) in this context.

Activity: Journal Article Discussion

Participants should review the qualitative journal article and be ready to discuss the research question, design, data collection method, and tools used in the article.
Discuss whether the research design is appropriate for the research question.

Feedback from Activity

The presenter asks participants to keep their chosen paper for future use.
They will be needed in the next session and will be needed again.

Additional Information

The presentation concludes by recommending the discussion board for questions not answered during the presentation.

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Description

This quiz explores qualitative research methods presented in the SoHP503 session by Rebecca Slee and Fiona Fraser. Participants will learn about the key characteristics of qualitative research, the differences between qualitative and quantitative approaches, and the significance of trustworthiness in research. Additionally, the quiz will cover the research process from developing questions to literature evaluation.

Qualitative Research Methods - SoHP503

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