PG52-58 Qualitative Research Methods: Strengths and Limitations
47 Questions
2 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is a key strength of unstructured interviews?

  • Allowing the researcher to pre-judge what data is important
  • Encouraging respondents to talk freely in their own words (correct)
  • Limiting the researcher's input to reflect their interests
  • Controlling the direction and flow of the conversation

    • What skill is required for carrying out unstructured interviews effectively?

  • Allowing the conversation to lead into irrelevant areas
  • Controlling the direction of the interview
  • Resisting the temptation to influence or interrupt (correct)
  • Influencing and interrupting the respondents

    • Why is establishing a strong understanding with respondents important in unstructured interviews?

  • To pre-judge what data is relevant
  • To encourage respondents to talk freely and explore sensitive issues (correct)
  • To control the flow of the conversation
  • To ensure the research takes place in a formal setting

    • What is a limitation of unstructured interviews?

    <p>The conversation may lead into irrelevant areas</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can unstructured interviews be likened to a conversation?

    <p>The conversation may flow naturally without strict direction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do unstructured interviews require considerable skill from the researcher?

    <p>To resist influencing and interrupting respondents</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the main limitations of interviews mentioned in the text?

    <p>Interviews are too time-consuming and generate too much data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key strength of semi-structured interviews mentioned in the text?

    <p>They enable the researcher to discover new ideas and information from the respondent</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key limitation of semi-structured interviews mentioned in the text?

    <p>They require advanced skills from the researcher that are difficult to develop</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential problem with the validity of interview data?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of using focus groups in group interviews according to the text?

    <p>To prevent gender and class variables from affecting the data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key limitation of semi-structured interviews mentioned in the text?

    <p>They lack standardization, making data analysis difficult</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key strength of semi-structured interviews mentioned in the text?

    <p>They enable the researcher to discover new ideas and information from the respondent</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key limitation of interviews in general mentioned in the text?

    <p>They lack standardization and reliability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key purpose of using open-ended questions in semi-structured interviews according to the text?

    <p>To enable the researcher to discover new ideas and information from the respondent</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key limitation of group interviews mentioned in the text?

    <p>They lack standardization and reliability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the key factors for the success of group interviews?

    <p>Having advance (predetermined) questions for exploration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do proponents of group interviews argue that they are more realistic?

    <p>As social life involves interactions with others</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one limitation associated with group interviews?

    <p>Risk of 'Groupthink' influencing responses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What observational method is based on the idea that data are more valid when gathered by observing behavior directly?

    <p>Participant observation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concept is still widely used and attributed to Max Weber in sociology?

    <p>'Verstehen' (empathy)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important for a researcher to control the behavior of a group during interviews?

    <p>To allow people to speak freely while maintaining focus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does Max Weber reject the idea of social facts to be discovered?

    <p>He focuses on understanding meanings attached to actions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the 'desired outcome' that group participants may feel pressured to arrive at during an interview?

    <p>Stating what they believe others want to hear</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Harriet Martineau contribute to the field of sociology?

    <p>She conducted her own research while traveling around the United States.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Harriet Martineau advocate for?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does sponsorship play in social research, as exemplified by Venkatesh's study?

    <p>Sponsorship helps researchers gain access to groups for study.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a limitation of overt observation in social research?

    <p>People being observed may alter their behavior due to awareness of the observer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one advantage of clearly defining the observer's role in social research?

    <p>It reduces the risk of unethical or dangerous behavior by researchers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might a researcher struggle to conduct overt observation research?

    <p>High costs and significant time investment required.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential consequence of a researcher 'going native' in their studied group?

    <p>'Going native' can lead to a deeper understanding of the group but reduce objectivity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'Going native' refers to what phenomenon in social research?

    <p>'Going native' indicates becoming too involved in a group and losing objectivity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'Theoretical criticisms focus on which effect related to social research observations?

    <p>'Theoretical criticisms focus on the Hawthorne effect.'</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'Sponsorship' in social research primarily aids researchers in what aspect?

    <p>'Sponsorship' assists researchers in gaining entry to groups for study purposes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason Goffman was able to covertly observe the mental institution, despite not being a doctor or mentally ill?

    <p>He took a manual job within the institution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the passage, what is one limitation of covert participant observation that Goffman identified?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one reason the passage suggests it may be difficult for a covert participant observer to leave a group they have joined?

    <p>Both a and b</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one limitation of covert participant observation mentioned in the passage that prevents the research from being easily replicated?

    <p>The researcher cannot take notes or openly record conversations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the passage, what is a key challenge a covert participant observer faces in staying integrated with a group they are studying?

    <p>Both a and c</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key difference between overt participant observation and covert participant observation?

    <p>In overt participation, the subjects are aware of being studied, while covert participation involves observing behavior secretly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might covert observation be necessary in research according to the text?

    <p>To study people who would not allow themselves to be researched.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential benefit of covert participant observation for researchers?

    <p>Avoiding the observer effect on subjects' behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key limitation of overt participant observation mentioned in the text?

    <p>The researcher becomes too involved and 'becomes the story'.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does covert observation contribute to avoiding bias in research according to the text?

    <p>By avoiding influencing subjects' behaviors due to the observer effect.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one strength of overt participant observation highlighted in the text?

    <p>Gaining valuable insights into meanings within a group.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it challenging for researchers to accurately record behavior during overt participant observation?

    <p>Because no researcher can record everything that happens during observations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what scenario might covert participant observation be particularly useful according to the text?

    <p>When studying people who would not allow themselves to be researched.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser