Qualitative Research Methods

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Questions and Answers

What is a key advantage of one-on-one interviews?

They often yield more direct and honest answers. (correct)

They require less training for the interviewer.

They are quicker to conduct than group interviews.

They allow for a larger sample size.

Individual interviews can lead to misunderstandings due to the interviewer's active role.

False

What is a significant disadvantage of individual interviews in terms of time?

They can take a great deal of time.

The individual interview process may limit the final sample size, impacting group __________.

representation Signup and view all the answers

Match the disadvantages of individual interviews with their descriptions:

Time = Individual interviews can take a great deal of time. Sample size = Limitations can impact group representation. Validity = Drawing conclusions from limited samples can be difficult. Training = It's easier to teach survey administration than interviewing. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect can diminish the validity of the individual interview process?

Inexperienced interviewers Signup and view all the answers

Random selection of participants is essential to ensure a reliable sample in individual interviews.

True Signup and view all the answers

What should be defined to clarify the purpose of the focus group and individual interviews?

Expected outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary advantage of conducting focus groups?

Gather extensive information in a short time Signup and view all the answers

Focus groups are advantageous because they help determine the uniqueness of each participant's view.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of individual interviews?

To explore attitudes, perceptions, feelings, and ideas in a one-on-one setting. Signup and view all the answers

A focus group typically consists of __________ individuals.

6-12 Signup and view all the answers

Match the advantages and disadvantages of focus groups:

Gathering more information quickly = Advantage Limited interviewer skills = Disadvantage Commonality of perception = Advantage Trust issues = Disadvantage Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a disadvantage of focus groups?

Subjective bias can occur Signup and view all the answers

Individual interviews lack flexibility in exploring relevant issues.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name one potential threat associated with focus groups.

Group think or loss of individual opinions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Implementing Focus Groups

Focus groups are qualitative data collection techniques involving 6-12 individuals to explore attitudes, perceptions, feelings, and ideas about specific topics.
Advantages include gathering more information in less time, identifying common perceptions that may validate views, encouraging the sharing of ideas, and checking communication effectiveness within a unit.
Disadvantages consist of issues related to trust among participants, potential threats to openness, limited interviewer skills, and subjective bias impacting results.

Implementing Individual Interviews

Individual interviews are private, one-on-one interactions used to explore a single interviewee's attitudes, perceptions, and feelings.
Advantages include flexibility for exploring relevant issues, greater personal involvement leading to honest responses, enhanced clarity through active questioning, and reinforced anonymity promoting trust.
Disadvantages involve significant time investment for multiple interviews, limited sample sizes affecting data representativeness, challenges in ensuring validity due to limited samples, and the necessity of skilled interviewers for effective results.

Constructing Focus Group and Individual Interview Plans

Define the purpose by clarifying objectives based on commanding guidance and outlining expected outcomes for both focus groups and individual interviews.
Select participants considering demographic representations, ensuring diversity among minority and majority groups as well as gender balance.
Randomly choose participants who are most directly affected by the study's purpose while ensuring focus groups comprise 6-12 participants for optimal discussions.

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Description

This quiz explores the techniques of focus groups and individual interviews as qualitative data collection methods. It highlights the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, emphasizing how they can be used to gather insights from participants. Test your understanding of these methods and their applications in research.