Qualitative Research Methods

Qualitative Research

• Focuses on understanding thoughts, feelings, and experiences of people
• Subjectivity is acknowledged as inherent
• Recognizes that realities are shaped by society and individual intentions
• Conducted within natural settings
• Emphasizes the 'why' behind occurrences, not just measurements
• Applied frequently within the social sciences

Qualitative Research Application

• Helpful when detailed exploration needed
• Facilitates empowerment by giving voice to people
• Effective at reducing researcher and participant divide through active observation

Characteristics of Qualitative Research

• Natural setting emphasizes real-world context
• Inductive data moves from specific observations to broader understanding
• Researchers serve as key instruments
• Emergent design remains adaptable
• Employs multiple data sources for comprehensive insights
• As researchers need to devote considerable time and effort in the field, data analysis, and detailed writing

Case Study

• Conducts thorough investigation of a subject over a period of time
• Determine the need of case study relevant to research questions
• Cases can include individuals, groups, programs or activities
• Purposive sampling is recommended to select cases
• Data collection comprehensive

Ethnography

• Studies a cultural group to grasp its organization, operation, and lifestyle
• Best when aim is to know how a group functions, explores beliefs and handles dominance issues
• Locating a long-standing group aids in pinpointing established language, behaviors, and attitudes
• Immersion enables a researcher to find gatekeepers or key informants

Grounded Theory

• Analyzes data to formulate a theory on social behaviors in investigated scenarios
• Suited to topics current theories cannot explain
• Explore process-related questions, focusing on core issues, causes, and strategies
• Use open coding to categorize data for analysis
• Visually represent conditions influencing the phenomenon, using a conditional matrix
• The Substantive-level theory is tested for verification

Phenomenology

• Aims to define the meaning of lived experiences
• The goal is identifying common themes in individuals
• Understand common experiences to gain insights
• Collects data via interviews, observations, journals, and conversations
• Asking general experience-based questions guides the study
• Highlight meaningful excerpts from interviews
• Descriptions connect and highlight phenomenon in qualitative research

Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA)

• Qualitative Data Analysis transforms collected data into coherent explanations
• It provides understanding, and interpretations of the people and situations studied

Four Basic Steps in QDA

• Raw Data Management prepares raw data for units of analysis
• Data Reduction identifies key themes through coding and categorisation
• Data Interpretation derives meaning while developing interpretations
• Data Representation presents findings concisely

Raw Data Management

• Organizes data into meaningful units
• Transforms text and audio into transcripts
• Converts images into visual data
• Filters data for relevance

Data Reduction I

• The process involves getting a holistic sense of data through repeated immersion
• Then classify and categorise repeatedly
• Write notes in margins
• Group data via preliminary classification schemes

Data Reduction II

• Condenses data into meaning through patterns, clusters, and codes
• Group similar data into clusters assigning preliminary codes, developing codes through cycles

Coding Process

• Initial coding can yield as many as 30 categories
• Codes should be reduced and refined to capture the essence of the data
• Codes can be a priori (literature-based) or in vivo (participant-driven)
• Begins with descriptive coding, evolving towards pattern coding
• Iterative, moving from initial theory towards complex relationships in emerging theories
• Initial moves towards inferential coding

Data Interpretation & Themes

• 'Chunks' of data with similar meaning are coded
• Coded 'chunks' form similar theme categories
• Meaning is assigned with descriptive labels
• Themes emerge from these labeled clusters
• Themes act as answers to research questions

Data Representation

• Interpretation accompanies analysis
• Researchers create a narrative based on patterns coded
• Themes shape the story or narrative

Data Storytelling elements include:

• Narrative structures, chronological accounts, flashbacks, and critical incidents
• Use tools include; theater, thematic arrangements, visual aids, and figures to explain the process

Research Instrument

• Essential for converting research objectives into focused questions
• Each question should align with objective
• Each question enables response

Using Qualitative Research is useful if

• Seeking in-depth narratives
• Lacking clear measures
• When quantification is unnecessary

Obtrusive vs unObtrusive Data

• Obtrusive methods gather data directly (interviews, surveys)
• Unobtrusive collects indirectly (document analysis)

Triangulation of Methods

• Increases result validity
• Gathers from multiple methods

Observation

• Involves direct researcher interaction for collection
• Data recorded in a natural setting
• Results are interpreted subjectively

Types of Observation

• Participant observation creates personal involvement insights
• Uses diaries or logbooks
• Structured observation creates researcher detachment
• Employs checklists

Methods of Observation

• Direct observation involves researcher's direct engagement
• Observation may focus on precise research topics

Ways to Record Observation

• Observations uses prepared guides/forms
• Uses Recording Sheet or Checklist for binary/ tally records
• Uses Field Notes for detailed accounts

Indirect Observation

• Studies past events
• Analyzes traits via sources like recordings and letters

Continuous Monitoring

• Assesses interactions through behavioral psychology
• Captures anxieties in various settings

Spot / Time Sampling

• Records observations orally
• Time allocates to track significant activities
• Experience relies on sampling
• Modern technology aids data

Interview

• Researchers ask questions to collect thoughts
• Traditional interviews are face-to-face
• Modern relies on technology

Interview Types

• Structured use set questions
• Unstructured is open-ended
• Semi-Structured blends forms

Focused Group Discussions (FGD)

• A qualitative research method
• Involves small, homogeneous groups discussing specific topics
• Guided by a moderator to ensure structured discussion
• Identifies key issues and themes, rather than collecting numerical data

Limitations of FGD

• Communication difficulties can hinder understanding
• Lack of evaluator control can prevent proper action
• Lack of trust restricts response
• Restricted expression might mean lack of open answers
• Confidentiality can also risk privacy

FGD Actions

• Uses icebreakers and explains rules
• Uses warm-ups
• Focuses on response to topics
• Summarizes and encourages opinions and thanks participants