Research Methodology and Philosophies

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Questions and Answers

Which qualitative research method focuses on the relationships between themes?

Thematic analysis

Content analysis

Relational content analysis (correct)

Grounded theory

What is the initial step in content analysis?

Create a code book

Develop research aims and select data (correct)

Identify themes

Condense the text into manageable units

Which of the following best describes 'inductive' reasoning in content analysis?

Focuses primarily on sample size

Starts with a theory and tests it with data

Develops theories based on the data collected (correct)

Involves descriptive statistics

In a qualitative context, which analysis method is primarily concerned with the linguistic aspects of interactions?

Conversation analysis Signup and view all the answers

What does conceptual content analysis primarily focus on?

Existence and frequency of concepts or themes Signup and view all the answers

In the context of mixed methods research, what is a primary distinguishing feature of qualitative approaches?

Emphasis on understanding depth of experience Signup and view all the answers

Which step involves breaking the text into sentences and phrases during content analysis?

Condense units Signup and view all the answers

What does quantitative content analysis typically focus on?

Numerical frequency of themes Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of qualitative data in research?

To understand subjective experiences and feelings Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the term 'methodology' in qualitative research?

A package of theory, method, and design elements for research Signup and view all the answers

Which ontology perspective argues that reality is consistent and objective for all individuals?

Realist Signup and view all the answers

In epistemology, which perspective emphasizes that knowledge is influenced by social, cultural, and historical contexts?

Relativist Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic of semi-structured interviews in qualitative data collection?

They allow for flexibility while maintaining some structure. Signup and view all the answers

What is reflexivity in qualitative research?

The awareness of how the researcher's background influences data interpretation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a non-text-based method of collecting qualitative data?

Repertory grids Signup and view all the answers

What does critical realism suggest about the relationship between reality and knowledge?

There is one reality, but it is understood through interactions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary ethical concern when using social media content in qualitative research?

The expectation of consent from individuals whose data is used. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does not accurately represent a characteristic of positivism?

Human experiences are central to understanding reality. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Qualitative Data

Focuses on understanding thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Aims to discover recurring themes and generate hypotheses.
Provides insights for surveys, testimonies, and conceptual models.
Can inform quantitative research.

Methodology

Umbrella term encompassing theory, methods, and research design.
Method is a specific process or tool used to collect or analyze data.

Ontology and Epistemology

Ontology: Nature of reality, the "what."
- Realist: Objective, stable reality.
- Idealist: Reality shaped by ideas and perspectives.
- Relativist: Reality depends on context.
Epistemology: Theory of "how" to examine reality.
- How can we study the real world?
- How do we gain knowledge?

Research Paradigms

Positivism: Single, measurable objective reality.
Critical Realism: Single reality, but known through interaction.
Constructivism: Multiple realities needing interpretation.
Pragmatism: Using whatever works.

Qualitative Data Collection

Interviews: Structured, semi-structured, or unstructured.
- Semi-structured is most common.
Focus Groups: Group discussions providing multiple perspectives.
Observations: Covert or overt, participant or non-participant.
Existing Data: Publicly available media, archives, diaries, letters, and more.
Ethics: Must be considered when using public content.

Reflexivity

Qualitative researchers acknowledge subjective interpretations.
Self-reflection is crucial for acknowledging biases and potential influences.

Non-Text Based Methods

Reportiory grids; Q-methodology; microanalysis (audio/video).

Text-Based Methods

Thematic Analysis: Identifying recurring themes.
Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA): Understanding meaning.
Discourse Analysis (DA): Examining language use.
Conversation Analysis: Focus on linguistic aspects.
Grounded Theory: Building theory from data.
Ethnography: Studying culture.
Content Analysis: Identifying frequency of concepts.
- Conceptual: Counts concepts.
- Relational: Examines relationships between themes.
Inductive vs Deductive: Research approaches.
Manifest vs Latent: Analysis levels in content analysis.

Qualitative vs Quantitative

Example Research Question: Patient perception and anxiety coping mechanisms.
Qualitative Approach: In-depth interviews exploring feelings and experiences.
Quantitative Approach: Survey using standardized scales (e.g., anxiety level) to measure anxiety, mental health literacy, and coping mechanisms in a large group.

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of qualitative data, methodology, and the philosophical underpinnings of research in this quiz. Delve into ontology, epistemology, and various research paradigms like positivism and constructivism. This quiz is essential for understanding how research is structured and analyzed.