Research Methods in Social Science

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of ethnography as a data collection method?

Describing and interpreting beliefs, conventions, social dynamics, etc.

What is the goal of grounded theory as a data collection method?

To develop a theory inductively by systematically analyzing qualitative data

What is the key characteristic of phenomenology as a data collection method?

Describing participants' lived experiences to understand a phenomenon or event

What is the advantage of using a general qualitative inquiry design?

It allows for flexibility and doesn't constrain the researcher to a specific methodology Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of content analysis in qualitative data analysis?

To categorize, summarize, and tabulate verbal or behavioral data Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of narrative analysis in qualitative data analysis?

To reformulate stories presented by respondents taking into account context and individual experiences Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of observation in data gathering?

To personally watch, interact, or communicate with the subjects of the research. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between participant and non-participant observation?

In participant observation, the observer takes part in the activities of the group being observed, while in non-participant observation, the observer remains detached. Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of participant observation in cultural research.

A researcher moving to a foreign country or unfamiliar community to immerse themselves in the new culture and observe social customs, languages, and day-to-day activities. Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of participant observation in data collection?

It allows the observer to get a closer look at the group and their behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of non-participant observation?

The observer remains outside the group and simply watches their behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of data gathering in qualitative research?

To gather data through various methods such as observations, interviews, focus groups, and surveys. Signup and view all the answers

What is digital ethnography, and how is it used in online research?

Digital ethnography is a research method that involves joining online communities, games, or forums to understand virtual behaviors, online social interactions, dynamics, etiquette, and patterns. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between direct and indirect observation methods?

Direct observation involves observing behavior or events in real-time, whereas indirect observation involves observing traces of past events to gather information. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an interview in research?

The purpose of an interview is to verbally ask subjects or respondents questions to gather information and answer research questions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a structured and unstructured interview?

A structured interview uses a set of pre-determined questions with fixed answers, whereas an unstructured interview allows respondents to answer freely based on their thoughts and feelings. Signup and view all the answers

What is a semi-structured interview, and how does it differ from other types of interviews?

A semi-structured interview combines the characteristics of structured and unstructured interviews, using a set of questions that allow for some flexibility in responses. Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of non-participant observation in research?

Examples of non-participant observation include joining employees for meetings without interfering, or observing online behaviors without participating. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Methods

A researcher might join an online community, game, or forum to understand virtual behaviors, online social interactions, dynamics, etiquette, and patterns as part of digital ethnography.

Observation Methods

Direct Observation: involves seeing or listening to everything that happens in the area of observation.
Indirect Observation (Behavior Archaeology): involves observing traces of past events to gather information or measure behavior, trait, or quality of the subject.

Interview Methods

Structured Interview: requires the use of an interview schedule or a list of questions answerable with one and only item from a set of alternative responses.
Unstructured Interview: respondents answer questions based on their personal thoughts and feelings.
Semi-Structured Interview: combines characteristics of structured and unstructured interviews.

Research Approaches

Focuses on gaining a holistic understanding of the case, using a variety of sources and methods.
Ethnography: detailed study of a specific community or group's culture through extended immersion and close observation.
Grounded Theory: aims to develop a theory inductively by systematically analyzing qualitative data.
Phenomenology: aims to understand a phenomenon or event by describing participants' lived experiences.
General Qualitative Inquiry Design: allows for flexibility in methodology.

Analysis Procedure

Content Analysis: categorizing verbal or behavioral data to classify, summarize, and tabulate the data.
Narrative Analysis: involves reformulating stories presented by respondents, taking into account context and experiences.
Discourse Analysis: analyzes naturally occurring talk and written text.
Framework Analysis: a more advanced method involving familiarization, identifying a thematic framework, coding, charting, mapping, and interpretation.

Data Gathering Procedure

Observation: a technique of gathering data by personally watching, interacting, or communicating with subjects.
Participant Observation: the observer takes part in the activities of the individual or group being observed.
Non-Participant Observation (Structured Observation): the observer remains outside the group, simply watching their behavior.

Participant vs Non-Participant Observation

Participant Observation: the observer becomes part of the group being studied, allowing for a closer look at the group's behavior.
Non-Participant Observation: the observer remains outside the group, simply watching their behavior.

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Description

Test your knowledge of various research methods used in social science, including ethnography, grounded theory, and phenomenology. Learn how to collect and analyze data to gain a deeper understanding of social phenomena.