Research Methods in Social Science

The overlapping processes involved in qualitative research are data collection and analysis, and the analysis process begins with the transcription of data.

There are potential losses in meaning during language and translation.

The two basic patterns of qualitative analysis are interpretive analysis (thematic analysis) and social constructionist analysis (discourse analysis).

The primary focus is on the analysis of audio-recorded transcribed text as data.

The purpose of thematizing and interpreting is to break down the data and build it up again, involving activities of data reduction and data display.

It ensures minimal interference/interruption within the context and allows for firsthand accounts from participants.

To ensure that the research is conducted in an ethical and responsible manner, respecting the rights and dignity of participants.

Qualitative research involves selecting participants and settings that are information-rich and can provide in-depth insights, whereas quantitative research focuses on random sampling and statistical representation.

Gatekeepers are individuals or groups who have the authority to grant or deny access to the research setting and participants.

The primary focus of grounded theory is to generate a theory that is grounded in the data, through a process of constant comparison and analysis.

The purpose of data analysis is to identify patterns, themes, and insights from the data, and to develop a deeper understanding of the research phenomenon.

Gaining access to a research setting and building rapport with participants is crucial in ethnographic research as it enables the researcher to gather rich and authentic data. It allows the researcher to establish trust and credibility, which can lead to more in-depth and nuanced insights into the research phenomenon.

The different levels of participation (complete observer, observer as participant, participant as observer, and complete participant) impact the research design and data collection by influencing the level of immersion, data quality, and researcher-participant relationships.

Documentary sources provide an alternative or complementary perspective to interview and focus group data, offering a richer and more comprehensive understanding of the research phenomenon. They can also provide historical or contextual information that may not be readily available through other methods.

Researchers should consider the source, date, title, page number, and other relevant information when selecting and analyzing documentary sources. They should also evaluate the credibility, relevance, and authenticity of the sources.

Grounded theory involves the iterative process of data collection, coding, and analysis, where the researcher generates theories and concepts from the data, rather than imposing pre-existing theories or frameworks.

The use of technology-based data sources raises concerns about data quality, validity, and reliability, as well as issues related to participant privacy and ethics. Researchers should ensure that they have appropriate permissions, and that they use suitable methods for data collection and analysis.