Social Research Methods Chapter 10

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Questions and Answers

How does the researcher prepare for data collection in unstructured personal interviews?

By collecting data solely from written surveys

By being open to unforeseen circumstances and adapting based on responses (correct)

By following a detailed script of questions

By avoiding any interaction with the participants

What role does the researcher play during interviews or focus group discussions?

A demanding role where they must manage the conversation effectively (correct)

A passive observer gathering data without engaging

An authoritarian figure controlling the conversation strictly

A facilitator who only provides predefined questions

Which method has traditionally been used for conducting unstructured interviews?

Face-to-face communication in physical settings (correct)

Telephonic conversations without visual cues

Online surveys with multiple-choice questions

Written questionnaires mailed to respondents

What is a significant advantage of modern technologies in data collection?

They enable the organization of online interviews and focus groups Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of data collection allows for new questions to emerge?

The researcher's interpretation of previous answers Signup and view all the answers

What is a common issue that may arise due to poor communication during unstructured interviews?

Misinterpretation of answers Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended approach for starting an interview?

Introduce easy, simple, and interesting topics. Signup and view all the answers

How can researchers reduce communication problems during interviews?

By assessing the communication form prior to the interview Signup and view all the answers

When are sensitive or controversial questions best raised during an interview?

Towards the end of the interview. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors could influence a respondent's answers during unstructured interviews?

The researcher’s characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What might be a consequence of conducting an overly long interview without breaks?

Useful information may become limited. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk of the researcher asking leading questions during an interview?

It may skew the respondent's answers Signup and view all the answers

To create a conducive atmosphere for interviews, researchers should primarily focus on which aspect?

Developing a safe and reassuring atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

What method is primarily used for data recording in interviews?

Audio recording as the preferred method. Signup and view all the answers

Why is understanding the respondent’s characteristics important during unstructured interviews?

It may prevent misunderstanding and influence on responses Signup and view all the answers

Why is it often challenging to take notes during an interview?

It distracts from listening and managing the conversation. Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of a researcher influencing respondent answers?

Compromised data integrity Signup and view all the answers

What is a suggested practice for ensuring a good ending to an interview?

End with easy and uncomplicated questions. Signup and view all the answers

What duration is generally appropriate for interviews according to the context given?

Between 60 and 75 minutes often, but varies. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is essential for a researcher to conduct effective unstructured interviews?

Creating a relaxed communication atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

What might help respondents become more comfortable with recording devices during an interview?

Ensuring they agree to use them beforehand. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of constructing an interview guide in unstructured interviewing?

To provide a starting point and guideline for the discussion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a key characteristic of unstructured interviewing?

Flexibility to adapt the interview based on the respondent's characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical problem during unstructured data collection?

Poor communication between researcher and respondent can occur Signup and view all the answers

What is one important consideration when formulating questions during the interview?

Questions should reflect the sequence of topics discussed Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to provide information to respondents before the interview?

To establish trust and clarity for the interview process Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial aspect to consider when using audio recordings during an unstructured interview?

The recordings can help in making accurate transcripts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is NOT a part of the implementation of data collection?

Ignoring the need for audio recordings Signup and view all the answers

What should a researcher consider regarding the form of communication during unstructured interviews?

Non-verbal cues can enhance understanding Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary finding regarding planners' attention in the focus group discussions?

Planners typically ignored cumulative effects in discussions. Signup and view all the answers

What method was used to collect data during the focus group discussions?

Audio-recording and researcher notes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of asynchronous online focus groups based on the study of parents refusing vaccination?

Participants can respond at their convenience over a period of time. Signup and view all the answers

Why might the size of a focus group be considered important?

Smaller groups allow for deeper individual responses. Signup and view all the answers

How does unstructured interviewing differ from structured interviews?

Unstructured interviews allow for flexible questioning. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a discussion guide in focus groups?

To list topics for discussion and facilitate group interaction Signup and view all the answers

What aspect was emphasized in the article regarding parents and childhood vaccination?

Multiple reasons contributed to vaccine refusal among parents. Signup and view all the answers

How does the moderator adapt the discussion during a focus group?

By following the development of the conversation and modifying questions Signup and view all the answers

What was one result of the discussions in the focus groups concerning planners?

They suggested ways to better consider cumulative effects. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable benefit of using focus groups over personal interviews?

Focus groups facilitate group dynamics, offering varied insights Signup and view all the answers

What feature distinguishes synchronous online focus groups from asynchronous ones?

Synchronous groups involve simultaneous participation. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways can moderators enhance participant contributions during a focus group?

By encouraging and following up on new perspectives Signup and view all the answers

What method is commonly used for recording focus group discussions?

Audio or video recordings that are transcribed later Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the interaction in focus groups according to the content?

Group discussion can stimulate the memory and motivation of participants Signup and view all the answers

How many questions did the discussion guide used in the study of transport infrastructure in Sweden consist of?

Five questions Signup and view all the answers

What is one challenge faced by moderators during focus group discussions?

To remain sensitive to the development of group discussion dynamics Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Book title: Social Research Methods
Authors: Sigmund Grønmo
Focus: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches

Chapter 10: Unstructured Interviews and Focus Groups

Learning Objectives: Covers personal interviews, focus groups, data collection, and typical problems
Chapter Outline: Includes online interviews/focus groups, chapter highlights, research examples, student exercises, recommended literature
Personal Interviews and Focus Groups: Qualitative data collection, unstructured and informal design
Preparing the Data Collection:
- Constructing an interview guide:
  - Defining information requirements
  - Specifying topics
  - Specifying form of communication
  - Determining degree of transparency
Implementing the Data Collection:
- Agreeing on the interview: providing information to respondents, ensuring ethical standards, and confirming the degree of transparency
- Interviewing: ensuring good communication, selecting appropriate time and venue
- Data recording: audio/video recording, notes, transcribing
Data Analysis in Parallel with Data Collection: Parallel analysis of data during collection; adjusting interview guides and methods.
Typical Problems During Data Collection:
- Communication problems: poor communication, misunderstanding, perceived influence of researcher
- Respondent problems: recall errors, self-presentation issues
Focus Groups: Conversations and Group Dynamics:
- Focus groups similar to interviews but with multiple participants
- Moderator steers discussion, guiding conversation, but allowing group dynamics to emerge.
- Data collection and analysis similar to individual interviews.
Online Interviews and Focus Groups:
- Synchronous/asynchronous formats, interviews or focus groups can be conducted online using various platforms
Chapter Highlights: Emphasizes importance of clear communication, respondent information, ethical considerations, and establishing a comfortable rapport with respondents.
Research Examples: Includes citation of studies utilizing interviews/focus groups, including Gould, Dinah, and Marina Fontenla (2006), Nasrabadi, et al (2016), and Folkeson, Lennart, et al (2013)
Student Exercises and Questions: Provides exercises for developing interview guides and exploring focus groups.
Recommended Literature: Includes suggested books and articles by Barbour (2018), Brinkmann and Kvale (2018), James and Busher (2014), and King et al (2018) for further reading.

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Explore the dynamics of unstructured interviews and focus groups in qualitative research through this chapter's comprehensive overview. You'll learn about data collection techniques, preparing interview guides, and the ethical considerations involved. This quiz will enhance your understanding and help you apply these research methods effectively.