Lecture 2 Qualitative Research

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of quantitative research?

Collection of narrative data

Generation of theories

Testing hypotheses (correct)

Interpretation of data

Which of the following best describes the epistemology of qualitative research?

Logical positivism

Empiricism

Interpretivism (correct)

Natural science model

What is necessary after interpreting data in the research process?

Collecting historical data

Tighter specification of research questions (correct)

Writing a literature review

Generating additional hypotheses

Which statement accurately reflects the role of theory in qualitative research?

Theories are generated from observations Signup and view all the answers

In the context of ontology, which concept is associated with qualitative research?

Constructivism Signup and view all the answers

What does ontology primarily examine?

The theory of existence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes epistemology?

The theory of knowledge and understanding Signup and view all the answers

What is a key assumption of qualitative research?

The social world is a human construction Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of qualitative methods?

Emphasizes verbal and detailed presentation of findings Signup and view all the answers

What aspect do Denzin and Lincoln’s Nine Moments of Qualitative Research primarily address?

The historical development of qualitative methods Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines the term 'data collection' in the context of linking theory to research?

Obtaining information to test a hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of interpreting findings in qualitative research?

It captures the complexity of social realities Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary challenge highlighted in the 'Crisis of Representation' phase?

Questions of authenticity and truth in qualitative research Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of qualitative research?

To interpret meaningful human actions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of qualitative methods?

It studies reality from an external perspective Signup and view all the answers

When is qualitative research particularly useful?

When exploring unknown societies Signup and view all the answers

What is a strength of qualitative research?

It humanizes the research process Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a weakness of qualitative methods?

It can be very time consuming Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'reflexivity' in qualitative research?

The interaction between the researcher and the research object Signup and view all the answers

What approach does qualitative research take compared to quantitative research?

Interpretation of meaning and context Signup and view all the answers

In qualitative research, data is primarily produced through what type of procedures?

Procedures that yield descriptive data Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the interpretive approach in qualitative research?

It values the subjective perceptions of individuals Signup and view all the answers

What principle emphasizes the dynamic nature of research and its objects in qualitative methods?

Process-nature Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ontology

Ontology is a theory of being
Ontological positions influence how we approach and deal with the world
Examples of ontological positions: Men and women are different; You are poor because you are lazy

Epistemology

Epistemology relates to a belief about what we can know about the world
It is about how we know things
Epistemology is the theory of knowledge

Social research is influenced by theory, practical considerations, epistemology, and ontology.

Linking Theory to Research

Theory leads to a hypothesis
The hypothesis is tested using data collection
Findings from data collection either confirm or reject the hypothesis
The theory is then revised based on the findings

Qualitative Research

Qualitative research attempts to understand political actors as conscious social beings who shape the world of politics. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of those shaping and being shaped.
It assumes the social world as a human creation, not a discovery.
Interpretive science seeks to interpret how respondents experience reality.

Assumptions of Qualitative Methods

The social world is a human creation, not a discovery
Interpretive science aims to understand reality as it is experienced by respondents

Features of Qualitative Methods

Captures reality in interaction
Studies a small number of respondents
Uses no random sampling
Presents information verbally, not in numbers or formulas
Recognizes that language is not neutral
Approaches reality without preconceived ideas and pre-structured models
Percieves the researcher and the researched as equally important
Aims to study reality from the inside, not from the outside
Aims to interpret meaningful human interactions and interpretations
Aims to understand social action
Attempts to capture meaning and regularities of social action. -Aims to comprehend. not measure, individuals
Employs procedures that generate descriptive data in respondents own words and experiences.
Leads to an interpretive inquiry, which is essentially moral.

Research Foundations

Interpretative
Naturalistic
Communicative
Reflective
Qualitative

Central Principles of Qualitative Methods

Openness
Research as communication
The process-nature of research and the object
Reflexivity of object and analysis
Explanation
Flexibility

When to Use Qualitative Research

Research delving into complexities and processes
Research to identify relevant variables
Research exploring why policies, wisdom, and practices don't work
Research on unknown societies or innovative systems
Research on informal and unstructured linkages/processes in organizations

Strengths of Qualitative Research

Researching people in their natural settings
Emphasizing meanings and interpretations
Achieving a deeper understanding of respondents' views
Humanizing the research process
Allowing higher flexibility
Presenting a more realistic world view

Weaknesses of Qualitative Research

Problems with reliability due to subjectivity and bias
Risk of collecting meaningless or exaggerated information
Time-consuming nature
Challenges in representativeness and generalizability
Difficulty in maintaining objectivity
Ethical challenges in entering the personal sphere of subjects

Rigorous and Robust Qualitative Research Practices

Interviewing with question lists and transcripts
Analytical frames
Observation with guided questions and logs and analytical devices
Computer assisted analysis

Steps in Qualitative Research

General research question
Select relevant site and subject
Collect relevant data
Interpret data
Develop conceptual and theoretical framework (additional data needed)
Refine research questions
Write up findings

Picking Your Research Strategy (Quantitative vs. Qualitative)

Qualitative: Inductive (evolving theories from data), interpretive
Quantitative: Deductive (testing pre-existing theories), natural science model, objectivism

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts in ontology and epistemology as they relate to social research. Understand how theories shape research hypotheses and the role of qualitative methods in understanding political dynamics. Test your knowledge on the influences of theory and methods in social sciences.