HSCI 207 Qualitative Data Analysis and Ethnography

This set of flashcards covers qualitative data analysis strategies, coding levels, narrative analysis models, ethnographic roles, and field note types as presented in the HSCI 207 Week 12 lecture.

Analytic Induction

An iterative process of qualitative analysis where a tentative hypothesis is formulated, data is gathered, and the hypothesis is revised until no contradictory cases are found.

Grounded Theory

The most widely used framework for qualitative data analysis, defined as theory derived from data that is systematically gathered and analyzed through the research process.

Theoretical Saturation

A point in time during the research process when nothing new is being learned and new data no longer illuminates concepts or categories.

Coding

The first step in interpreting data and developing theory, which involves managing data through labelling, separation, compilation, and organization.

Open Coding

A level of coding that stays close to the data to identify initial codes such as anger, jealousy, or affection.

Axial Coding

A level of coding where codes are reviewed for connections and re-organized into larger categories.

Selective Coding

The process of identifying a core category that integrates all other categories to serve as the foundation of the emerging theory.

Theory (Strauss & Corbin definition)

A set of well-developed categories that are systematically inter-related through statements of a relationship to form a framework to explain a phenomenon.

Concepts

The building blocks of theory that are identified through the process of coding.

Categories

Analytic units that encompass two or more concepts or codes.

Properties

Attributes of a category, such as the intensity of recorded emotions.

Substantive Theory

Theory developed to explain patterns and relationships among categories within a specific setting.

Formal Theory

Theory formulated at a higher level that applies across multiple settings, often developed by comparing substantive theories.

Analytic Memos

Notes written by researchers to describe what each concept or code refers to, aiding in conceptual and theoretical reflection.

Narrative Analysis

An approach researching the stories people tell to understand their life and world, focusing on how people make sense of events rather than just what happened.

Thematic Analysis (Narrative)

A model of narrative analysis that examines what is said rather than how it is said.

Structural Analysis (Narrative)

A model of narrative analysis that examines the way a story is told and what is emphasized to increase persuasiveness.

Interactional Analysis (Narrative)

A model of narrative analysis that examines the dialogue and co-construction of meaning between the teller and the listener.

Performance Analysis (Narrative)

A model of narrative analysis that explores the use of words and gestures to get a story across as a performance.

Ethnography

The study of people and their culture in naturally occurring settings, where the researcher is immersed for a long period to see the community from the participants' point of view.

Participant Observation

The observational component of ethnography; while often used synonymously with ethnography, it is specifically focused on observing behavior.

Overt Ethnography

A form of research where the people being studied are aware they are being observed by a researcher.

Covert Ethnography

A form of research where the people being studied are unaware they are being observed, raising significant ethical concerns.

Gatekeeper

An individual who knows key participants and controls access to a research setting, often introducing the researcher to the field.

Sponsor

A person within an organization who vouches for the researcher to help them gain access to a closed setting.

Key Informants

Research participants who are particularly knowledgeable and cooperative, though their views may not be representative of the entire group.

Complete Participant

An ethnographic role involving covert operations where the researcher adopts a secret role in the group.

Participant-as-observer

An ethnographic role where the researcher adopts a role in the group and participants are aware of the researcher's identity.

Observer-as-participant

An ethnographic role where the researcher observes and interviews from the edge of the group, involving more observation than participation.

Complete Observer

An ethnographic role where the researcher does not engage with participants at all, which eliminates reactivity but limits information.

Mental Notes

A type of field note where the researcher remembers observations to write them down later.

Jotted Notes

Brief 'scratch' or rough notes made at the time of observation to refresh memory for later detailed writing.

Full Field Notes

Detailed recordings of what was seen and heard, including the researcher's reflections on the situation and potential reactivity.

Visual Ethnography

An ethnographic approach that uses visual materials such as photos, films, or videos as data sources or illustrations of participant stories.

Realist Approach (Visual Ethnography)

The position that visual material is a 'fact' and an actual representation of reality or a 'window on the world.'

Reflexive Approach (Visual Ethnography)

An approach that recognizes how the researcher influences materials and that visuals are subject to multiple interpretations.

Photovoice

A form of participatory action research where participants take and interpret their own photographs to transfer power and create social change.

Institutional Ethnography

The study of daily practices in institutions to reveal how institutional discourses relate to everyday experiences and uncover power inequalities.

Theoretical Sampling

A type of purposive sampling where data collection is guided by the emerging theory, continuing until theoretical saturation is reached.