Qualitative data overview

What in-depth & detailed information does this data provide

• thoughts, views, interpretations

• priorities, importance

• processes, practices

• intended effects of actions

• feeling s& experiences

What does good qualitative data & results depend on

• quality of interview guide/data collection instrument

• quality of the data collector (in-depth interviews, focus grpups, etc.)

  • depends on listening, interpersonal, & observational skills

• quality of the data analyst

  • depends on interpretation, inference

• quality of the presenter/writer

  • depends on if the person is able to effectively communicate the phenomenon

Qualitative data components

• written field notes

• audio recordings of interviews or conversations

• video recordings of activities (meetings, etc.)

• diary recordings of activities / thoughts

Text, audio, and videos

Types of qualitative interview approaches

1. pragmatic

2. ethnographic

3. phenomenological

Pragmatic qualitative approach

practical questions aimed at understanding real-world issues, programs, problems, etc.

• results in problem-solving & action, aims to find practical solutions that lead to action

examines how knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs influence decisions & actions

• also evaluates how ppl respond to different solutions, programs, or strategies

Ethnographic qualitative approach

long-term embedded field work study of a community through direct involvement

• through direction observation, or participant-observation

• scientific description of ppls & cultures

researchers observe and engage in everyday life

• they have casual conversations to understand ppl’s culture and what makes it meaningful

Phenomenological qualitative approach

It explores ppl’s personal experiences with a specific event

• done by eliciting accounts or stories

• both informal or conversational

researchers gather detailed stories or descriptions from individuals

• focuses on their direct experiences w/o adding interpretation

Core Qualitative Methods

1. Participant observation

2. In-depth interviewing

3. Focus groups

Participant observation

qualitative method for gathering data through sustained observation of people in naturalistic settings

• or while they go about their daily lives

Observing ppl in their routine activites

This social observation can help with selection of problems for investigation

In-depth interviewing

qualitative method involving open-ended, unstructured, questioning

• the interviewer seeks in-depth information on participant’s thoughts, feelings, experiences, & perceptions

Focus groups

qualitative method that involves unstructured group interviews

• the focus group facilitator actively guides discussion among participants on topics on itnerest

Qualitative reserach goals

to understand …

• perspective & meaning

• context

• process

• reasoning

Social Constructionist qualitative interview approach

Recognizes that interviews are performances

• interviewer and interviewee are conversing and engaging in meaning-making together

recognizes that interviews aren’t just about gathering facts but are shaped by the 2 parties

• considers how social & political contexts influence the conversation & the meaning that emerges

Oral History qualitative interview approach

When ppl present their stories in their own words (biographies or collection of stories)

Researcher analyzes one’s biography and their memories

• considers factors of history, social changes, etc.

Narative Inquiry/Life Story qualitative interview approach

Focus on people’s personal stories (about themselves)

• this interview pays attention to the words used

Life story is what one decides to tell another person about them

• certain speech patterns & word choices are used

• analyze the stories in context to understand the deeper meanings & personal perspectives

Qualitative interviewing

Interview done to learn about things not to observe

• inner perspective (assumes ppl’s perspectives are meaningful)

Types of qualittiave interviewing

1. Informal/conversational

2. interview guide

3. standardized open-ended

Informal conversational

questions emerge organically

• conversation moves along with context

Pros: increases noticeability of interview

Cons: not standardized across individuals (harder to contrast & analyze)

Interview guide

Topics & subtopics are outlined & identified beforehand

• lots of flexibility for interviewer

Pros: more comprehensive with gaps being bale to be identified & filled

Cons: Lack of standardization causes gaps in data (noticeable topics may be missed)

Standardized open-ended

Exact wording & order of the questions is determined

• interviewees asked the same questions

Pros: comparability across interviewees & contexts is strong

Cons: little flexibility, hard to follow emergent issues