L1: Qualitative Research Methods

What is qualitative research primarily concerned with?

The collection and analysis of text-based data.

What types of data are considered primary in qualitative research?

Interviews, focus groups, and open-ended survey questions.

What is an example of secondary data in qualitative research?

Newspaper articles, blogs, online forums, and social media.

How does qualitative research differ from quantitative research?

Qualitative research focuses on understanding experiences and meanings, while quantitative research emphasizes measurement and numerical data.

What philosophical perspectives influence qualitative research?

Positivism and post-positivism.

What is a key assumption questioned by qualitative research?

The assumption that there is an objective and true conception of reality.

What do qualitative researchers aim to understand?

How people make sense of the world and their experiences.

What is the significance of the central questions posed in qualitative research?

They highlight the choice between counting or discovering, measuring or listening, and administering questionnaires or engaging in conversation.

What are some common qualitative methodologies?

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), Grounded Theory, Narrative research, Conversation analysis, Discourse analysis, Focus groups, and Thematic analysis.

What is the aim of using interviews in qualitative research?

To capture participants' experiences and perspectives on a topic.

What are the three types of interviews in qualitative research?

Structured, unstructured, and semi-structured.

What characterizes semi-structured interviews?

They have a list of questions but allow for participant-led discussion on important issues.

Why is the interview schedule important in semi-structured interviews?

It helps build trust and rapport with participants.

What is a focus group in qualitative research?

A group discussion focused on a particular topic or set of core issues, typically involving 6-8 participants.

What role does the researcher play in a focus group?

The researcher acts as a moderator to facilitate discussion.

What is the purpose of mixed methods in qualitative research?

To combine qualitative and quantitative methods for a comprehensive study design.

What is a convenience sample in qualitative research?

A selection of the most accessible participants, considered the least rigorous sampling method.

What is purposive sampling?

A method aimed at generating insight and in-depth understanding of the topic of interest.

What does data saturation refer to in qualitative research?

The point at which no new information or themes are observed in the data.

What is the common sample size approach in qualitative research?

Qualitative research typically uses smaller samples than quantitative research, depending on the inquiry's purpose.

What is the significance of open-ended questions in interviews?

They encourage participants to provide in-depth, detailed responses.

What is the role of transcription in qualitative research?

The process of turning audio and video recordings into written text for analysis.

What is the advantage of using focus groups with pre-existing groups?

They can provide shared experiences and characteristics that enhance discussion.

What is the importance of wording questions in interviews?

Questions should be open, non-leading, and singular to avoid confusion.