Qual 1 Intro to qualitative research

Surface level difference between quantitative research and qualitative research

numeric vs non-numeric data

qualitative approach is appropriate for what 3 areas

understanding complex phenomena, participant perspectives and contextual understanding

3 goals of qualitative research

meaning of experiences, importance of context and capturing richness

Philosophical position influences qualitative researchers to make ?

different methodological choices

2 philosophical foundations to qualitative research

ontology and epistemology

What is ontology in research?

It concerns the nature of reality – what can be known and what exists.

What are the three perspectives of ontology?

realism, subtle realism and relativism

What is realism

the belief that there is a single reality the exists independently of the researcher that can be uncovered

What perspective believes there is a single objective reality

realism

What is subtle realism

the acknowledgment of the existence of an independent reality outside of our perception of it but it cannot be directly accessed

What is relativism

the belief that reality is constructed through interpretation so the world is comprised of multiple perspectives and realities

What is epistemology in research?

It examines the nature of knowledge and how it can be acquired

Compare knowledge in positivist and interpretivist epistemology perspectives

Positivist - Knowledge is objective, observable, and value-free vs Interpretivist - Knowledge is socially constructed and not value-free

Compare nature of research questions between quantitative and qualitative research

causal vs exploratory

Compare nature of data collection between quantitative and qualitative research

numeric, controlled vs rich, detailed, in context data

Compared nature of data analysis between quantitative and qualitative research

statistical, deductive vs inductive, complex

Compared nature of interpretation between quantitative and qualitative research

objective, generalisable vs subjective, transferable

Qualitative research questions are phrased to emphasise what 5 things

experience, understanding, meaning, exploration and perspectives

What is thematic analysis in qualitative research?

A method for identifying and analyzing patterns of meaning in qualitative data.

6 examples of unobtrusive methods

published narratives, archival documents, simple observations, visual images, audio and self-report/diary

What is a limitation of unobstructive methods

limited ability to probe or question in order to gain deeper understanding

What is the purpose of interviews in qualitative research?

in-depth exploration of participants’ thoughts, feelings and experiences enabling valuable insights and perspectives

4 types of interviews on a continuum (start with interviewer led and end with interviewee led)

structured -> semi-structured -> unstructured -> focus group

What is a structured interview

an interview schedule is followed closely with same questions, order and setting

Name 3 benefits of a structured interview

low bias, reliable and quick

Name 2 limitations of structured interview

limited range, doesn’t capture complexity

What is a semi-structured interview?

A flexible guided conversation using mostly open-ended questions, emphasising on rapport building.

three benefits of semi-structured interviews

captures rich/complex detail, gains unique insight and good for sensitive topics

One limitation of semi-structured interviews

non-natural conversations

What is an unstructured interview

Interviewee-led with flexibility to explore topics important to the participant

Name 2 benefits of unstructured interviews

empowers interviewees, insight into unknown groups

Name 2 limitations of unstructured interviews

complex to analyse and requires good interview skills

What is a focus group

moderator has a topic guide but participants interact with each other and lead conversations

Name 2 benefits of focus groups

large amounts of data and more naturalistic

Name 2 limitations of focus groups

not suitable for sensitive topics and social desirability bias

4 key aspects in constructing an interview schedule

(1) build rapport, (2) open and encouraging questions, (3) logical order, and (4) identify relevant topics and questions

3 significant must not do when designing interviews

leading or closed questions, judgment or critical questions and complex/double barrelled questions

4 things to facilitate good interviews

safe environment, address ethical issues, interviewees well-being, be flexible and self-aware

What indirect communication should be noticed

non-verbal

4 ways to use language effectively

positive encouragers, probes to seek clarity/deeper understanding, silences, avoid premature closures