Qualitative research methods

Observation

• the researcher is strongly involved into the study

• The aim of the study is on how people interact and interprete each other’s behaviour

• Ability to generate diverse data about the behaviour of participants in a natural setting

• High risk of biases

Labolatory observation

Observation Carried out in a place arranged for the purpose of the study

Naturalistic observation

Observation Carried out in naturally occurring setting

Overt observation

Observation in which participants are aware that they are being observed

Covert observation

Observation in which researcher does not inform the participants about the reasons of his/her presence

Structured observation

Observation in which information is recorded systematically and in a standardised way

Interview

• it may be the only way to get the insight into the nature of subjective experiences and interpretations

• May be used to understand the meanings participants attach certain events, and their points of view

• Very personal form of research

• The interviewer is the main research instrument

• High risk of biases

Structured interviews

Interviews tanta include a list of questions that need to be asked in a specific order

Semi-structured interviews

Interviews that do not specify a particular set or order of questions. Its a checklist. Certain questions must be asked but there can be a follow-up questions and the researcher can change the order of questions

Unstructured interview

Interview that is mostly participant-driven. Every next question is determined by the participants answer to the previous one

Focus group

• It’s a special type of a semi-structured interview

• Conducted in a group of 6-10 people

• Participants are encouraged to interact with each other

• Researcher can observe the groups dynamics

• A quick way to get information from several participants at the same time

• Creates a more natural and comfortable environment

• Multiple perspectives are discussed

• One participant may affect the others Responses

• It’s difficult to preserve anonymity and confidentiality

• Demanding in terms of sampling and creating interview transcripts

Case study

• in-depth investigation of an individual or a group That are unique in some way

• Aim is to gain a deep understanding of the particular individual or group

• Sampling is not an issue

• Uses a combination of different methods

• Can be going on for a long time

• Less focus on generalisability

• High risk of researcher and participant bias

• Anonymity and confidentiality are difficult to preserve