Field Research in Qualitative and Quantitative Methods

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture notes on field research methodologies.

Qualitative Research

Research strategy focusing on the understanding of human behavior, featuring unstructured, ambiguous data in the form of words.

Quantitative Research

Research strategy that emphasizes numerical data and statistical analysis, following a systematic and organized approach.

Inductive Reasoning

A logical process in research where conclusions are drawn from observations and specific examples, typically involving qualitative methods.

Deductive Reasoning

A logical process in research starting with a theory or hypothesis and testing it through observation, commonly associated with quantitative methods.

Field Research

The study of people in their natural environments, observing behaviors and interactions in real-life contexts.

Gatekeepers

Individuals with authority who control access to research sites, essential for gaining entry to specific communities or groups.

Complete Participant

A role in field research where the researcher fully immerses in the group without disclosing their research intentions, which raises ethical concerns.

Participant as Observer

A role where the researcher is open about their research agenda while actively participating in the group.

Observer as Participant

A role where the researcher observes the group while maintaining a degree of separation, informing them about the research but not fully engaging.

Complete Observer

A role in which the researcher observes without the participants being aware that they are being studied.

Data Analysis in Field Research

The process of categorizing collected data, creating maps, and organizing observations to convey findings effectively.

Reliability in Field Research

The consistency of a researcher's observations and data in accurately reflecting the field situation.

Validity in Field Research

The degree to which a researcher's analysis and data truthfully represent the social phenomena being studied.

Strengths of Field Research

Includes in-depth understanding, flexibility in research design, and relatively low cost.

Weaknesses of Field Research

Includes challenges in quantifying findings and the difficulty of generalizing results to broader populations.