[Field Methods in Psych] Reviewer

What methods gained prominence in psychology from the 1980s?

Qualitative methods, emphasizing descriptive and interpretive data over hypothesis testing.

What does qualitative research focus on?

Understanding how and why behaviors occur, rather than quantifying the number of occurrences.

List two commonly used qualitative research methodologies.

Ethnography and phenomenology.

What is a key feature of qualitative research?

Rich descriptions of individual perspectives and subjective experiences.

How does qualitative research differ from quantitative research?

Qualitative research seeks to understand meaning and context, while quantitative research looks at numeric data and statistics.

What is participant observation?

A qualitative research method where the researcher observes participants in their natural settings.

What are the ethical guidelines for participant observation?

Respect privacy, avoid disruptions, maintain confidentiality, and gain community trust.

What is the role of the researcher in qualitative research?

To access participant perspectives and ensure ethical safeguards.

What does non-generalizability mean in qualitative research?

Findings are not intended to apply to a broader population but to provide insights.

What is mixed methods research?

Combining qualitative and quantitative methods in the same study.

Define phenomenology in qualitative research.

A method examining experiences as they appear without introspective bias.

What is the main focus of phenomenological analysis?

Understanding participants' lived experiences and meanings.

What is the significance of ethics approval in research?

To ensure participant confidentiality and safeguard sensitive information.

What is a common challenge faced in participant observation?

It can be time-consuming and relies heavily on the researcher's memory.

What is phenomenological reduction?

Examining the relationship between the experiencing subject and the world.

How does social constructionism view reality?

As shaped through social interactions, language, and culture.

What are some data collection techniques in qualitative research?

In-depth interviews, focus groups, and participant observations.

What is the purpose of in-depth interviews?

To gain personal perspectives and insights on sensitive topics.

How is qualitative data generally recorded?

Through field notes, audio recordings, and transcripts.

What does reflexivity in qualitative research imply?

Researchers must reflect on their biases and experiences in relation to their research.

What is thematic analysis?

A qualitative research method for identifying and analyzing themes within data.

What is the core objective of thematic analysis?

To develop an understanding of how different interpretations arise in qualitative research.

What distinguishes big Q qualitative research from small q qualitative research?

Big Q emphasizes subjectivity and interpretive practices while small q focuses on objectivity and reliability.

Define narrative analysis in the context of qualitative research.

Focus on how individuals construct and internalize narratives about their lives.

What is the impact of political ideology on life narratives?

Conservatives emphasize self-control while liberals focus on self-exploration in their narratives.

What is participatory research (PR)?

Research methods that involve collaboration with community members to drive action or change.

Name one key aspect of participatory research.

Direct engagement with community members as co-researchers.

What is the significance of informed consent in research?

It ensures participants understand the study's purpose and agree to participate voluntarily.

What does the term 'agency' refer to in qualitative research?

The capacity of individuals to act independently and make their own choices.

Who are some key philosophers associated with phenomenology?

Edmund Husserl, Martin Heidegger, and Paul Ricoeur.

How does language relate to interpretative phenomenology?

Language is a vital tool for uncovering hidden meanings and enabling understanding.

What does the concept of 'fusion of horizons' in hermeneutics involve?

Merging different perspectives to reach a common understanding.

What role does culture play in qualitative research?

Culture shapes participants' subjective meanings and influences social norms.

What is an example of a qualitative analysis method that integrates phenomenological theory?

Critical Narrative Analysis (CNA).

What is the main goal of life narrative research?

To analyze how people understand their lives through the stories they tell.

What does the term 'thick descriptions' refer to in qualitative research?

Detailed interpretations that encompass cultural, social, and interpersonal contexts.

Define the term 'informed consent' in qualitative research.

The process through which participants are fully educated about the study and agree to partake in it.

What does the term 'reflexivity' mean in qualitative research?

The practice of examining one's own biases, values, and impact on research outcomes.

What is the purpose of the ethnographic method in psychological research?

To explore group behaviors and mental states within cultural contexts.

What is the significance of narrative theory in qualitative research?

It focuses on understanding human experiences as temporally linked narratives.

What is a potential challenge of qualitative data analysis?

Ensuring that findings accurately represent participants' voices and experiences.

What does 'data synthesis' entail in qualitative research?

Combining themes and findings to convey participants' stories meaningfully.

What is the core principle of participatory research?

To create relevant and impactful research that collaborates with community members.

What is the importance of continuous reflection in ethnographic studies?

To ensure findings accurately reflect the culture of the community being studied.

Define purposive sampling in qualitative research.

Selecting participants based on specific characteristics deemed relevant to the study.

What challenges do researchers face when conducting ethnographic research?

Cultural engagement and building trust to obtain authentic data.

What is the role of theoretical standpoints in qualitative interpretation?

They guide how the researcher understands and presents participants' narratives.

What does the term 'cognitive psychology' focus on in qualitative narrative research?

Exploring autobiographical memory and identity development through narratives.

What is the function of coding in qualitative analysis?

Identifying and organizing themes or patterns within qualitative data.

What is the main goal of qualitative data analysis technique?

To ensure that interpretations align with the participants' actual experiences.

List one method of qualitative data collection.

Focus groups.

What is one common data type produced in qualitative research?

Field notes.

What is the importance of documentation in participatory research?

To enhance practice, transparency, and guide future participatory projects.

What are 'dominant participants' in focus groups?

Individuals who are more vocal or assertive, potentially skewing discussion dynamics.

What is the impact of historical context on qualitative research?

It shapes the interpretive horizons and influences understanding.

Define ethical considerations in qualitative research.

Principles guiding research conduct, such as respect for persons and minimizing harm.

How should researchers manage biases during qualitative data analysis?

By acknowledging and reflecting on their perspectives and influences.

What does the term 'case study' refer to in qualitative research methodology?

In-depth analysis of a specific individual or group to explore complex issues.

What is a primary objective of ethnographic research?

To gain holistic insights into cultural and social dimensions of human behavior.

Describe the 'life history' approach in ethnographic design.

Focusing on the experiences and contexts of individuals who represent a community.

How does qualitative research typically present findings?

Through narratives supported by direct quotations from participants.

What is 'data security' in qualitative research?

Ensuring that all research data is stored securely to protect participant confidentiality.

What is a common outcome of using narrative theory in psychological research?

Understanding how narratives shape identity and communicate experiences.

What is the general approach of mixed methods research?

Combining qualitative and quantitative research to enrich findings and insights.

What is a challenge of using member checking in qualitative research?

Assumptions about accessing participants' truths may complicate the process.

What does 'contextualizing work' mean in qualitative research?

Providing background on researchers' biases to enhance study credibility.

What is the significance of language consistency in thematic analysis?

Using terminology that aligns with the TA approach enhances clarity and coherence.

Name a key factor that influences the success of participatory research.

Community engagement and ownership of the research process.

How is reflexivity practiced in qualitative research?

By researchers continuously assessing their impact on the research dynamics and outcomes.

What distinct feature defines qualitative research methods?

Flexibility to adapt to the exploration of participants' perspectives and experiences.

What should researchers articulate about their thematic analysis approach?

Their philosophical assumptions and the rationale behind their methodological choices.

What is the goal of qualitative research regarding participant experiences?

To provide deep insights and understandings of participants' subjective realities.

How does qualitative data analysis differ from quantitative data analysis?

Qualitative analysis focuses on narrative themes, while quantitative analysis focuses on numerically measurable data.

What is verbatim transcription in qualitative research?

Transcribing audio recordings exactly as spoken, including all nuances and contextual details.

What does the term 'agency vs. determinism' refer to in qualitative research?

The debate between viewing individuals as active decision-makers or as behaviors shaped by external factors.

What is a key principle of phenomenological approaches?

To prioritize participants' lived experiences without imposing preconceived theories.

How does understanding participants' narratives benefit psychological research?

It reveals deeper insights into individual experiences and culturally embedded meanings.

What is an essential step in the qualitative data analysis process?

Identifying themes that accurately reflect participants' lived experiences.

What are the implications of using qualitative research in real-world settings?

The potential to drive social change and inform community-based interventions.

Why is the concept of 'hermeneutic horizon' important in understanding qualitative data?

It signifies how historical and cultural contexts influence interpretation.

What does 'context of justification' involve in narrative analysis?

Testing hypotheses derived from narrative research for broader application.

What role does documentation play in participatory research?

It enhances transparency and provides guidance for future research practices.