Research Methods – Introduction to Qualitative Methodologies (4PS005)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture on intermediate research methods, with emphasis on qualitative methodologies, philosophical underpinnings, analytical approaches and module logistics.

Qualitative Research

An approach that seeks to understand, explore, describe and interpret personal and social experiences, emphasising multiple realities rather than statistical generalisation.

Quantitative Research

A positivist, data-led approach aimed at testing hypotheses, measuring variables numerically and producing statistically reliable, generalisable results.

Positivism

The philosophical stance that the social world exists ‘out there’ and can be studied objectively to uncover universal laws through empirical observation.

Social Constructionism

The view that social reality is constructed through human meaning-making; different groups create different ‘truths’ about the world.

Phenomenology

A philosophical tradition (Husserl) focused on individuals’ lived experience and the meanings they ascribe to events.

Idiographic Psychology

Allport’s position that psychology should study the unique, complex individual rather than pursue universal laws only.

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA)

A qualitative method rooted in phenomenology and hermeneutics that explores how people make sense of their lived experiences.

Hermeneutics

The theory and practice of interpretation; in qualitative research it guides understanding of participants’ perspectives.

Double Hermeneutic

In IPA, the researcher interprets participants who are themselves interpreting their experiences, creating two layers of meaning-making.

Grounded Theory

Glaser and Strauss’s systematic method for generating theory directly from qualitative data through iterative coding and categorisation.

Thematic Analysis

A flexible technique for identifying, analysing and reporting patterns (themes) within qualitative data (Braun & Clarke, 2013).

Narrative Psychology

An approach that analyses the stories people construct to make sense of events, identity and crises (Riessman, Murray).

Discourse Analysis

A family of methods that examine how language constructs social realities, looking at what is said, when and why.

Discursive Psychology

A strand of discourse analysis focusing on how psychological phenomena are accomplished in everyday talk and texts.

Foucauldian Discourse Analysis

A discourse analytic approach influenced by Foucault, exploring how power and knowledge are produced through language.

Conversational Analysis (CA)

Harvey Sacks’s method for studying the detailed organisation of talk-in-interaction, including turn-taking and repair sequences.

Semi-Structured Interview

A flexible interviewing technique using open-ended questions and prompts to explore participants’ views in depth.

Focus Group

A moderated group discussion used to generate data on collective views, interactions and social norms.

Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB)

Ajzen’s model stating that attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control predict behavioural intentions.

Oocyte Donation

The process whereby women donate their eggs for infertility treatment or research; currently faces donor shortages in the UK.

Ambivalence

The coexistence of conflicting feelings or attitudes, e.g., positive views about oocyte donation but unwillingness to donate personally.

Life Satisfaction Scale

A five-item measure (Pavot & Diener, 1993) assessing global cognitive judgments of one’s life satisfaction on a 1–7 scale.

Snowball Sampling

A recruitment technique where existing participants refer new participants, useful for hard-to-reach populations.

Verbatim Transcription

The meticulous, word-for-word conversion of audio/video data into text, including pauses, laughter and non-semantic sounds.

Anonymising Data

Removing or altering identifying information in transcripts to protect participant confidentiality.

Braun & Clarke (2013) Guidelines

Practical advice on high-quality transcription, thematic analysis and writing up qualitative research.

Module 4PS005 Practical Workbook

A 70 % assessment requiring students to transcribe, analyse and report qualitative data by 14/03/2025.

SPSS Coursework

A 30 % quantitative assessment in 4PS005, due 07/05/2025, focusing on statistical analysis.

Attendance & Engagement Policy

Module requirement that lecture and workshop attendance is compulsory and engagement will be monitored.

Workshop Transcription Task

Hands-on sessions where students transcribe interview data about pregnancy anxiety fluctuations for practical assessment.