Collecting Quant and Qual Data Question and Answer Flashcards

What is one key advantage of interviews for collecting data?

Responses are recorded by trained interviewers, ensuring accuracy and completeness of data.

What is one challenge associated with in-person interviews?

Transportation to the interview site can be a barrier.

What are self-administered surveys?

Participants complete a questionnaire on their own, either on paper or online.

What is a benefit of using self-administered surveys?

They are cost-effective and time-efficient.

What is a major challenge of mail-based surveys?

Delayed responses can complicate study timelines.

Why is maximizing participation rate important in a study?

To ensure the study population represents the source population.

What is one method to encourage participation in surveys?

Offering small gifts or entry into a prize drawing.

What is a benefit of paper questionnaires?

They facilitate easy collection of signatures on informed consent statements.

What is a drawback of using paper questionnaires?

Manual data entry required, which can be time-consuming and costly.

What is one advantage of computer-assisted surveys?

They eliminate the need for later data entry.

What is a limitation of computer-assisted surveys?

Limited availability of computer terminals or devices may hinder project success.

What is interviewer bias?

An information bias where interviewers systematically question individuals differently based on their assumptions.

How can bias in interviews be minimized?

Ensure the interview process is consistent for all participants.

What is an important characteristic of well-trained interviewers?

They are respectful and communicate pleasantly with all participants.

What does it mean for an interviewer to be organized?

They begin each interview on time and have necessary materials ready.

Why is it important for interviewers to be considerate?

To ensure interviewees are comfortable during the interview process.

What does it mean for interviewers to be impartial?

They avoid expressing personal opinions or influencing interview responses.

What is qualitative data characterized by?

Informal, personal, and reflexive nature.

What are in-depth interviews?

Qualitative research techniques involving open-ended questions, usually lasting 1 to 2 hours.

What is the purpose of probing during interviews?

To prompt interviewees for more complete or specific responses.

What is a focus group?

A moderated discussion involving approximately 8 to 10 participants.

What is a limitation of focus groups?

Peer pressure may prevent participants from disclosing true feelings.

Who typically hosts focus groups?

Two researchers: a moderator and a note-taker.

What should be established when initiating focus group sessions?

Rapport and trust between moderator and participants.

Why are ground rules important in focus groups?

To clarify that participation is voluntary and to ensure privacy and respect.

What is the role of the moderator in focus groups?

To set the agenda and facilitate discussion.

What are observational methods in data collection?

Systematic observations of human actions and interactions.

What is naturalistic observation?

Researcher observes subjects unobtrusively in their natural environment.

What is controlled observation?

Conducted in a laboratory setting where participants are aware they are being observed.

What is participant-observation?

Researchers engage with community members to understand their practices.

What is overt observation?

Participants are aware they are being observed and consent to the study.

What is covert observation?

Participants are not informed they are being observed, raising ethical concerns.

What does the Delphi Method aim to achieve?

Greater agreement among experts through iterative feedback.

What happens during the Delphi Method process?

Experts complete questionnaires, a facilitator summarizes responses, and panelists reconsider their perspectives.

What is a common challenge faced by interviewers during data collection?

Minimizing bias in questioning.

What is a key aspect of the recruitment process for focus groups?

Participants are often recruited based on similar backgrounds or experiences.

Why might older adults avoid Internet-based surveys?

Limited Internet access or infrequent computer use.

What is the importance of documenting informed consent?

To ensure ethical standards are maintained before conducting an interview.

What is a benefit of using audio or video recordings during interviews?

They capture exact words and nonverbal expressions for accurate interpretation.

What is the significance of follow-up questions in interviews?

To clarify individual and collective viewpoints.

What role does the note-taker play in focus groups?

To track key messages, themes, and observations that may not be captured in transcripts.

What is an essential action for effective focus group sessions?

Debriefing with the note-taker to discuss successes and improvements.