Introduction to Qualitative Research

A collection of flashcards focused on key vocabulary and concepts related to qualitative research as derived from the lecture notes.

Qualitative Research

The study of human experiences, behaviors, and social phenomena from the people's perspective.

Natural Settings

Environments in which people live every day, often the context for qualitative research.

Data Saturation

The point in qualitative research where no new information is emerging from data collection.

Purposive Sampling

A sampling technique that focuses on selecting individuals who can provide rich information about the phenomenon being studied.

Phenomenology

A qualitative research design aimed at describing and understanding human experiences.

Grounded Theory

An inductive approach to generate theory based on data collected about social or psychological processes.

Ethnography

A qualitative method focused on describing and interpreting a cultural or social group.

Case Study

An in-depth exploration of a particular case within a real-world context.

Historical Research

A systematic approach to understanding the past through collection and appraisal of facts.

Participatory Action Research

A research approach focused on action and reflection to address social and health issues.

Triangulation

The use of multiple methods or data sources to develop a comprehensive understanding of a phenomenon.

Meta-synthesis

A systematic review of qualitative research that seeks to retain the essence of each study.

Rigour in Qualitative Research

The strictness with which a qualitative study is conducted to enhance trustworthiness.

Credibility

The truth of findings as perceived by participants and other stakeholders.

Auditability

The process of creating a clear path from research question through analysis to findings.

Fittingness

The relevance and applicability of the study findings to the everyday realities of participants.

Constancy

The method in qualitative research to continuously compare new data with previously analyzed data.

Descriptive Phenomenology

Focuses on rich detailed descriptions of lived experiences.

Hermeneutic Phenomenology

Focuses on interpretation and understanding the meaning of experiences.

In-depth Interviews

A data collection method involving direct interaction with participants to gather detailed responses.

Field Notes

Detailed descriptions recorded by researchers during observations of participants.

Thematic Analysis

A method of analysis that identifies patterns and themes within qualitative data.

Bracketing

Identifying and setting aside personal biases in qualitative research.

Inductive Approach

A way of reasoning that involves deriving general principles from specific observations.

Qualitative Data

Data that is descriptive and conceptual rather than numerical.

Open-ended Questions

Questions that allow for a large range of responses in interviews and surveys.

Participant Observation

A research method where the researcher engages with the participants within their environment.

Information Saturation

A condition where sufficient data has been collected that no new insights are emerging.

Cultural Narrative

A report that describes the cultural context and practices of a group being studied.

Thick Descriptions

Detailed accounts in qualitative research that provide depth and context to findings.

Nonverbal Interactions

The body language and cues that can provide context to interviews and focus group discussions.

Qualitative Findings

Insights derived from qualitative data that contribute to evidence-informed practice.

Researcher Reflexivity

The researcher’s awareness of their potential influence on the research process.

Semi-structured Interviews

Interviews that follow a general guide but allow for flexibility in responses.

Co-coding

A method in qualitative analysis where multiple researchers assign codes collaboratively.

Case-Specific Narrative

A detailed account of the findings from a case study, highlighting unique aspects.

Data Representation

The various ways in which qualitative findings are visually or textually presented to draw conclusions.

Findings Description

A thorough account of the outcomes of a qualitative study usually enriched with quotations from participants.