Research Methofs

What is the main difference between qualitative and quantitative research? ::

They address different types of research questions and use different methods of collecting and analysing data.

How is qualitative data commonly collected? ::

Through interviews, focus groups, observation, and textual data collection.

Why are questionnaires considered useful in research? ::

They are usually the most cost-effective way of collecting large amounts of data.

Are experiments usually used in qualitative research? ::

No, experiments are not usually associated with qualitative research.

Is hypothesis testing associated with qualitative research? ::

No, hypothesis testing is generally associated with quantitative research.

What is a focus group? ::

A research method described as a thinking society in miniature where participants discuss topics together.

What are focus groups used for? ::

To gauge opinions on important issues, explore controversial topics, and conduct market research.

Why is a semi-structured interview guide useful in focus groups? ::

It provides structure while allowing flexibility and discussion.

Why are facilitator skills important in focus groups? ::

The facilitator must manage participants effectively to ensure productive discussion.

What is social desirability bias? ::

A bias where participants give socially acceptable responses rather than completely truthful ones.

What is a case study? ::

A research approach involving the detailed examination of a particular case or situation.

What can be considered a case in case study research? ::

An organisation, city, group, community, patient, school, state, situation, incident, or experience.

Is case study research sampling research? :

:

Why are case studies often considered biased? ::

Because the researcher deliberately chooses a particular case.

What is a single instrumental case study? ::

A study involving one case where the focus is on understanding an issue or phenomenon.

What is a collective or multiple case study? ::

A case study involving more than one case to understand an issue or phenomenon.

What is an intrinsic case study? ::

A case study where the focus is the case itself rather than a wider issue.

What is photovoice? ::

A participatory research method where participants take photographs to express experiences and concerns.

What is the main aim of photovoice? ::

To engage participants and encourage change in the community by communicating experiences to policymakers.

How are photographs used in photovoice? ::

Participants take photos which are then analysed by both the researcher and participants.

Why is participant involvement important in photovoice? ::

It empowers participants and ensures their perspectives are represented.

Who is photovoice often intended to influence? ::

Policymakers and community decision-makers.

What is grounded theory? ::

A qualitative methodology where theoretical ideas and concepts emerge from the data.

What is phenomenological research or IPA? ::

A qualitative approach focused on making sense of lived experience.

What does IPA stand for? ::

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

What word is commonly associated with IPA or phenomenological research? ::

Lived experience.

What is ethnography? ::

A qualitative methodology involving the study of people and cultures in natural settings.

What is narrative research? ::

What do grounded theory, phenomenology, ethnography, and narrative represent? ::

Forms of qualitative methodology.

What is the difference between a reference and a citation? ::

A citation appears within the text while a reference provides full source details in the reference list.

What is an in-text citation? ::

A brief citation within academic writing identifying the source of information.

What does et al mean? ::

And others; used when citing works with multiple authors.

How should a reference list be organised? ::

In alphabetical order according to the surname of the author.

What is voluntary participation in research ethics? ::

Participants choose freely whether to take part in research.

What is informed consent? ::

Participants understand the research and agree voluntarily before participating.

What does the right to withdraw mean? ::

Participants can leave a study at any point without penalty.

What is confidentiality in research? ::

Protecting participants' private information from unauthorised disclosure.

What is anonymity in research? ::

Ensuring participants cannot be identified from the research data.

What is the usual sequence of dissertation chapters? ::

Abstract, Introduction, Literature Review, Method/Research Design, Results, Discussion, and Conclusion.

What should an abstract include? ::

A concise summary of the research, including purpose, method, findings, and conclusions.

What is plagiarism? ::

Using another person's work or ideas without proper acknowledgment.

What is epistemology? ::

The relationship between the researcher and knowledge.

How does epistemology relate to research? ::

It reflects the researcher's perspective and relationship with knowledge.

What is ontology? ::

The reality of the situation being studied.

How is ontology applied in research? ::

It concerns assumptions about the nature of reality within the research context.

What is social constructionism? ::

A qualitative philosophical approach emphasising social interaction and language in constructing reality.

What does social constructionism focus on? ::

How people create and understand reality through everyday interactions and language.

What is positivism? ::

The belief that authentic knowledge is scientific and obtained through strict scientific methods.

Which philosophical underpinning is commonly associated with qualitative research? :: Social constructionism.