Qualitative Field Research Methods Overview

Qualitative Research

Methods focusing on social patterns and behaviors.

Field Research

Data collection in natural settings, observing real life.

Unobtrusive Research

Research without interfering in the natural environment.

Inductive Approach

Building theories from observed data patterns.

Deduction

Testing hypotheses derived from existing theories.

Emic Perspective

Understanding subjects' viewpoints for deeper insights.

Etic Perspective

Maintaining objectivity by avoiding subjects' viewpoints.

Hawthorne Effect

Behavior change due to awareness of being studied.

Reactivity

Altered behavior from awareness of observation.

Participant Observer

Researcher engages with subjects while observing.

Chicago School

Sociological approach using urban settings as labs.

Participatory Action Research

Research involving participants in the study process.

Social Worlds

Various contexts where social interactions occur.

Cultural Sensitivity

Awareness and respect for different cultural practices.

Selective Competence

Balancing insider and outsider perspectives in research.

Historical-Comparative Research

Analyzing historical data to compare social phenomena.

Survey Research

Collecting data through structured questionnaires.

Experimental Research

Testing hypotheses through controlled experiments.

Qualitative Data

Non-numerical data providing insights into social phenomena.

Quantitative Data

Numerical data used for statistical analysis.

Tentative Theorization

Initial theory formation based on preliminary observations.

Initial Observations

First data collection phase in research process.

Social Patterns

Recurring behaviors and interactions within social contexts.

Naturalism

Assumes an objective social reality exists.

Chicago School

Uses the city as a research laboratory.

Ethnography

Describes people through immersive observation.

Ethnographic Fallacy

Overgeneralization of observed social patterns.

Cultural Capital

Valued characteristics in social status systems.

Study Gods (xueshen)

High-performing Chinese students in academics.

Ethnomethodology

Studies how social order is produced.

Breaching Experiments

Garfinkel's method to disrupt social norms.

Grounded Theory

Inductive approach generating theory from data.

Emotional Labor

Managing emotions to meet job expectations.

Qualitative Interview

Guided conversation for in-depth topic exploration.

Field Research

Collecting data through direct observation.

Participant Observation

Researcher immerses in the group studied.

Data Coding

Systematic categorization of observational data.

Informant Rapport

Trusting relationship with research participants.

Researcher Role

Deciding between observer or participant stance.

Interview Flexibility

Adjusting questions based on conversation flow.

Qualitative Data

Non-numeric information from interviews and observations.

Systematic Sampling

Selecting participants based on specific criteria.

Field Notes

Records of observations and researcher reflections.

Research Consent

Permission obtained from participants for study.

Observational Insight

Understanding social behavior in context.

Data Interpretation

Analyzing collected data for meaningful conclusions.

Interview Guide

A structured framework for conducting interviews.

In-depth Interviews

Detailed discussions to explore participant perspectives.

Focus Group

Group interview to stimulate discussion among subjects.

Conducive Environment

Setting that encourages open and honest discussion.

Moderator

Facilitator guiding the focus group discussion.

Real-life Data

Information gathered from actual experiences and contexts.

Face Validity

The extent to which a test appears effective.

Audit Trail

Documentation of research decisions and processes.

Qualitative Research

Exploratory research focusing on understanding concepts.

Quantitative Research

Research involving numerical data and statistical analysis.

Inductive Approach

Theory development based on collected data.

Deductive Approach

Theory testing based on existing hypotheses.

Statistical Testing

Analyzing data using statistical methods.

Open-ended Questions

Questions allowing for free-form responses.

Content Analysis

Systematic examination of communication content.

Big Data Analysis

Analyzing large datasets for patterns and insights.

Changing Public Discourse

Evolution of societal discussions over time.

Coding Rules

Guidelines for categorizing qualitative data.

Themes

Recurring ideas identified in qualitative analysis.

Framing

The way issues are presented and interpreted.

Economic Mobility

The ability to improve one's economic status.

Gender Norms

Societal expectations regarding gender roles.

Work-Family Conflict

Strain between work responsibilities and family life.