Midterm for Research Methods

What are the purposes of a literature review?

- To demonstrate knowledge of the field

- show where research fits in

- provide evidence for practice

- avoid duplication of previous studies.

What is a literature review?

- summary and synthesis of existing research on a topic

- identifies gaps, trends, and controversies in lit

- discloses research questions and methodology

- provides foundation for evidence-based practice

What are the steps in conducting a literature review?

1. Define research question (PICO)

2. Develop keywords

3. search databases (library visit)

4. Select and evaluate sources (critical appraisal)

5. Organize findings (writing portion)

6. write and synthesize (final paper lit review)

What does PICO stand for in research?

P: Patient/Problem/Population, I: Intervention, C: Comparison, O: Outcome.

PICO questions is/helps....

1. foundational tool in evidence-based practice

2. identify important concepts to look for

3. breaks down broad question into manageable components

4. ensures research is relevant and efficient

What is critical appraisal in the literature review process?

The evaluation of selected sources for their quality and relevance.

What is the significance of identifying gaps in the literature?

It helps to highlight areas where further research is needed.

What is the main purpose of conducting a phenomenological study?

To seek out and reveal the essence and meaning of human experience.

- the lived space

- the lived body

- lived social relationships

- lived time

What are the steps in the research continuum

(1) Theory (2) Methodology (3) Methods

occupational therapy CODE OF ETHICS

- establish clear agreements w participant

- confidentiality

- informed consent

What is member checking in qualitative research?

A process where the researcher restates or summarizes information to verify accuracy with the participant. can be done either during or at the end

What does epoché or bracketing refer to in phenomenological research?

The process of blocking biases and assumptions to explain a phenomenon based on its inherent meaning.

Developing a research question in phenomenological studies should....

It should have social meaning and personal significance

Organization of Analysis in Phenomenological Studies

- listen to the interview

- transcribe every word

- begin line-by-line coding

What is the role of semi-structured questions in data collection?

To guide conversations while allowing flexibility for participants to express their experiences.

What are follow-up probes in interviews?

Questions that encourage participants to elaborate on their responses.

What is a theme in the context of qualitative research?

A recurring code that emerges from the data analysis.

What are qualitative approaches to inquiry mentioned in the notes?

Phenomenology, Narrative, Participatory Action Research (PAR), Grounded Theory, and Ethnography.

What is the purpose of a theoretical framework in qualitative research?

- It provides a lens for interpreting data and understanding participants' experiences

- also serves as a foundation for guiding the research process, including the formulation of research questions, data collection, and analysis

Key components of theoretical frameworks for qualitative research

Conceptual Definitions, Assumptions, Guiding Theories, and Contextual Considerations.

Conceptual Definitions

Clarifies key concepts and terms relevant to the study, ensuring a shared understanding.

Assumptions

Outline the underlying beliefs about the nature of reality (ontology), knowledge (epistemology), and ethics guiding the research

Guiding theories

Offers specific theories or models that help explain the phenomena being studied. These can range from established theoriesto emerging i deas.

Contextual considerations in qualitative research

They account for the cultural, social, and environmental contexts shaping participants' experiences and research findings.

operationalizing the phenomenon mean in qualitative research?

Clearly defining what is being studied to focus the research and allow for contextual understanding.

What are common types of theoretical frameoworks?

Phenomology, grounded theory, ethography, narrative analysis, critical theory, and social contructivisim

Phenomenology

focuses on understanding lived experiences and the meanings individuals attach to them

What does Grounded Theory involve?

Developing theories grounded in the data through systematic coding and categorization.

Ethnography

To explore cultural contexts and practices through immersive fieldwork.

What does Narrative Analysis focus on?

Examining the stories people tell about their lives and how these narratives shape identity.

Critical Theory

To uncover power dynamics and social injustices, often focusing on marginalized groups and advocating for change

What does Social Constructivism emphasize?

The co-creation of meaning through social interactions highlighting, how individuals construct their realities

What is the inductive process in qualitative data analysis?

Analysis begins with specific observations leading to broader insights or theories.

What does the concept of constant interplay refer to in qualitative analysis?

The ongoing interaction between raw data and theoretical frameworks during analysis.

What distinguishes deductive coding from inductive coding?

Deductive coding is a coding scheme created before collecting data, while inductive coding develops codes as data is analyzed.

What does credibility refer to in qualitative research?

The confidence in the authenticity and reliability of the research findings.

What actions can researchers take to enhance credibility?

- Using well-developed methods

- clear sampling procedures

- researcher training and expertise

- operationalize the phenomenon.

Techniques for establishing credibility

Triangulation, member checking, and negative case analysis

What is triangulation in qualitative research?

Using multiple data sources or methods to cross-verify results for enhanced credibility.

What is member checking?

Sharing preliminary findings with participants to gather their feedback and validate interpretations.

What is the importance of negative case analysis?

It actively seeks cases that contradict emerging findings to refine and strengthen conclusions.

What do Lincoln and Guba say about member checking?

This technique is crucial for establishing credibility, as it helps assess the participants' intended meanings and confirms the accuracy of the findings

What does transferability mean in qualitative research?

The extent to which findings can be applied to other contexts or populations.

Key points: truths not universal, generalizability

- thick description

- purposive sampling

How does qualitative research differ from quantitative research in terms of truth?

Qualitative research acknowledges that results are not universal truths, but insights are specific to studied participants and situations.

What is purposive sampling and why is it used?

A method where researchers select participants with specific characteristics to enhance the transferability of findings.

What does dependability refer to in qualitative research?

The consistency and stability of data over time, assessing whether findings would remain similar if the study were repeated.

Key points: stability over time, dynamic nature of experience

- Audit trail

- Triangulation

What factors can influence the dependability of qualitative research findings? (dynamic nature of experience)

Changes in participants' experiences or contexts, such as aging or progression of a health condition

What is an audit trail in qualitative research?

A systematic method of documenting the research process to allow others to trace the steps taken during the study.

What is confirmability in qualitative research?

The degree to which findings reflect participants' experiences rather than the researcher's biases.

Key points: striving for objectivity, self-documentation, and awareness of biases

- triangulation

- audit trail

- addressing reflexivity

What strategies can enhance confirmability?

triangulation, creating an audit trail, and addressing reflexivity.

What does reflexivity mean in qualitative research?

The process of examining how a researcher's own experiences and biases influence the research process.

How can reflexivity impact qualitative research?

It shapes research questions, data prioritization, and interpretation of findings.

What is the significance of involving multiple investigators in qualitative research?

It provides diverse insights and helps mitigate individual biases, enriching the analysis.

Why is transparency important in qualitative research?

Being open about personal preconceptions enhances credibility and helps others understand the research process.

What is the relationship between transferability and generalizability?

Transferability is similar to external validity in quantitative research, which looks at how results can apply to a larger group beyond just the study participants.

What role does self-documentation play in confirmability?

It helps researchers remain aware of their biases and how these may influence the study.

What is the significance of documenting biases in qualitative research?

It helps researchers understand the potential impact of their perspectives on research outcomes.

What is ethnography?

- documents the routine daily lives of people

- explores a cultural group

- lives with people, or spends time with them

- has a guiding question that evolves during the study

Aim of Ethnography:

- make visible the lives of those not normally told

- tries to obtain an insider's view of how a group manages and organizes time

- understands the point of view inside the group

what are the 4 things needed for ethnography?

- must be fluent in the language of the people we study

- study daily life over a long period of time

- usually stay in a specific location (village or town)

- establish mutual trust with wide range of local ppl

Autoethonography

type of ethnography in which an author uses self-reflection and writing to explore personal cultural experience and connect these experiences

- difference btwn ethnography and this is that ethnography involves a researcher writing abt a group of people where whereas autoethnography, the group writes about itself

Ethnographic realism

holds that ethnography can and should strive to document sociocultural structures, processes, and situations as existing independently of the researcher

- objective account of the situation

- reporter of facts

- uncontaminated by biases

- writing in the third person point of view

Critical ethnography

The goal is to contribute positively to social change

- Critical ethnographers believe that it is the researcher's responsibility to address social inequality and injustice throughout the research process. They study the issue of power, empowerment, inequalities, inequity, dominance, repression

- The difference between critical ethnography and conventional ethnography is that the researcher maintains commitments to critical reflection and raising awareness throughout the process

Where is ethnography used?

social sciences

- cultural anthropology - Anthropology is the study of what makes us human

- sociology

- psychology

- occupational therapy

Definition of PAR

Photovoice is a qualitative research method that combines photography and narrative to empower individuals to express their experiences and perspectives

What is the purpose of Participatory Action Research (PAR)?

To empower individuals to express their experiences and perspectives, highlight community issues, promote social change, and amplify marginalized voices.

What qualitative research method combines photography and narrative?

Photovoice

Photovoice is participatory in nature

Community members act as co-researchers, collaborating with researchers and sharing ownership of the research process.

What is the significance of reflexivity in the Photovoice process?

It involves critically analyzing one's own perspectives and biases when capturing and interpreting images.

What are some common methods used in PAR studies?

Focus groups, interviews, and surveys.

What ethical considerations are important in PAR?

Informed consent, respect for participants' privacy, and accurate representation of their stories.

How does Photovoice contribute to social change?

It addresses social issues like health disparities and environmental concerns, inspiring action and influencing policy and advocacy.

What is the importance of visual storytelling in Photovoice?

Images can communicate complex ideas and emotions, transcending language barriers and reaching broader audiences.

What is a key objective of a PAR literature review?

To establish a foundation for understanding the context and background of the research question.

What is the role of the principal investigator in a PAR study?

To guide the research process while collaborating with stakeholders and ensuring ethical standards.

What does empowerment mean in the context of Photovoice?

It allows individuals to articulate their thoughts and feelings about important issues in their lives or communities.

What is the aim of a PAR study?

To generate knowledge that can lead to social change and improve community conditions.

What is the significance of collaboration in PAR?

It fosters shared ownership of the research process and enhances the relevance of the findings.

What is the importance of critical thinking in the Photovoice process?

It encourages researchers to reflect on their biases and the impact of their interpretations.

What type of issues can Photovoice address?

Health disparities, environmental concerns, and educational inequities.

What is the expected outcome of applying and analyzing a Photovoice PAR study?

To gain insights into the effectiveness of using Photovoice as a research method.

What is the role of the stakeholder in a PAR study?

To actively participate in the research process and contribute to the identification of issues and solutions.