Qualitative Research Methods

Case Studies

Strengths:

• Holistic

• High ecological validity

• Is able to study change over time

• Triangulation leads to a higher level of validity

Limitations:

• Cannot be replicated

• Often retrospective - lacks data on the individual before the incident/accident/ event/ start of symptoms

• Time-consuming and requires a trained team

Interviews

Strengths

Ecologically valid - although structured interviews are less so as they are a less naturalistic communication style. Personal and able to obtain a lot of data. Focus groups may trigger ideas from participants that would otherwise not happen in a one-on-one interview or a questionnaire.

Limitations

Subject to memory distortion as the data is self-reported and often cannot be verified. Optimism bias or social desirability effect may influence the data. It is difficult in focus groups to guarantee confidentiality. Researcher bias may influence both the questions that are asked and the interpretation of the participants' responses. Time consuming

Covert, naturalistic, participant observations

Strengths

Low in demand characteristics High in ecological validity Researchers get more "inside information" through interaction with the participants.

Limitations

Ethical concerns of deception. Lacks control over the environment. Confounding variables may influence behaviour. The researcher may unintentionally influence behaviour. Difficult to replicate.

Overt non-participant lab observations

Strengths

Lower in researcher bias as the researcher is not part of the group being studied. More controlled environment. Easily replicable.

Limitations

Open to demand characteristics since participants know that they are being observed. Lower in ecological validity. The researcher is detached from the participants and may not really understand the choice of behaviour. Potential objectification of the participants.