CHYS 2P51 Final (multiple choice questions)

What is qualitative research?

Qualitative research is a method that allows for the exploration of the layers and complexities of social problems.

How does qualitative research differ from quantitative research?

Qualitative research focuses on understanding social phenomena through detailed descriptions, while quantitative research emphasizes numerical data and statistical analysis.

What are some methods used in qualitative research?

Methods include interviews, focus groups, observations, and narrative analysis.

What ethical considerations are important in qualitative research?

Qualitative research requires careful ethical practices, including trust and reciprocal relationships with participants.

What is the significance of storytelling in qualitative research?

At its heart, qualitative research is about storytelling, which reflects the experiences and perspectives of individuals.

What is a narrative in the context of qualitative research?

A narrative is how a story is told, encompassing discourse, ideologies, social norms, and language practices.

What is meant by 'standpoint' in qualitative research?

Standpoint refers to the perspective and experience of the person sharing their story.

What are some critiques of qualitative research?

Critiques include perceptions that qualitative data is anecdotal, unscientific, unreliable, and lacking applicability to policy.

How is data typically gathered in qualitative research?

Data can be gathered through both systematic and unsystematic methods, including conversations, observations, and interactions.

What role does qualitative research play in decision-making?

Qualitative research supports data-based decision-making in various fields such as healthcare, education, and social services.

What is the importance of ethical relationships in qualitative research?

Ethical relationships involve dialogue, collaboration, and honoring the stories of participants, especially marginalized voices.

What is ontology in qualitative research?

Ontology is the study of being, focusing on the nature of existence and the starting point of truth and reality.

What does an ontological position refer to?

An ontological position refers to where one locates their understanding of truth and reality.

What challenges exist in understanding ontology?

Challenges include competing truths, confusion, and difficulties in reconciling different perspectives.

What is the essence of the phenomena in qualitative research?

It refers to the fundamental nature or character of the social phenomenon being investigated.

What are tensions in ontology?

Tensions in ontology arise from conflicting beliefs about what constitutes truth, leading to confusion and disagreement.

What is the relationship between ontology and ideologies?

Different ontological positions can lead to the formulation of competing ideologies and paradigms.

How does qualitative research amplify marginalized voices?

Qualitative research seeks to honor and amplify the stories of marginalized individuals, addressing historical injustices.

What is the critique regarding the reliability of qualitative research?

Qualitative research is often criticized for being unreliable due to its subjective nature and lack of reproducibility.

What is the impact of qualitative research on policy?

Qualitative research is sometimes viewed as lacking usefulness in policy arenas due to its anecdotal nature.

What is the role of dialogue in ethical qualitative research?

Dialogue fosters trust and collaboration, essential for ethical qualitative research practices.

What is epistemology?

The study of knowledge, including how we know what we know and how knowledge has evolved over time.

What does an epistemological position refer to?

It refers to what we regard as knowledge or evidence of the phenomena or social world we want to examine.

What is the scientific method in the context of positivist social science?

It is the dominant epistemological position that uses experiments, surveys, and statistics to test hypotheses with exact measurements.

What is the ontological position in positivist social science?

It posits that social reality is patterned and that research can estimate the odds of predicted behavior.

What is the main goal of interpretive social science?

To understand a person's internal feelings, thoughts, reactions, and sense of reality, and how these guide their decisions.

What does hermeneutics study?

It studies the meaning embedded in text, considering both parts of a whole and the text overall.

What is the ontological position of interpretive social science?

It acknowledges the subjectivity of experience and multiple truths, viewing social life as fluid and fragile.

Which disciplines are associated with interpretive social science?

Anthropology, sociology, linguistics, humanities, and cultural studies.

What is the aim of critical social science?

To uncover real structures in the material world to help people change conditions and build a better world.

What are some epistemological traditions within critical social science?

Feminist, intersectionality, critical disability, critical race, anti-colonial, and post-structuralism.

What is a theoretical framework in research?

A knowledge system that grounds research, including the standpoint or social reality from which research begins.

What does methodology refer to in research?

The rationale for the research approach and the strategy that directs how the research will be undertaken.

What are some examples of research methodologies?

Phenomenology, ethnography, grounded theory, narrative inquiry, and community-based participatory action research.

What are methods in the context of research?

The tools used to conduct research, including data sources and techniques for generating data.

What is the purpose of sampling in research?

To identify and gain access to relevant data sources that provide meaningful insights into the research question.

What is convenience sampling?

A sampling method where researchers select participants based on their easy availability.

What is the significance of considering demographics in sampling?

Demographics such as age and gender identity help in understanding the sociocultural factors relevant to the study.

What does 'positionality' refer to in research?

The researcher's place in the research process, which connects to reflexivity and the consideration of relationships and identities.

What is the role of Indigenous research methods?

To align with Indigenous beliefs and values, facilitating respectful, collaborative, and reciprocal research.

What is the nature of sampling in research?

It involves narrowing down the population to a manageable sample for meaningful analysis.

What does 'purpose sampling' mean?

A sampling method where participants are selected based on specific characteristics relevant to the research question.

What is the focus of critical social science research?

To critique and transform social, political, and cultural factors that shape social reality.

What types of puzzles does critical social science address?

Mechanical, processual, comparative, and some experiential puzzles aimed at driving practice or policy change.

What is the purpose of purposive sampling in qualitative research?

To intentionally invite specific perspectives from informants who are better situated to provide key insights.

How does emergent sampling evolve in qualitative research?

It evolves over time based on insights and categories that emerge through data collection and analysis.

What does it mean for a study to be thoughtful in qualitative research?

It involves confirming and disconfirming perspectives, seeking maximum variation and unique/extreme insights.

What type of settings does naturalistic research focus on?

Ordinary settings where people engage in their daily lives, such as waiting rooms or soccer fields.

What is meant by 'not predetermined' in qualitative research?

The final size of the study is not known in advance and is based on reaching saturation in new insights.

What is a key characteristic of a sampling strategy in qualitative research?

It must be relevant to the theoretical framework and research question.

What is the goal of a sampling strategy in qualitative research?

To generate rich information about the social issue and phenomenon of interest.

How can a sampling strategy enhance the applicability of study findings?

By being generalizable to a wider audience and real-world problems.

What is essential for producing believable study results?

Explanations must be trustworthy and credible, with a rigorously sought study sample.

What does feasibility refer to in the context of qualitative research?

The possibility of carrying out the study based on the time allocated.

What informs decisions about study eligibility and sample size?

The methodology used in the research.

What is the aim regarding sample size in qualitative research?

To achieve saturation, rather than adhering to a specific number.

What should researchers consider when making comparisons in qualitative research?

Whether the sample is appropriately generative and if meaningful comparisons can be made.

What should researchers look for to challenge their assumptions?

Negative instances or experiences that differ from expected outcomes.

What are common data sources for qualitative research?

Geographical spaces, social spaces, and community programs.

What strategies can be used to locate participants for qualitative research?

Social media, posters, word of mouth, and organizational recruitment.

What is the importance of involving vulnerable populations in research?

To address needs, amplify voices, and combat historical exclusion in research and policy.

What strategies can enhance participation and retention in qualitative research?

Prolonged engagement, trauma-informed approaches, and peer involvement.

What types of data might be generated in qualitative research?

Interviews, focus groups, textual analysis, and arts-based research.

What is qualitative content analysis?

A method for analyzing qualitative data to identify patterns and themes.

What is interpretive reading in qualitative research?

Constructing a version of what the data means or represents beyond a literal read.

What is thematic analysis?

A method of reading through and beyond data to identify patterns and themes.

What does reflexive reading involve?

Considering the researcher's role and perspective in the analytic process.

How does positionality affect data interpretation?

The researcher's background and beliefs influence how they interpret the data.

What is the purpose of revisiting the theoretical framework?

To understand how different frameworks (e.g., positivist, interpretive, critical) may shape data interpretation.

What is coding in thematic analysis?

The process of tagging interesting data segments with code labels.

What is the difference between inductive and deductive coding?

Inductive coding develops codes from the data, while deductive coding tests existing theories against the data.

What should you consider when developing codes?

Ensure codes make sense for the intellectual puzzle being explained and avoid vagueness or over-refinement.

What does reaching saturation mean in thematic analysis?

It indicates that no new themes or insights are emerging from the data.

What is reflective thematic analysis?

An adaptable approach to analyzing experiences, perceptions, and social contexts across various data sources.

What types of data sources are appropriate for reflexive thematic analysis?

Interviews, focus groups, and creative methods like arts-based research.

What is the significance of themes in reflexive thematic analysis?

Themes reflect patterns of shared meaning and have interpretive depth, not just topic summaries.

What are the six phases of reflexive thematic analysis?

1. Familiarisation 2. Coding 3. Initial Theme Generation 4. Reviewing & Developing Themes 5. Refining, Defining, Naming Themes 6. Producing the Report.

What occurs during the familiarisation phase?

Reading and re-reading data to understand it and observe initial patterns and emotions.

What is the goal of initial theme generation?

To cluster related codes into provisional themes focusing on shared meaning.

What is the purpose of reviewing and developing themes?

To ensure themes are coherent, reflect the data well, and refine or discard as necessary.

What should be avoided when naming themes?

Catchy but misleading titles; names should be evocative yet clear.

What is the final phase of reflexive thematic analysis?

Producing the report, which weaves data extracts with analytic commentary to tell an integrated story.

How does reflexivity continue through the writing process?

By maintaining awareness of the researcher's influence on the interpretation and presentation of data.