IB Psychology- Qualitative Research

Qualitative research basic terms

Triangulation

Combination of different approaches to collecting and interpreting data

Method Triangulation

The usage of different methods in combination

Data Triangulation

Usage of data from a variety of sources

Researcher Triangulation

Combining observations/ interpretations of different researchers

Theory Triangulation

Usage of multiple perspectives

Establishing a Rapport

Researchers should ensure that participants are being honest.

Iterative Questioning

There is a risk that participants will distort data. Researchers should spot this and return to the topic later on and rephrase the question.

Reflexivity

Researchers should reflect on the possibility that their biases might have interfered with their observations.

Epistemological Reflexivity

Knowledge of the strengths and limitations of the method used to collect data

Personal Reflexivity

Linked to the personal beliefs and expectations of the researcher

Credibility Checks

Checking the accuracy of the data by asking the participants to read transcripts and confirm.

Thick Descriptions

Explaining not only the behavior but also the context in which it occurred.

Acquiescence Bias

Tendency to give positive answers

Social Desirability Bias

Participants tendency to respond in a way they think will make them liked or accepted

Dominant Respondent Bias

The tendency of one of the participants in a group to influence the responses of others

Sensitivity Bias

Tendency to answer regular questions honestly but distort responses on sensitive topics

Confirmation Bias

When the researcher has a prior belief and uses the research to confirm that belief

Leading Questions Bias

Occurs when a question is worded a certain way that inclines the response in a certain way

Question Order Bias

Responses to one question can influence the participants response to the following question

Sampling Bias

When the sample is not adequate for the aim of the research

Biased Reporting

Occurs when some findings of the study aren’t equally represented in the research report

Quota Sampling

It is priorly decided how many people to include in the sample and which characteristics they should have

Purposive Sampling

It is similar to quota sampling but sample size is not defined.

Theoretical Sampling

Stops when the point of data saturation is reached.

Snowball Sampling

Small number of participants are invited and asked to invite other people they know.

Convenience Sampling

Using the sample that is easily available or accessible.

Sample-to-population Generalizability

Done by first identifying the target population and then selecting a sample accordingly.

Theoretical Generalization

Generalization is made from particular observations to a broader theory.

Case-to-case Generalizability

Generalization is made to a different group of people or a different setting or context.

Laboratory Observation

Done in places arranged for the study.

Naturalistic Observation

Done in naturally occurring settings.

Overt Observation

The participants are aware that they are being observed.

Covert Observation

The participants are not aware that they are being observed.

Participant Observation

The observer becomes part of the observed group.

Structured Observation

It is recorded systematically (checklist of behaviors etc.)

Unstructured Observation

It doesn't have a pre-defined stucture, and observers take note of whatever they think is important.

Structured Interview

set questions, set order

Semi-Structured Interview

some set questions

Unstructured Interview

only set topic, no set questions or order of questions

Focus Group

Similar to a semi-structured interview but is conducted with 3-10 people.

Content Analysis

Is the analysis that the researcher makes by interview recordings in order to minimize the researcher bias.

Case Study

It is the in-depth investigation of an individual or group.