Core Readings

Slevitch (2011) Qualitative and Quantitative Methodologies Compared

1. Introduction

• The article compares qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

• Both approaches aim to generate knowledge but differ in their philosophical foundations, data collection methods, and analysis techniques.

2. Philosophical Foundations

• Quantitative Research follows a positivist paradigm, assuming that reality is objective and measurable. It seeks to test hypotheses and establish generalizable laws.

• Qualitative Research is based on an interpretivist (or constructivist) paradigm, viewing reality as subjective and socially constructed. It aims to understand human experiences and meanings.

3. Research Design & Data Collection

4. Data Analysis & Interpretation

• Quantitative: Uses statistical analysis to identify patterns, correlations, and causal relationships.

• Qualitative: Uses thematic analysis, coding, and interpretation to uncover deeper meanings.

5. Strengths & Weaknesses

Quantitative Strengths:

• Produces objective, generalizable findings.

• Allows for statistical comparisons and hypothesis testing.

• Suitable for large-scale studies.

Quantitative Weaknesses:

• May overlook contextual and subjective factors.

• Less flexible in exploring unexpected themes.

Qualitative Strengths:

• Provides rich, in-depth understanding.

• Captures human emotions, experiences, and complexity.

• Flexible and adaptable to new discoveries.

Qualitative Weaknesses:

• Limited generalizability due to small sample sizes.

• Findings may be subjective and influenced by researcher bias.

6. Conc

lusion

• Both methodologies have unique advantages and are best suited for different research questions.

• Mixed-methods approaches (combining both) can provide a more comprehensive understanding.

• The choice depends on the research objective:

  • If measuring and testing → Quantitative

  • If exploring and understanding → Qualitative

Sullivan, C., Stephen, C., & Riley, S. (2012) Doing your Qualitative research Psychology project - Chapter 3. Planning and Ethics 

1. Introduction to Planning and Ethics in Qualitative Research

• Effective research requires careful planning, including defining research questions, selecting appropriate methods, and considering ethical issues.

• Ethical concerns are particularly important in qualitative research due to its emphasis on human experiences, emotions, and personal narratives.

2. Planning a Qualitative Research Project

a. Defining Research Questions

• Research questions should be open-ended, exploratory, and flexible to allow for in-depth understanding.

• Instead of asking “Does X cause Y?”, qualitative researchers ask “How do people experience X?”

b. Choosing a Research Approach

• The approach should align with the research aims, such as:

  • Phenomenology (understanding lived experiences)

  • Grounded Theory (developing theories from data)

  • Narrative Analysis (studying personal stories)

  • Discourse Analysis (examining language use)

c. Sampling Strategies

• Purposive sampling: Selecting participants based on relevance to the research question.

• Snowball sampling: Using existing participants to recruit others.

• Convenience sampling: Choosing readily available participants (though this has limitations).

d. Data Collection Methods

• Common methods include interviews, focus groups, observations, and textual analysis.

• Flexibility is key, allowing researchers to adapt based on findings.

3. Ethical Considerations in Qualitative Research

• Ethical concerns are central due to the sensitive and personal nature of qualitative data.

a. Informed Consent

• Participants must be fully informed about:

  • The research purpose

  • What participation involves

  • Potential risks and benefits

  • Their right to withdraw at any time

b. Confidentiality and Anonymity

• Researchers must ensure that participants' identities remain protected.

• Pseudonyms or general descriptions are often used to maintain anonymity.

c. Protecting Vulnerable Participants

• Extra care is needed when working with children, individuals with mental health conditions, or marginalized groups.

• Researchers must minimize potential distress and offer support if needed.

d. Reflexivity and Researcher Bias

• Researchers should reflect on their own biases and how these might shape the research process.

• Being transparent about their position helps ensure ethical integrity.

4. Ethical Review and Approval

• Research must often go through an ethics review board to ensure ethical compliance.

• Ethical approval is crucial for protecting both participants and researchers.

5. Conc

lusion

• Successful qualitative research requires thorough planning and strict ethical adherence.

• Ethical research is about respecting participants, ensuring credibility, and maintaining integrity in findings.

Sullivan, C., Stephen, C., & Riley, S. (2012) Doing your Qualitative research Psychology project - Chapter 6. Collecting your data

1. Introduction to Data Collection in Qualitative Research

• Qualitative data collection involves gathering rich, in-depth insights into participants' experiences, thoughts, and behavioirs.

• The method chosen should align with the research question and theoretical approach.

2. Choosing a Data Collection Method

The chapter discusses various qualitative data collection techniques, each with advantages and challenges.

a. Interviews

• One of the most common methods in qualitative research.

• Can be structured, semi-structured, or unstructured:

  • Structured: Fixed questions, little flexibility.

  • Semi-structured: Set questions but allows follow-up probes.

  • Unstructured: Free-flowing, more like a conversation.

• Advantages: Provides deep, personal insights.

• Challenges: Time-consuming, requires good interviewing skills.

b. Focus Groups

• Group discussions where participants share and reflect on experiences together.

• Useful for exploring social norms and group dynamics.

• Advantages: Encourages discussion and idea-sharing.

• Challenges: Some participants may dominate, while others stay quiet.

c. Observations

• Involves watching and recording behaviour in natural settings.

• Can be participant observation (researcher engages in the setting) or non-participant observation (researcher remains detached).

• Advantages: Provides real-world context and non-verbal cues.

• Challenges: Ethical concerns (e.g., privacy), observer bias, time-consuming.

d. Diaries and Written Accounts

• Participants record their thoughts, feelings, or behaviours over time.

• Often used in longitudinal research to track changes.

• Advantages: Captures real-time reflections.

• Challenges: Participants may forget or lose motivation.

e. Online Methods

• Includes email interviews, online forums, and social media analysis.

• Useful for reaching diverse and geographically dispersed populations.

• Challenges: Lack of non-verbal cues, potential misunderstandings.

3. Practical Considerations in Data Collection

a. Building Rapport with Participants

• Establishing trust is key to gaining honest and meaningful responses.

• Researchers should be empathetic, non-judgmental, and respectful.

b. Recording and Transcribing Data

• Audio or video recording is common, but ethical approval is required.

• Transcription (turning speech into text) is time-consuming but crucial for analysis.

c. Managing Ethical Issues

• Informed consent: Ensure participants understand their rights.

• Confidentiality: Store data securely and use pseudonyms.

• Minimizing harm: Be sensitive to participants’ emotions.

4. Reflexivity in Data Collection

• Researchers must reflect on their role, biases, and influence on the data.

• Keeping a research diary can help track personal reflections.

5. Conclusion

• Choosing the right data collection method depends on the research aims, participants, and ethical considerations.

• Ethical and practical planning is crucial for valid, reliable, and meaningful qualitative data.