QRM - Week 1 - Ch. 1, 2, 3, 4
31 flashcards · Other · by Daniel F.
Combining qualitative and quantitative methods
Preceding statistical enquiry qualitative research is often done to help create concepts, terminology or subjects for further statistical research Alongside statistical enquiry one method focuses on one point of the subject, while the other focuses on another aspect follow-up statistical enquiry Qualitative research could be used as follow-up research when more detail or depth about a phenomenon is needed Triangulation - use of different methods and sources to check the integrity of, or extend,…
QR
A research approach that aims to provide an in-depth and interpreted understanding of the social world of research participants by learning about their social and material circumstances, experiences, perspectives, and histories. It cannot be done with statistical procedures or other means of quantification.
History of QRM
Positivism a philosophical system recognizing only that which can be scientifically verified or which is capable of logical or mathematical proof, and therefore rejecting metaphysics and theism. did not allow for discovery of unhypothesized factors interpretivism sociological method of research in which an action or event is analyzed based on the beliefs, norms, and values of the culture of the society in which it takes place
philosophical and methodological issues in qualitative research
Ontology: A philosophical debate concerned with beliefs about what there is to know about the world. Epistemology: A philosophical debate concerned with ways of knowing and learning about the social world. Pragmatism: A research approach that argues quantitative and qualitative research should be viewed as complementary strategies appropriate to different types of research questions or issues, and the appropriate method should be chosen based on pragmatism rather than philosophical debates.
Contextual functions of qualitative research
describing the form or nature of what exists what exists in the social world and the way it manifests itself unpack issues, to see what they are about or what lies inside, and to explore how they are understood by those connected with them Map the range of elements within social phenomenon Display the nature or features of a phenomenon
Explanatory functions of qualitative research
examining the reasons for, or associations between what exists why phenomena occur and the forces and influences that drive their occurrence factors or influences that underlie a particular attitude, belief or perception motivation, origin, context of phenomena
Evaluative functions of qualitative research
appraising the effectiveness of what exists how well does it work, a question that is central to much policy related investigation Identify the factors that contribute to successful or unsuccessful delivery of a programme, service or intervention
Generative functions of qualitative research
aiding the development of theories, strategies or actions producing new ideas either as a contribution to the development of social theory or to the refinement or stimulus of policy solutions into emergent concepts and allows for original or creative thought or suggestions
Reasons to conduct only qualitative research
Ill-defined/not well understood subject matter needs to be more clearly understood or defined before it can be measured Deeply rooted deeply set within participants’ knowledge, surfaced during delicate questioning Complex participants will need time to reflect on both the issue itself and on their own thinking Specialist experts can give a lot of information, which can be obtained by questioning Delicate or intangible cannot be measured and need carefully framed and responsive questioning Sensi…
Naturally occurring data
investigating phenomena in their natural setting Participant observation Observation Documentary analysis Discourse analysis Conversation analysis
Generated data
Biographical methods - life stories etc Individual interviews Paired (or trial) interviews - participants to reflect on, and draw comparisons with what they hear from others Focus groups or group discussions
Defining the research questions
Clear, intelligible and unambiguous focused, but not too narrow capable of being researched through data collection (not through philosophy) relevant and useful informed by and connected to existing research or theory feasible, given the resources available of interest to the researcher.
comparison in qualitative research designs
1) identify the absence or presence of particular phenomenon 2) explore how manifestations of phenomena vary between groups 3) explore how the reasons for, or explanations of, phenomena, or their different impacts and consequences, vary between groups 4) explore interaction between phenomena in different settings, and 5) explore more broadly differences in the contexts.
case studies and structural linkage in qualitative research design
A research approach that involves the detailed and intensive study of a single case or a small number of cases, providing multiple perspectives and allowing for very detailed in-depth understanding.
longitudinal studies
Studies that involve more than one episode of fieldwork with the same sample (panel study) explore micro-level change of the individual with new participants (repeat cross-sectional study). macro-level change, with a focus on the wider context
Choosing between naturally occurring and generated data
considerations The importance of the context Whether a recounting of the research phenomenon is likely to be sufficiently detailed, accurate or complete. Whose interpretation is paramount.
Choosing between in-depth interviews and focus groups
In-depth interviews are preferred when personal context is important as well as a detailed subject coverage Very complex systems, processes or experiences easier to locate -> geographically clustered Focus groups are preferred when groups process and interaction are of high importance abstract, intangible or conceptual topics, difficult/technical issues, or studies focusing on attitudes and views some diversity, but also commonalities is good
Secondary data analysis
The analysis of existing data for new research purposes.
Developing research relationships between participant and reseracher
use appropriate language interview length and type of questions asked, must fit to the personality and likes of the participants motivate participants
Ethical considerations for QR
Give info but not too much get consent anonimize data minimize harm
Sampling methods
Qualitative research uses non-probability samples, which consist of units deliberately selected to reflect particular features of or groups within the sampled population Criterion based or purposive sampling: a sampling approach in which participants, settings, or other sampling units are selected based on particular features or characteristics that will enable detailed exploration and understanding Homogeneous samples: chosen to give a detailed picture of a particular phenomenon. Heterogeneous…
Study populations vs sample frames
Study populations who or what is to be sampled sample frame what is the appropriate information source Existing sources Administrative records Published lists Survey samples generated sources household screen - approaching households in the study areas and conducting a short interview, to identify whether they belong to the study Through an organisation - organisations that provide services or represent particular populations can be a way to create a sample frame for groups that cannot be ident…
Criteria to select sample frame
General population samples: household screens seem most effective, unless the group are very rare Groups that have an administrative significance (property owners, recent divorcees, etc.): often most easily identified through administrative records Rare or hard to find groups: a survey sample is the most effective source to access them Specific minority ethnic groups: household screen, expand with snowballing, orgs Organisations or professionals: most quickly through published lists with furthe…
Designing a purposive sample
identify population choose criteria review of literature will identify characteristics that are known to have an impact on the subject Variables that need to be covered to achieve a balanced sample Some hypotheses might need coverage of particular subgroups Subgroups about which little is known and whose circumstances or views need to be explored Prioritising the selection criteria, which criteria is more important decide location design sample matric set quotas quotas may need to be specified…
Implementing the sample design
meet quotas document outcomes
Structuring data collection
The level of structure required depends on the specific purposes of the study. Exploratory studies can be less specified than explanatory studies. Focus group data collection is generally less structured than in-depth interviewing
Types of qualitative interviews
Unstructured (in-depth) interviews: A broad agenda is used to map issues, but the order, wording, and way vary per interview. Semi-structured (semi-standardized) interviews: Key questions are asked in the same way each time, with less probing. However, this approach may limit responsiveness to individual personal contexts.
Ordering data collection
Group questions logically and thoughtfully. Move from general to more specific topics. Address experiences, circumstances, and behaviors before motivational or attitudinal information. Introduce definitions or meanings at an early stage. End on a positive note and ensure participants have time to move away from any feelings the discussion may have generated.
Incorporating other research instruments and materials
Collecting structured data: Add sheets with more structured questions or information. Using case illustrations and examples: Root discussions in specific examples to add depth and richness to data collection. Enabling and projective techniques: Aid expression and refinement of views, mostly used in group discussions. Vignettes - prepared hypothetical examples Card-sorting - number of written or visual examples for an issue are sorted into piles or ordered Giving information or showing written m…
Fieldnotes
Record what researchers see and hear outside the immediate context of the interview. Include thoughts about the dynamic of the encounter, ideas for inclusion in later fieldwork, and issues that may be relevant at the analytical stage.
Qualitative vs quantitative research