Flashcards
Lecture 14 - Qualitative research
Cards in this deck (16)
- 1What are the differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods?1. The General Framework: Qual = explore phenomena; Quant = confirm hypotheses
2. Analytic: Qual = to gain insight/describe; Quant = predict causal relationships
3. Data and Question format: Qual = words, pics, open-ended qu.; Quant = Numerical data, closed qu.
4. Flexibility: Qual = flexible, Quant = inflexible
5. Purpose: Qual = to explore and understand diversity; Quant = to measure
6. Sampling: Qual = reflects the diversity of the pop; Quant = generalisable
7. Data collection: Qual = Dynamic process; Quant = static process
8. Analysis: Qual = Content analysis (themes and variations; Quant = Statistical analysis - 2When is qual research used?1. When there is not much to go on
2. When you want a particular perspective on the topic
3. to explain quantitative results
4. To identify relevant questionnaire items - 3What are some common features of qual research?Holistic/in depth; aims to identify perceptions/experiences; no "standard" data collection method; small, selective samples- not generalisable; analyse words/images/objects
Uses inductive reasoning (forming theories) as opposed to deductive reasoning; has high validity, but low reliability - 4What are some methods of data collection for qual?1. Interviews - structured; semi-structured; in-depth; focus groups
2. Sampling - small samples, that are purposive (pre-selected); theoretical (change depending on the theory); convenience; snowballing
3. Data Analysis - written form (e.g. transcribes from interviews); theoretical saturation - continue interviewing people until no new themes arise
4. Coding - assigning labels to different themes/ideas that emerge from the transcipts (starts as initial coding, with lots of labels, and becomes focused coding) - 5What are some problems with qual research?1. Ensuring rigour - using methods to maximise reliability and validity
2. Must be reflexive - not influenced by researcher bias
3. Generalising beyond the sample - this cannot be done in qual
4. Time consuming - 6What are the methods used to ensure rigour?1. Rigorous sampling : sample maximizes the likelihood of capturing all views; new variables may emerge and prompt additional sampling; theoretical saturation
2. Rigorous data collection: Audio/video-taped interviews that are transcribed; confidentiality assured; interviewer must be trained, trustworthy to participants and familiar with the context
3.Rigorous coding : Immerse yourself in the data, and use a team of people to create and discuss coding labels
4. Rigorous analysis : map the relationships between themes; have a good, descriptive understanding of the concepts/themes; make sure the themes are supported by the data; use qual data programs - 7How can validity be checked in qual analysis?1. Triangulation : using different methods to compare the same data
2. Provide evidence for themes/concepts : e.g. quotes
3. Participant feedback/validation : "is this a reasonable account of your experience?" - 8What are the 3 main Qual approaches?1. Phenomenology
2. Ethnography
3. Grounded theory - 9Explain PhenomenologyThis is grounded in Philosophy, and examines the same experience from different perspectives. e.g. what is it like to live as a cancer survivor?
Methods: Data collection looks for the meaning of the experience; Data analysis is about describing the phenomena and improving understanding. Also involves researcher intuition - 10What are the strengths and weaknesses of Phenomenology?Strengths: A rich and complete description of experiences and meanings
Weaknesses: method depends on the articulate skills of the participant; little interest in explaining why the experience occured - 11What is Ethnography?From Anthropology. Most often observation. Seeks to understand human behaviour from the perspective of an individual or culture
- 12What are the strengths and weaknesses of ethnography?Strengths: rich understanding of the culture; takes context into account when examining participant behaviour
Weakness: controversial - "too journalistic"; research participation may change normal behaviour - 13Explain the grounded theorythis theory comes from sociology. Aim to develop theories "grounded" in the data. e.g. why do students drop out of uni in their first year?
Methods involve memos, coding methods and diagrams. The process is complex and has no distinct end point - 14What are the strengths and weaknesses of the grounded theory?Strengths: systematic analysis; well documented; provides an understanding of the relevant factors and relationships; can provide testable hypotheses
Weaknesses: different researchers may devise diff. theories from the same data; can be difficult to know when the process is complete - 15What are some other approaches to qual?1. Thematic Analysis : widely used; fits with the main 3 methods as it is not wed to any pre-existing theories. Used for identifying, analysing and reporting patterns in the data
2. Discourse analysis : use of language
3. Social network analysis : social relationships b/w individuals
4. Participatory action : participants and researchers work directly together
5. Think aloud protocol analysis : participants are asked to "think aloud" - 16What is a mixed method approach? and why is it useful?A mixed method approach combines both qual and quant paradigms to find info on complex research questions.
It is expected to create more reliable explanations (through triangulation) and new/greater insights. It is particularly useful in medical research, where the concepts can be complex
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- Applications of Psychology (Health Psych Rebekah (Qual and Models)) Flashcards on Lecture 14 - Qualitative research, created by amanda_211 on 03/11/2014.
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