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Spring 2006 Qualitative Research-- Simpson 1 What is Qualitative Research? A holistic approach to questions--a recognition that human realities are complex. Broad questions. The focus is on human experience The research strategies used generally feature sustained contact with people in settings where those people normally spend their time. Contexts of Human Behavior.

Introduction Qualitative Research (Lecture 4) 26-04-2015

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  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*What is Qualitative Research?A holistic approach to questions--a recognition that human realities are complex. Broad questions.The focus is on human experienceThe research strategies used generally feature sustained contact with people in settings where those people normally spend their time. Contexts of Human Behavior.

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Qualitative Research cont.There is typically a high level of researcher involvement with subjects; strategies of participant observation and in-depth, unstructured interviews are often used.The data produced provide a description, usually narrative, of people living through events in situations.

    Cited from Boyd, pp. 67-68 in Munhall, 2001

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Types of Qualitative Data1.Interviews

    2.Observations

    3.Documents

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Types of Qualitative Data1. InterviewsOpen-ended questions and probes yield in-depth responses about peoples experiences, opinions, perceptions, feelings and knowledge.

    Data consist of verbatim quotations with sufficient context to be interpretable.

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Types of Qualitative Data cont.2. ObservationsFieldwork descriptions of activities, behaviors, actions, conversations, interpersonal interactions, organizational or community processes, or any other aspect of observable human experience.

    Data consist of field notes: rich detailed descriptions, including the context within which the observations were made.

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Types of Qualitative Data cont.3. DocumentsWritten materials and other documents, programs records; memoranda and correspondence; official publications and reports; personal diaries, letters, artistic works, photographs, and memorabilia; and written responses to open-ended surveys.

    Data consists of excerpts from documents captured in a way that records and preserves context.

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Qualitative Traditions of Inquiry1. Biography--Life history, oral history2.Phenomenology--The lived experience3.Grounded theory4.Ethnography5.Case Study

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Biographical Study

    The study of an individual and her or his experiences as told to the researcher or found in documents and archival material.

    Life history--The study of an individuals life and how it reflects cultural themes of the society.

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Biographical Study cont.Oral history--The researcher gathers personal recollections of events, their causes, and their effects from and individual or several individuals.

    The researcher needs to collect extensive information about the subject of the biography

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Biographical Study cont.

    The writer, using an interpretive approach, needs to be able to bring himself or herself into the narrative and acknowledge his or her standpoint.

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*PhenomenologyDescribes the meaning of the lived experience about a concept or a phenomenon for several individuals.

    It has roots in the philosophical perspectives of Husserl, Heidegger, Sartre, Merleau-Ponty, etc.--Max Van Manen, Munhall (Nursing)

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*PhenomenologyMoustakas, 1994, p. 13: to determine what an experience means for the persons who have had the experience and are able to provide a comprehensive description of it. From the individual descriptions, general or universal meanings are derived, in other words, the essences of structures of the experience.

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Grounded Theory

    Based on Symbolic Interactionism which posits that humans act and interact on the basis of symbols, which have meaning and value for the actors.

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Grounded Theory cont.The intent of grounded theory is to generate or discover a theory that relates to a particular situation. If little is known about a topic, grounded theory is especially useful

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Grounded Theory cont.

    Usually have a question, dont do a literature review in the beginning.

    Usually do 20-30 interviews (maybe more than one time for each person)

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Grounded Theory cont.

    Data collection and analysis occur simultaneously, until saturation is reached.

    Data reviewed and coded for categories and themes.

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Grounded Theory cont.Data analysis generates a visual picture, a narrative statement or a series of hypotheses with a central phenomenon, causal conditions, context and consequences.

    The researcher needs to set aside theoretical ideas or notions so that analytical or substantive theories can emerge from the data.

    Systematic approach

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*EthnographyA description and interpretation of a cultural or social group or system. The researcher examines the groups observable and learned patterns of behavior, customs, and ways of life.

    Involves prolonged observation of the group, typically through participant observation.

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Ethnography

    Field WorkKey InformantsThick descriptionEmic (insider group perspective) and Etic (researchers interpretation of social life).Context important, need holistic view.Need grounding in anthropology.

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Ethnography cont.

    Need extensive time to collect data

    Many ethnographies may be written in a narrative or story telling approach which may be difficult for the audience accustomed to usual social science writing.

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Ethnography cont.

    May incorporate quantitative data and archival documents.

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Case StudyA case study is an exploration of a bounded system or a case (or multiple cases) over time through detailed, in-depth data collection involving multiple sources of information rich in context.

    The context of the case involves situating the case within its setting. which may be physical, social, historical and/or economic.

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Case Study cont.

    Data collection strategies include direct observation, interviews, documents, archival records, participant observation, physical artifacts and audiovisual materials.

    Analysis of themes, or issues and an interpretation of the case by the researcher.

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Designing a Qualitative StudyProblem Statement or Statement of Need for the StudyNo hypothesis; Research questions which you want to answer instead.Opinions differ about the extent of literature needed before a study begins.Need to identify the gaps in knowledge about the topic.

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Qualitative Study Design cont.Research questions that are too broad:Does Buddhism account for the patience that seems to dominate the Thai world view?

    How do leaders make their decisions?

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Qualitative Study Design cont.Research questions better answered by quicker means:

    What television programs do Brazilians watch most?

    Where can you buy postage stamps in Italy?

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Qualitative Study Design cont.Examples of Qualitative QuestionsWhat do people in this setting have to know in order to do what they are doing?

    What is the story that can be told from these experiences?

    What are the underlying themes and contexts that account for the experience?

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Qualitative Sampling Strategies

    No probability sampling

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Sampling Strategies cont.Decisions about sampling and sampling strategies depend on the unit of analysis which has been determined.individual peopleprogram, group organization or communitygenders, ethnic groups, older and younger

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Sampling Strategies cont. Purposeful or Judgment SamplingIn judgment sampling, you decide the purpose you want informants (or communities) to serve, and you go out to find some Bernard, 2000:176

    Key Informants are people who are particularly knowledgeable about the inquiry setting and articulate about their knowledge.

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Sampling Strategies cont. Purposeful Sampling StrategiesMaximum variationHomogeneousCritical caseTheory basedConfirming and disconfirming cases

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Sampling Strategies cont.Snowball or chain Extreme or deviant caseTypical caseIntensityPolitically important casesRandom purposeful

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Sampling Strategies cont.

    Stratified purposefulCriterionOpportunisticCombination or mixedConvenience

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Qualitative Data CollectionRather than developing an instrument to use, the qualitative researcher is the instrument.Recording data: Field notes, tape recorders, video and photographic dataInterviews must be transcribed.

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Fieldwork Strategies and ObservationsIn the fields of observation, chance favors the prepared mind. Louis Pasteur

    People only see what they are prepared to see. Ralph Waldo Emerson

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Fieldwork ObservationsLearn to pay attention, see what there is to see, and hear what there is to hear.Practice writing descriptivelyAcquiring discipline in recording field notesKnowing how to separate detail from trivia to achieve the former without being overwhelmed by the latter.

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Fieldwork Observations cont.Use rigorous methods to validate and triangulate observations.Reporting strengths and limitations of ones own perspective, which requires both self-knowledge and self-disclosure.Participant observer or onlooker or both

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Qualitative Interviewing1. Informal conversational interview

    2. Interview guide approach

    3. Standardized open-ended interview

    4. Closed, fixed-response interview

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Qualitative Interviewing cont.Sequencing questionsUse words that make sense to the people being interviewed.Ask truly open-ended questionsAvoid questions which can be answered with a yes or no.One idea per question.Be careful with Why questions.

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Qualitative Data AnalysisWhen does analysis begin? During data collection.Thick description is the foundation for qualitative analysis and reporting.Organize the data. Read all the data and get a sense of the whole.Coding for recurring themes and categories

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Qualitative Data AnalysisComputer-assisted qualitative data management and analysisEthnographNUD*IST (Non-numerical Unstructured Data With Indexing, Searching and Theorizing) QSR N6 and QSR NVivoATLAS.ti

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*Qualitative Data AnalysisCoding dataFinding PatternsLabeling ThemesDeveloping Category SystemsLooking for emergent patterns in the data

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • Spring 2006Qualitative Research--Simpson*ReferencesBernard, H.R. (2000). Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: SageCreswell, J.W. (1998). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Traditions. Thousand Oaks, CA: SageMunhall, P.L. (2001). Nursing Research: A Qualitative Perspective, 3rd Edition. Sudbury, MA: Jones and BartlettPatton, M.Q. (2002). Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods, 3rd Edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • 6-* 2007 Pearson Education CanadaQualitative and Quantitative Research Contrasted

    QUALITATIVEQUANTITATIVE Multiple realities Single reality Reality is socially constructed Reality is objective Reality is context interrelated Reality is context freeHolistic Reductionistic Strong philosophical perspective Strong theoretical base Reasoning is inductive Reasoning is deductive and inductive Discovery of meaning is the basis of knowledge Cause-and-effect relationships are the bases of knowledge Develops theory Tests theory

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

  • 6-* 2007 Pearson Education Canada Qualitative and Quantitative Research Contrasted (continued)

    QUALITATIVEQUANTITATIVE Theory developed during study Theory developed a priori Meaning of concepts Measurement of variables Process oriented Outcome oriented Control unimportant Control important Rich descriptions Precise measurement of variables Basic element of analysis is words Basic element of analysis is numbers Uniqueness Generalization Trustworthiness of findings Control of error

    Qualitative Research--Simpson

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