Methods of Community Research

Chapter 4

Fall 2010Community Research Methods (Chapter 4)

1

Research Methods

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Procedures used to gather data

2 types Qualitative

Quantitative

Each provides different kinds of knowledge

Community Research Methods (Chapter 4)

Qualitative

The Aims of Community Research (Chapter 3)

3

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sightFor the ends of Being and ideal Grace.I love thee to the level of every day's

Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;

I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.I love thee with a passion put to use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath,Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death.--Elizabeth Barrett Browning

How Do I Love Thee?

Quantitative

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How do I love thee? Let me put it on a 9-point scale.

Are you kidding? Till death Somewhat do us part

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Are you kidding? Till death Somewhat do us part

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Community Research Methods (Chapter 4)

Qualitative Methods

Chapter 4

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Common Features (p.99-100)

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1. Contextual Meaning

2. Participant-Researcher Relationship

3. Sampling

4. Generalization

5. Listening

Community Research Methods (Chapter 4)

Common Features (p.99-100)

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6. Reflexivity

7. Thick Description

8. Data analysis, interpretation

9. Checking

10. Multiple interpretation

Community Research Methods (Chapter 4)

Researcher Acts

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Asking

Witnessing

Interpreting

Knowing

Community Research Methods (Chapter 4)

Main Types

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1. Participant Observation

2. Qualitative Interviewing

3. Focus Groups

4. Organizational & Community Case Studies

Community Research Methods (Chapter 4)

(1) Participant Observation

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• Participant observation:

• Researcher as social actor in community

Community Research Methods (Chapter 4)

Demonstration

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Participant Observation & Gathering Valid Information

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Value of 2+ participant observer

Selective perception Selective recall Selective interpretation Totally unstandardized

Hard to repeat/replicate

Community Research Methods (Chapter 4)

Main Types

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1. Participant Observation

2. Interviewing

3. Focus Groups

4. Organizational & Community Case Studies

Community Research Methods (Chapter 4)

(2) Qualitative Interviewing

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Types Unstructured

Semi-structured

Structured

Community Research Methods (Chapter 4)

Practice Interview

Fall 2010The Aims of Community Research (Chapter 3)

15

Describe your “heroic flaw”?

How does it benefit you?

How does it hinder you?

Benefits of Interviewing

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Allows more standardization than participant observation

More data that can be shared

Thematic analysis

Community Research Methods (Chapter 4)

Limits of Interviewing

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Relies on what people can verbalize

Depends on relationship w/ interviewee

Some topics are off limits

Community Research Methods (Chapter 4)

(3) Focus Groups

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Groups brought together to focus discussion on particular issue

Gather 6-12 representatives of relevant constituencies

Usually groups who do not know each other Why?

Priming Effects

Trained moderator

Community Research Methods (Chapter 4)

(4) Organizational & Community Case Studies

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– Intensive study of one instance or case

– Use any methods available• Participant observation• Interviewing• Focus groups• Archival data (e.g., minutes, yearbooks)

– Piece together data into a coherent story

Community Research Methods (Chapter 4)

Example of 4 methods

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High school in the community “how do schools create a supportive climate for

cultural diversity?” Pick 2 schools with different reputations:

1 supportive & the other not

Community Research Methods (Chapter 4)

Example of 4 methods

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(1) Participant Observation

(2) Qualitative interviewing

Community Research Methods (Chapter 4)

Example of 4 methods

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(3) Focus group

(4) Organizational case study

Community Research Methods (Chapter 4)

Practice

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• How could you use the 4 methods to study this research question?

• How are people affected by raising unemployment rates?

• Methods:– Participant Observation– Qualitative Interviews– Focus Group– Case Study

Community Research Methods (Chapter 4)

Strengths

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_____________________________

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Community Research Methods (Chapter 4)

Weaknesses

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_____________________________

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Community Research Methods (Chapter 4)

Project Proposals

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Write-UpFirst, your group should come up with a Community Research Group name. Make sure the write-up clearly and correctly names each group member.

 1. Why does that topic interest you as a group? 2. What types of constructs comprise the issue? 3. Who are possible key stake holders?4. What groups have possibly been unheard in

regards to this issue?5. What are some of the assumptions that your

group currently hold regarding your issue?

Due Thursday, September 16th

Community Research Methods (Chapter 4)