Research Methods

The 2 main methodologies are quantitative and Qualitative.

Operational Definition: what you are measuring.

Sample: Target group you are studying. Ex-Domestic violence counselors.

Qualitative Methodology

Qualitative Methodology is used to uncover patterns within text.

Qualitative Methods look at social patterns and social settings.

Instead of numbers, qualitative methodology takes a look at a personal experiences. For example:

Examples of Qualitative Data

Debbie (blog): I'm glad to visit with people experiencing compassion fatigue. I first had this thought as a child about my mother, who was usually having some physical complaint. Looking back, I think I just got tired of hearing about it all the time, and frustrated because there was nothing I could do to fix her. And I chastised myself then, and over the years since then, for not being more compassionate. Now I notice that I was doing the best I could, and so was my Mother. And I now question my belief that I should be more compassionate, when I'm not! It has given me some peace to honor my reality.

frozenfaerie: I am going to be starting a position as a court appointed advocate, and I am very nervouse [nervous] about not having anywhere to vent. I mean You can't share any details with anyone, and I know that this could really bring a person down, so I have been in search of resources.

 

Examples of Qualitative Data continued…

Counselor #7: Ummm…a little bit, it got kind of tiring if I talked to the same person over and over again and they just didn’t get it. I felt a little less compassion for them if they continued to put themselves and their children in harm’s way.

Counselor #9: No. Well let’s see. Do you mean towards people who weren’t abused or clients? (Interviewer-It [people who weren’t abused or clients] can mean anything you want it to mean). As you know the women goes back 5 to 7 times to the abuser before she leaves. Maybe a little callousness toward the abuser, but not towards people in society. Not everyone is going to be an abuser. I would like to believe the abuser will change. I am more hopeful than callous I think. It’s not my choice. I have to have faith in her choice. Hopeful that we gave her the tools to make a good choice.

 

Participant Observation

One way to collect qualitative data is Participant Observation.

This is a method where the researcher is a part of, and participates in, the activities of the group.

Secondary Research Analysis

Another way to collect qualitative data is through Secondary Research Analysis.

SRA is analyzing documents that already exist, such as:

Political Speeches Agency Reports Insurance Claims

Why Research is a Valuable Skill to Have

Builds critical thinking skills. Companies love it.Looks good on a resume or for a grad school

application.

Know Your Ethics

Make sure you have approval from the company(and school if needed) that you are working for BEFORE you begin your study.

Make sure your participants have informed consent.

Know participants rights.

Example of a Consent Statement

Dear Participant, My name is Terra Ryan. I am a Graduate student at the University of Northern Colorado. I am currently working on a thesis for my

Masters degree in Social Science with an emphasis in Clinical Sociology. The topic for my thesis is the role that virtual communities might play in providing social support and reducing compassion fatigue among domestic violence counselors.

  For this project, I am partnering with the a nonprofit called the HealthBridge Alliance, whose mission is to improve the effectiveness of

helping professions by providing training, tools and support to those at risk of or experiencing secondary trauma.   If you choose to be a part of this study, you will a create screen name (or alias), one that does not reveal anything about you personally.

You will also need to create a fictitious email address. No attempt will be made to send email to you. Only screen names will appear in the study. Please know that participation in the board implies consent. I will do my best to protect the confidentiality of statements made, but I cannot guarantee full anonymity given the nature of today’s internet transmissions.

  Please know that clarifying questions may be asked by the Interviewer (i.e. what a technical term means).

Your real name will never appear in any section of the final paper. Please be aware that the HealthBridge Alliance will use the results of the study to promote new programs to their funders and the public.

  Your participation will probably not result in any direct benefits to you as an individual; however, your participation will contribute to

uncovering factors that cause a domestic violence counselor to experience compassion fatigue as well as to see if virtual communities may benefit counselors by alleviating compassion fatigue and offering social support. Your participation will not affect your position, job status, or employment in any way.

  Due to the restrictions of federal research guidelines, if you are pregnant please DO NOT participate in the blog.   Authorization: I have read the above and understand the nature of the study and agree to participate. I understand that by agreeing to

participate in this study, I have not waived any legal or human rights. I also understand that I have the right to refuse to participate and that I have the right to withdraw from the study at any time and I understand that my decision to withdraw will be respected with no coercion or prejudice.

If you have any concerns about your selection or treatment as a research participant, please contact the Sponsored Programs and

Academic Research Center, Kepner Hall, University of Northern Colorado Greeley, CO 80639; 970-351-1907   Thank you so much for your time. Sincerely, Terra Ryan                

What To Expect…

Go with the flow.Expect changes. • Expect to make changes to methodology,

theories etc. • Be as clear as you can with your instructions

or be ready to change them if need be.Know that it is OK to let projects go if they don’t work.Think publication.