There are 4 functions of Qualitative Research:
- Contextual
- Explanatory
- Evaluative
- Generative
Define and explain the “contextual” function of Qualitative Research:
- Contextual: The concept. This is describing the form and nature of something that exists.
a. It identifies what exists in the social world and in what ways it reveals itself.
Define and explain the “explanatory” function of Qualitative Research:
- Explanatory: This examines the reason behind why something exists.
a. This is often the reasoning behind phenomena and what factors influence it’s appearance.
Define and explain the “evaluative” function of Qualitative Research:
- Evaluative: Assess the effectiveness of something that exists and the dynamics behind its operation.
a. When does something work or not work?
Define and explain the “generative” function of Qualitative Research:
- Generative: The formation of new ideas (theories, settings, or actions).
There are several situations which require qualitative research (6):
- The phenomenon to be studied is poorly defined or poorly understood.
- The phenomenon that is being investigated is deeply rooted.
a. This could be a participant’s personal knowledge or understanding of themselves. - The phenomenon being studied is complex.
- There is a specialized role in society towards the research.
a. i.e. Public figures or experts. - The phenomenon that is being investigated is either intangible or fragile.
a. An example may include a culture of a community. - The phenomenon to be investigated is sensitive.
Approaches within Qualitative data can be split into 2 groups:
- Naturally Occurring Data - This is where the phenomenon being researched is in its natural setting and the data arises within that research.
- Generated Data - This method provides insight into participants’ own perspectives and interpretations by reconstructing beliefs, behaviors, or other phenomena.
What are the commondata collection approaches within Naturally Occurring Data? (5.5)
- Participant observation - this is where the researcher collects data by joining the research population. As it is the researchers personal experience, further insight may be produced.
- Observation- the researcher observes the research population but does not join them.
- Documentary analysis- examining existing documents.
- Discourse analysis- This is the construction of texts (written documents, speeches, interviews, and conversations) which are examined to discover systems of social meaning.
- Conversation analysis: The words during an interaction are examined to determine the structure of the conversation
○ Speech analysis- therefore utilizes features of both documentary analysis and conversational analysis.
Participant observation:
This is where the researcher collects data by joining the research population. As it is the researchers personal experience, further insight may be produced.
Observation:
The researcher observes the research population but does not join them.
Documentary analysis:
Examining existing documents.
Discourse analysis:
This is the construction of texts (written documents, speeches, interviews, and conversations) which are examined to discover systems of social meaning.
Conversation analysis:
The words during an interaction are examined to determine the structure of the conversation
Speech analysis:
Therefore utilizes features of both documentary analysis and conversational analysis.
What are the common approaches within generated data? (4)
- Biographical methods
- Individual interviews
- Paired (or trial) interviews
- Focus groups or group discussions
Biographical methods:
Phenomenon is examined through life stories, narratives, and re-written auto-biographies.
Individual interviews:
Detailed research towards an individuals perspectives.
Paired (or trial) interviews:
In-depth interviews conducted with 2 individuals simultaneously.
Focus groups or group discussions:
Several participants coming together to discuss the research topic within the group.
What are the 3 ways of combining qualitative and quantitative research?
- Preceding statistical enquiry
- Alongside statistical enquiry
- As a follow-up to statistical enquiry
When should “preceding statistical enquiry” be used and what does it produce? (3 + 3)
- This method can be utilized when
○ The subject matter is complex
○ Identification of underlying constructs is needed before making relevant questions.
○ Where many items need to be configured to measure attitudes or behaviors. - This method produces:
○ Appropriate dimensions to include
○ Generates the “real life” language which they should be framed.
○ Possible hypotheses for statistical testing
§ This is because qualitative research may identify possible connections between phenomena that may not commonly be considered.
When should “alongside statistical enquiry” be used and what does it produce? (2 + 2)
- This method can be utilized when:
○ Phenomenon is too complex or delicate to be captured fully in numerical form
○ There is an evaluative study - Which produces:
○ Qualitative research further capturing detail or understanding behind the complexity.
○ An outcome where a numerical measurement is needed (quantitative) alongside some investigation of process (qualitative).
When should “as a follow-up to statistical enquiry” be used and what does it produce? (3 + 3)
- This method can be utilized when:
○ Statistical enquiries present findings that need further explanation/depth about the phenomenon
○ Exploring issues among particular subgroups of interest. - Which produces:
○ Greater understanding of the factors underlying a problem.
○ Stronger linkages between 2 sources of information.
