Research questions should be (6):
- Clear, intelligible and unambiguous
- Unambiguous- not open to more than one interpretation.
- Focused, but not too narrow
- Capable of being researched through data collection (not too abstract)
- Relevant and useful, whether to: (3 P’s)
a. Policy
b. Practice
c. Progress of social theory - Informed by and connected to existing research or theory, but with the potential to make an original contribution.
- Of at least some interest to the researcher.
How does one select a research setting and population?
Selecting research settings and populations involves identifying the ones which provide the most relevant, comprehensive, and rich information.
This correlates strongly with the research questions which are asked and will be informed by existing literature or understanding of the research context.
What value does qualitative research have to offer for comparisons between data? (5)
- Identifying the presence and absence of a phenomena within the different groups.
- Exploring how manifestations of phenomena vary between groups.
- Exploring how the reasoning, impacts, and consequences behind a particular phenomena may vary between groups.
- Exploring the interaction between phenomena in different settings
- Having a deeper understanding of the differences in context in which phenomena may arise.
What is a control variable?
This is where two groups have 1 key variable which differs between the two of them, this is the independent variable.
The variables which are held constant are the control variables.
What are the 2 ways a comparison can be identified between 2 groups?
- Sample design–> A comparison may be identified if the sample design was structured to be that way (possibly by having dependent and independent variables).
Inductively–> This is where a comparison may be identified inductively (unplanned).
What are the common features associated with case studies? (4)
- Generally only 1 case study is selected, but multiple can also commonly be considered.
- The phenomenon is studied in context
- Case studies are detailed and intensive
- There is use of multiple data collection methods
Selecting the right time frame for research needs:
- Number of episodes of data collection required
- Study objectives give a good indication
○ Meaning real clarity is needed about research objectives
○ Priorities need to be specified
What is a single research episode?
This is a study which only involves one episode of field work- this is only sufficient when what is being studied is expected to be relatively stable.
What is longitudinal qualitative research studies?
These involve more than one episode of data collection.
What are the 2 forms of longitudinal qualitative research studies?
- Panel Studies- the same people are interviewed more than once to explore micro-level change. It is generally focused on the individual and takes place over a longer period.
- Repeat cross-sectional studies- Samples of new participants are interviewed to explore macro-level change. The focus within this type of study is not on the individual but the wider context in which they are situated.
A combination of both types of studies are frequent in research.
What factors in the design stage need to be taken into account when carrying out a longitudinal study?
- The number of research episodes and their timing
- Initial sample selection
- Fieldwork methods
- Selection for follow-up interviews
- Analysis
What influences the decision for the data collection method used within a study?
- Data collection method is mainly influenced by the research questions.
○ It can also be influenced by:
1. Context
2. Structure
3. Timing of the research
The choice between utilizing naturally occurring data and generated data methods depends on 3 factors:
- The importance of context
- Whether the explanation of the research phenomenon is likely to be sufficiently detailed, accurate, or complete.
- Whose interpretation is paramount.
What are the 2 considerations that need to be made when choosing a data collection method?
- Considering the type of data method (naturally occurring data vs generated data)
- Considering the secondary analysis of existing qualitative research data and how it can contribute to strengthen the study.
What factors need to be taken into consideration when deciding the types of methods to be used in qualitative research? (3)
Qualitative research data methods are most commonly in-depth interviews and focus groups.
When selecting between the two, these 3 factors need to be taken into consideration:
1. The type of data required
2. The subject area
3. The nature of the study group.
How do you choose a data collection method? (Large answer) (12 points)
- Firstly, a choice needs to be made between:
a. Naturally occurring data
- Observation
- Documentary analysis
- Conversation analysis
- Discourse analysis
b. Generated data
- In-depth interviews
- Group discussions.
The choice between the 2 different types of data sources depends on 3 factors:- The importance of context
- Whether the explanation of the research phenomenon is likely to be sufficiently detailed, accurate, or complete.
- Whose interpretation is paramount.
- The second consideration would be the role of secondary analysis of existing qualitative research data. This provides:
- Opportunity to add new perspectives to existing data
- Strengthen elements of data that have not been fully analyzed
- Form a base for comparison with newly collected data.
The new research that is being added to the original data needs to be checked on its reliability and validity.
Negotiating research relationships require 8 methods to engage effectively with research settings:
- Respect hierarchy and organizational structure - specifically getting clearance from senior people who dictate a lot of information flow.
- Provide clear information- about the objectives and purpose of the study.
- Being open and consistent with what is required - i.e. Number of visits imagined, time required, the range of people the research would involve.
- Be clear on the use of the findings.
- Anticipate and respond appropriately to possible insensitivities which may arise.
- Have a single point of contact - avoid duplication or gaps in communication.
- Be flexible and open to change - based on research setting and advice.
- Considering how findings can be shared and at what stage.
How can a researcher develop a good research relationship? (3)
- Make research studies accessible to researched groups
- Using appropriate language based on the research topic, anticipating potential boundaries and how to help the research participant in overcoming them. - Reciprocate
- How can the researcher incentivize research participants in contributing? Exchange help for a gift card, discount, etc… - Matching interviewer and participant characteristics
If you can find an interviewer that can relate to the interviewee, this creates a higher chance of collecting rich and in-depth data.
What are the ethical considerations that should be taken into account for the negotiation of the research relationships? (4)
- Collect informed consent from research participants to participate.
- Conditions of anonymity and confidentiality should be clearly communicated to the participant.
- Participants should be protected from harm during the research.
- Researchers should be protected from harm during the research.
