Items in ethical considerations
- Locating site / individual
- Gaining access and developing rapport
- Sampling purposefully
- Collecting data
- Recording information
- Minimizing field issues
- Storing data securely
How to locate site / individual?
- Narrative study – individuals who are accessible, willing to provide information, and distinctive for their accomplishments and ordinariness.
- Phenomenological study – individuals who have all experienced the phenomenon being explored and can articulate their lived experiences.
- Grounded theory study – individuals who have participated in the process or action the researcher is studying in the grounded theory study.
- Ethnographic study – an intact culture-sharing group.
- Case study – researcher needs to select a site or sites to study (eg programmes, events, processes, etc.
We have to gain access from who?
- permission from REC
- organizational body
- individuals at the sites
- individuals who can provide access to the research site and facilitate the collection of data (gatekeepers)
What is purposeful sampling?
Individuals and sites are selected because they can purposefully inform an understanding of the research problem and central phenomenon of the study.
Method to collect data
- Interviews
- Observations
- Documents
- Audiovisual materials
Steps in conducting an interview
- Determine the open-ended questions to be answered
- Identify interviewees based on purposeful sampling
- Distinguish type of interview based on mode and interactions
- Collect data using adequate recording procedures
- Design and use an interview protocol to guide interactions
- Refine interview procedures through pilot testing
- Locate a distraction-free place for interview
- Obtain consent form the interviewee to participate
- As an interviewer. follow good interview procedures
- Decide transcription logistics
Types of observation engagement
- Complete participant – researcher is fully engaged with the people he or she is observing
- Participant observer – researcher is participating in the activity at the site
- Nonparticipant observer – researcher is an outsider of the group under study – watching and taking field notes from a distance.
- Complete observer – researcher is neither seen nor noticed by the people under study.
Steps in conducting an observation
- Select a site to be observed and gain access
- Identify who or what to observe with help from gatekeeper
- Distinguish type of observation based on observer role
- Design and use an observational protocol to guide notes
- Record aspects including descriptions and interpretations of the observations
- Be introduces to build initial rapport
- After observing, slowly withdraw, using good observational procedures
- Prepare timely notes that are thick and rich in narrative description
Explain memoing
Memoing is the act of recording reflective notes about what the researcher is learning from the data.
The researcher uses memos to:
1. identify a specific aspect of the excerpt that is worth exploring
2. note its pattern, significance, or uniqueness
3. comment on variations and/or interconnection among repeated instances
4. pose unanswered questions
Memoing allows the researcher to elaborate on concepts and themes identified in the coding exercise.
How to store the data?
- Always develop backup copies of computer files.
- Use high-quality tapes or recording devices for audio recording information during interviews. Also make sure the size of the tapes fits the transcriber’s machine.
- Develop a master’s list of types of information gathered.
- Protect the anonymity of participants.
- Develop a data collection matrix as a visual means of locating and identifying information.
