Study "Qualitative Research", a flashcard deck on FORKSAI.
Define 'Grounded Theory' as a qualitative study approach and explain its primary goal.
Grounded Theory is a qualitative study approach that aims to generate new understandings and hypotheses directly from the data collected. Its primary goal is to build theory that emerges from the field, rather than starting with a preconceived theoretical framework.
Distinguish between 'anecdotal evidence' and 'qualitative evidence' based on the research process.
Anecdotal evidence consists of stories collected without care, stored without a system, and shared without analysis. In contrast, qualitative evidence involves stories, photos, videos, and fieldnotes collected with precision, stored systematically, and shared only after immense consideration and analysis.
What is the 'causes-of-effects' approach in qualitative research, and why is it adopted?
The 'causes-of-effects' approach involves starting with observed outcomes and then working backward to identify their underlying causes. Qualitative analysts adopt this approach to explain phenomena like historical events or exceptional growth, by exploring the factors that led to a specific result.
Explain the concept of 'Reflexivity' in qualitative research and how researchers practice it.
Reflexivity is the practice of reviewing how the researcher's own positionality and biases might impact their research process and findings. Researchers practice it by disclosing their positions and epistemological standpoint, incorporating diverse perspectives in shaping research, and using data validation techniques like triangulation.
Which of the following best describes the role of qualitative methods in policy-making, according to the provided notes?
C. They assist in understanding constituents' needs, interpretations of reality, and placing communities at the center. Qualitative methods help uncover the unknown about populations of interest, break down outdated paradigms about 'average' behavior, and can place communities at the center of the policy-making process.
Describe the 'Extended Case Method' approach to qualitative study design and how it differs from Grounded Theory.
The Extended Case Method begins with an existing hypothesis or theory and seeks to confirm or refine it through empirical data. It differs from Grounded Theory, which aims to generate new understandings and hypotheses directly from the field, by starting with a pre-existing theoretical framework rather than building theory upward from data.
What are the core obligations researchers have to participants, particularly concerning 'Voluntary, Informed Consent'?
Core obligations include beneficence, confidentiality, transparency, honesty, justice, and respecting participants' rights to withdraw. Voluntary, Informed Consent is an ongoing process ensuring participants fully understand the study's nature, risks, and benefits, and freely agree to participate without coercion, with this understanding maintained throughout the research.
Define 'Epistemology' and 'Positionality' and explain how they relate to a researcher's approach to 'truth'.
Epistemology is the theory on the nature of human knowledge, addressing what 'truth' is and how it can be known. Positionality refers to the social and political context that creates a researcher's identity, which may impact all components of the research process. A researcher's positionality influences their epistemological standpoint, affecting how they perceive and seek 'truth' in their research.
Explain the distinction between 'Probability Sampling' and 'Purposeful Sampling' in qualitative research, and provide an example of when each might be used.
Probability sampling involves randomly selecting individuals or subgroups from a population, allowing for generalization from the sample to the population. Purposeful sampling, conversely, involves intentionally selecting 'information-rich cases' who are particularly knowledgeable about the research topic. Probability sampling might be used in a large-scale survey aiming for representativeness, while purposeful sampling, such as snowball sampling, is ideal for studying hard-to-reach populations or specific communities.
What are the three phases of 'seeing' in participant observation, and what is the focus of each phase?
The three phases are Description, Analysis, and Interpretation. Description focuses on objectively stating what is seen, heard, or smelled without evaluation. Analysis involves identifying patterns, relationships, and how things are organized. Interpretation seeks to understand the meaning, social logic, and implications of the observed patterns.