Qualitative Research

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Flora Gordon
7 years ago
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1 Qualitative Research

2 Definitions Quantitative Research - investigation in which the researcher attempts to understand some larger reality by isolating and measuring components of that reality without regard to their contextual setting. Qualitative Research - investigation in which the researcher attempts to understand some larger reality by examining it in a holistic way or by examining components of that reality within their contextual setting.

3 Different Ways of Looking at Things Quantitative Positivistic Epistemological basis is Realism Dates to the Age of Enlightenment Qualitative Naturalistic (Post-Positivistic [PRE?]) Epistemological basis is Idealism Dates informally to prehistoric times Formally to ancient Greece

4 Quantitative Research Reality is independent of human understanding Reality can be defined as separate and observable variables Goal of research is to define and measure those variables Most accurate way to measure variables is individually and in isolation We understand reality by defining all the pertinent variables

5 Qualitative Research Human understanding and interpretation define reality Complex reality can be understood only as amalgam and not as simply a sum of its parts Goal of research is to examine complex phenomena to define the reality within To be meaningful, inquiry must be holistic and contextual

6 Researchers Argue Quantitative researchers fail because they can neither adequately define nor accurately measure enough of the variables to understand complex natural interactions. Qualitative researchers cannot rigorously examine the detailed structures underlying complex natural interactions.

7 Researchers Argue Purists contend Qualitative and quantitative methodologies are incompatible because they have different epistemological bases. Using them together is mixing paradigms. Others believe Qualitative and quantitative methodologies are simply different ways of looking at phenomena Using them together is symbiotic

8 Characteristics of Qualitative Research Purpose is understanding Oriented toward discovery Uses subjective data Extracts meaning from data Interprets results in context Focus is holistic

9 Advantages of Qualitative Research In-depth Examination of Phenomena Uses subjective information Not limited to rigidly definable variables Examine complex questions that can be impossible with quantitative methods Deal with value-laden questions Explore new areas of research Build new theories

10 Disadvantages of Qualitative Research Subjectivity leads to procedural problems Replicability is very difficult Researcher bias is built in and unavoidable In-depth, comprehensive approach to data gathering limits scope Labor intensive, expensive Not understood well by classical researchers

11 Organizational Structures Historical Analysis Ethnography Phenomenology Life History, Chronology, Historiography Case Study

12 Historical Analysis Archival Research Primary Documents Secondary Sources Artifacts Relics Oral Histories

13 Ethnography External Observation Passive Observation Balanced Participation Observation Participant Observation

14 Life History, Chronology, Historiography Archival/Historical Personal Journals Written Journals Electronic Journals Electronic Media Long Term Observation Interviews

15 Case Study Detailed, in-depth examination of a person, group, or setting Multiple data sources, perspectives Focus is on the individual or group, not the population Meaning is extracted from observation Findings are instructive, not generalizable

16 Holistic Approach Researcher seeks a complete picture of a total, complex situation There may be no attempt to isolate specific variables or to answer specific questions If specific questions are asked, the answers are sought within the context in which the phenomena naturally occur.

17 Internal Validity Validity is primarily a positivistic concept In qualitative research, equates to credibility The right setting and informants Accurate reflection of situation, informant perceptions Multiple approaches lead to similar results Multiple researchers yield similar interpretations Peer review/informant review

18 External Validity In qualitative research, equates to transferability Transferability is responsibility of reader, not researcher Provide dense description Use nominated informant sample Provide detailed demographic and situational description

19 To Seek Validity (Wolcott, 1990) (Think Credibility, Transferability) Listen and observe carefully Be candid Record accurately Begin writing report early Use primary data in report Use all data for final report Seek feedback Seek balance Write accurately

20 Reliability Reliability is primarily a positivistic concept Reliability in qualitative research equates to dependability Different researchers reach similar interpretations Repeated examinations produce similar observations Multiple researchers produce similar interpretations of the same data

21 Triangulation Multiple perspectives, data sources, researchers, data collection techniques Strongest evidence for credibility, dependability, transferability Concept originated in navigation Navigation using known points The more known points/angles, the more accurate the fix on the unknown location

22 Corroboration Multiple informants hold similar perceptions Same informant responds consistently to related questions An attempt to confirm consistency of perception not accuracy of perception

23 Constant Comparison Collect and analyze initial data Develop tentative conclusions, hypotheses, themes Collect and analyze additional data Test against initial conclusions, hypotheses, themes Seek new perspectives, data sources Write, re-write, re-assess, re-write, etc...

24 Discovery Approach to Qualitative Research Identify setting to be studied Conduct initial data collection Analyze for emerging themes Formulate tentative questions, hypotheses, theses Focus subsequent data collection to test/expand initial themes Questions, themes, hypotheses, theories EMERGE from the research

25 Analytic Induction Approach to Qualitative Research Define specific questions Define setting Identify informants Collect initial data Develop initial hypothesis

26 Analytic Induction Approach to Qualitative Research Collect additional data to test fit of hypothesis Redefine questions or reformulate hypothesis based on further data collection and analysis Search for negative case to disprove hypothesis

27 Qualitative Research: A Different Way of Looking at the World Naturalistic Holistic Contextual Rich In-depth Reality derived not measured

28 Unstructured Interview Define basic goal Select setting for comfort of informant Try to establish rapport, trust Gently guide discussion toward goal Pursue profitable leads, tangents Make careful notes or electronic recording during interview if practicable as soon afterward as possible otherwise

29 Structured Interview Define precise objectives Develop, validate, field test interview schedule (protocol) Select setting for comfort of informant Try to establish rapport, trust Initiate interview using protocol Focus on specifics of protocol

30 Structured Interview Do not accept yes/no responses, probe for more Pursue profitable tangents Remain flexible to encourage informant to talk Gently guide informant through protocol Make careful notes or electronic recording during interview if practicable as soon afterward as possible otherwise

31 Focus Group Define goals Select participants Establish rapport Initiate discussion Encourage free discussion, but Guide discussion toward the goals Avoid contaminating discussion with own biases

32 Ethnographic Observation Identify Goals Select site Establish rapport Determine critical informants Make detailed field notes Begin writing report from the start Observations external, passive, balanced, or participant

Qualitative Research. A primer. Developed by: Vicki L. Wise, Ph.D. Portland State University

Qualitative Research. A primer. Developed by: Vicki L. Wise, Ph.D. Portland State University Qualitative Research A primer Developed by: Vicki L. Wise, Ph.D. Portland State University Overview In this session, we will investigate qualitative research methods. At the end, I am hopeful that you