AAR - Exam 2

A: Qualitative research focuses on understanding phenomena through subjective experiences and intersubjective meanings, in contrast to quantitative research, which seeks objective, absolute truths through measurable data.

A: Techniques like interviews, focus groups, and observations are flexible, context-sensitive, and emphasize the depth of information over breadth, aiming to capture participants' perspectives in natural settings.

A: Inductive reasoning builds theories from observed data patterns. In inductive analysis, researchers identify themes and categories directly from the data rather than testing pre-existing hypotheses.

A: The model is often cyclical, flexible, and iterative, allowing researchers to adapt their approach based on emerging insights and interactions with the data and participants.

A: Triangulation enhances credibility by cross-verifying information using multiple sources, methods, theories, or investigators. Types include data, investigator, theory, and methodological triangulation.

A: Research questions guide the exploration of complex phenomena, aiming to understand experiences, perceptions, and meanings from the participants' perspectives.

A: Examples include "How do patients experience chronic illness?" or "What are teachers' perspectives on curriculum reform?" These questions explore subjective experiences and contextual factors.

A: Levels of evidence in qualitative research often refer to the rigor and credibility of the findings, such as participant validation, triangulation, and contextualization of findings.

A: Limitations include subjectivity in data interpretation, limited generalizability, and potential biases due to the researcher's close involvement with the data.

A: Threats include researcher bias, participant reactivity, lack of triangulation, and inadequate engagement with data, which can all affect the trustworthiness of findings.

A: Forms of research participation include complete participant, participant-as-observer, observer-as-participant, and complete observer, each varying in the researcher’s level of involvement and interaction with participants.

A: Time in the interaction context helps the researcher become familiar with the setting and participants, allowing an authentic focus to emerge that aligns with the experiences and dynamics of the group.

A: Consulting the literature provides background knowledge, identifies gaps, and helps frame the study's purpose, enhancing the rigor and contextual understanding of the research.

A: A concept map visually organizes and represents relationships between ideas, helping researchers clarify connections, structure their thinking, and develop a clearer focus for their study.

A: Types of sampling include purposive (selecting specific participants for their relevance), snowball (recruiting participants through referrals), and convenience (selecting easily accessible participants).

A: An acceptable sample size depends on the study's goals but typically ranges from 5-30 participants, allowing for in-depth exploration without overwhelming data analysis.

A: Methods include contacting gatekeepers, gaining approvals from organizations, networking within communities, and using personal introductions to establish initial contact.

A: Trust-building methods include showing respect, being transparent about the study’s purpose, ensuring confidentiality, and spending time with participants to build rapport.

A: The two most common data collection methods are interviews, which provide in-depth insights, and observations, which capture contextual and behavioral details in natural settings.

A: Systematic observation is a structured method of collecting data by observing and recording specific behaviors or interactions in a consistent manner, aiming to capture detailed, unbiased information.

A: Field notes document observations, interactions, and reflections during data collection. They are essential for capturing rich, detailed descriptions that may be analyzed for patterns and themes.

A: Effective methods include writing notes promptly, being specific and detailed, organizing notes chronologically or thematically, and separating observations from personal reflections.

A: By using separate sections or notations (e.g., "D" for description, "A" for analysis), researchers can clearly document observed facts and then reflect on interpretations, maintaining objectivity in initial observations.

A: Field interviewing is a qualitative data collection method where the researcher conducts interviews within participants' natural settings, aiming to gather in-depth insights into participants' perspectives and experiences.

A: A focus group is a moderated group discussion used to gather diverse perspectives on a topic. It is advantageous for exploring collective views, generating ideas, and observing group dynamics.

A: Examples include respecting others' opinions, speaking one at a time, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring all participants have a chance to contribute.

A: A focus group moderator should be skilled in active listening, neutral in responses, and able to encourage participation while managing group dynamics.

A: Non-verbal communication, like body language, facial expressions, and tone, provides context and reveals unspoken feelings. These elements enrich data by offering insights beyond spoken words.

A: Limitations include potential dominance by outspoken members, groupthink, and challenges in ensuring confidentiality in a group setting.

A: Ethnography is a research method focused on the in-depth study of people and cultures in their natural settings, aiming to understand social practices and values from an insider's perspective.

A: Analysis involves breaking down data to identify patterns and themes, while interpretation is the process of making sense of these patterns, giving meaning and context to the findings.

A: Analytical memos are written throughout data analysis to capture the researcher’s reflections, insights, and evolving understanding, helping organize thoughts and guide the analytical process.

A: A category is a grouping of similar codes that represent a concept or theme within the data, helping organize data into meaningful clusters for analysis.

A: The researcher should review the data with fresh eyes, look for repeated patterns or ideas, consult literature for possible frameworks, or discuss potential categories with colleagues for insights.

A: Thematic analysis identifies patterns of meaning across data. A theme should be (1) relevant to the research question, (2) repeated or emphasized across sources, and (3) distinct enough to stand alone as a significant finding.

A. Quotes are chosen based on their relevance, clarity, and ability to illustrate key themes or findings, providing a direct, authentic voice to support interpretations.

A: : Reduce bias and extraneous factors that effect the study. Building trust ahead of time. Methods include triangulation (using multiple data sources or methods) and member checking (verifying findings with participants) to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness of the study.