Qualitative Research

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Qualitative Research
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Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research (Fraenkel
Wallen)

• Quantitative Methodology
• Preference for precise hypotheses stated at the
  outset
• Preference for precise definitions
• Data are reduced to numerical scores

• Qualitative Methodology
• Preference for hypotheses that emerge as the
  study develops
• Preference for definitions in context or as study
  progresses
• Preference for narrative descriptions

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Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research (cont.)

• Quantitative Methodology
• Preference for precise descriptions of
  procedures.
• Preference for design or statistical control of
  variables.
• Willingness to manipulate aspects, situations, or
  conditions in studying complex phenomena.

• Qualitative Methodology
• Preference for narrative descriptions of
  procedures.
• Preference for logical analysis in accounting for
  variable.s
• Unwillingness to tamper with naturally occurring
  phenomena.

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Qualitative Research Traditions

• cognitive psychology
• life history
• ethnography
• narrative analysis
• cultural studies

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Major Characteristics of Qualitative Research

• Naturalistic inquiry
• study of real-world situations as they unfold
  naturally
• non-manipulative, non controlling
• Inductive analysis
• Holistic perspective
• whole phenomenon is studies, not just few
  variables

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Characteristics (cond)

• Qualitative data
• thick descriptions
• use of quotations
• personal narratives
• Use of personal contact and insight
• Context sensitivity
• places findings in a social, historical, or
  temporal context
• Design flexibility
• openness to adaptability as research proceeds

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Role of the Observer
complete participant
participant as observer
observer as participant
complete observer
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Duration of the Observations
Long term, multiple observations
Single observation, limited duration
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Focus of the Observations
Broad focus, holistic view
Narrow focus, single element, subject
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Sampling

• Purposeful random sampling
• involves selecting a random sample so that the
  researcher can gain credibility rather than
  looking for success stories
• Convenience sampling
• involves selecting cases because they are
  available and easy to study
• the names of a few individuals might come up
  repeatedly this lends credibility

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Sampling (cond)

• Stratified purposeful sampling
• includes several cases at defined points of
  variation (e.g., average, above average, etc.)
• Homogeneous sampling
• selects similar cases so the particular group
  that the sample represents can be studied in depth

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Sampling (cond)

• Critical case sampling
• involves selecting a single case that provides a
  crucial test of a theory, program, or phenomenon
• Snowball sampling
• involves asking individuals who have a certain
  expertise to recommend subjects
• as the process continues, the researcher
  discovers an increasing number of informed
  individuals

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Sampling (cond)

• Extreme or deviant case sampling
• focuses on cases that are extreme or special
• Intensity sampling
• select cases that manifest the phenomenon of
  interest intensely, but not extremely
• Typical case sampling
• Maximum variation sampling
• involves selecting cases that illustrate the
  range of variation

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Qualitative Data

• Fieldnotes
• reflective fieldnotes
• reflections on analysis methods
• reflections on ethical dilemmas conflicts
• points of clarification
• observations
• artifacts
• audiotapes

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Qualitative Data (cond)

• Videotapes
• maps
• diaries
• logs
• historical records
• personal documents
• official documents

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Qualitative Data (cond)

• Photographs
• found photographs
• official photographs
• researcher-produced photographs
• Case studies

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Data Analysis in the Field

• make decisions about the conduct of the study
• develop analytic questions
• plan data collection based on previous
  observations
• write memos about what has been learned

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Data Analysis in the Field (cond)

• Try out ideas themes on subjects
• play with metaphors, ideas, concepts

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Analysis After Data Collection

• Read reread data, field notes, memos, etc.
• develop themes
• develop codes

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Analysis After Data Collection (cond)

• develop coding categories
• setting context
• situation
• process
• event
• strategy
• relationship social structure

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Mechanics of Data Analysis

• cut up put in folders method
• file cards
• highlighters
• computer software
• wordprocessing
• specialized software

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Data Analysis
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Data Analysis (cond)
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Data Analysis (cond)
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Data Analysis (cond)
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Technical ConcernsReliability

• Dependability
• evidence that the findings would be consistent if
  replicated

Triangulation-- Thats a handy word!
Triangulation
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Reliability (cond)

• Independent peer to examine the inquiry process

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Internal Validity--The truth value of the
findings

• Prolonged engagement
• Checking with subjects about accuracy of the
  summaries
• Peer debriefing
• Accurate, detailed notes

Triangulation
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Internal Validity--Applicability of findings to
other contexts

• Purposeful sampling
• Rich, relevant descriptors

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Summary Qualitative Research

• Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research
• Major Characteristics of Qualitative Research
• Role of the Observer
• Data Analysis
• Technical concerns