Research Methods

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Research Methods

• Observations and Case Studies

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Qualitative Research

• Definition The non-numerical examination and
  interpretation of observations, for the purpose
  of discovering underlying meanings and patterns
  of relationships.
• Inference
• Synthesis
• Iterative

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Why Qualitative Research?

• Human behavior
• Context
• Research Methods are Political

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Differences between Quantitative and Qualitative

• Empirical Focus
• Theorizing
• Research Design
• Sampling
• Data collection
• Data analysis
• Standards of Evidence

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How do we do Qualitative Research?

• Observation
• Time
• Tell the story

• Discovering Patterns in the data
• Frequencies
• Magnitude
• Structures
• Processes
• Causes
• Consequences

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Observation
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Observations

• Definition Collecting data by direct contact
  with the events we are studying as they happen.
• New Phenomenon
• Lack of confidence
• Misinformation
• Highly reliant on the researchers
• Direct vs. Indirect

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Types of Direct Observation

• Obtrusive
• Unobtrusive
• Participant Observer
• Complete Participant

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Methods

• Unstructured
• Homework
• Field Notes
• Lots of Info

• Structured
• Specific Behaviors
• Observation Schedule
• System of Recording
• Detailed List
• Unexpected Observations

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Analyzing Data

• Field Notes
• Patterns
• Categories
• Differences

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Validity and Reliability

• High External Validity
• Method Effects
• Reactivity
• Bias

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Observational Ethics

• Deception
• Access
• Illegal/Immoral Behavior
• Ethic Decisions

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Case Studies
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Definition

• A multi-method approach that provides a
  comprehensive description of a particular person,
  place, organization, or situation.
• Qualitative
• Comprehensive
• Story

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Why Case Studies?

• Complex Phenomenon
• Context
• Why? Questions
• Hypothesis building
• Multi-method

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Crucial Case Studies

• Thick Description
• Hard Cases
• Multiple Observations

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Comparative Case Studies

• Structured Focused Comparison
• Questions that travel
• Equivalent measures
• Choosing Cases
• Independent Observation