Qualitative research methods in psychology (Case studies and Interviews only) Javana Hardman

 Case study  an in depth investigation of a case  Used to describe, understand and explain an issue Case studies

Case Studies Strengths  Can be used to investigate sensitive issues  Studying social groups (their beliefs, etc) Limitations  Researcher bias may be a problem since the researcher’s own beliefs and ideas could influence data collection  Findings from a single case study is hard to be generalized

 Semi-structured interview: (characteristics)  interview guide  flexible with the structure and depth of the interview  open and closed ended questions  informal and conversational  face to face interviews. Interviews

Semi- structured interview Strengths  Themes to explore are decided beforehand – in the interview guide  The researcher can get in depth responses  Can be used to study socially sensitive issues Limitations  Limited space to explore themes that have not been planned beforehand  Analysis of the data can be time consuming  May not be ecologically valid

 Group of 6-10 people interviewed at the same time  Group interaction  Participants interact with each other as they would in real life  Generates rich data with discussions and reponses Focus group interview

Strengths  Efficient way to collect a lot of data at the same time  Natural setting for interactions between participants  Can be used to discuss socially sensitive issues Limitations  May result in conformity – will not represent the individual participant’s beliefs  Participants may not want to give out personal information to a group of people

 Individual interpretations of experiences  Interviewer cannot interrupt during the narrative interview  Narrative may be constructed with an opening, a middle and an ending. Narrative interview

Strengths  In-depth understanding of peoples experiences  Can be used with all people  Able to talk freely without being interrupted  Useful in going into socially sensitive issues Limitations  Time consuming to transcribe and analyze the data  Narrative does not have structure- may go in many different directions  Ethical issues involved in having people tell about traumatic experiences