1.4 Non-Experimental Methods Qualitative Research

Comparison: Qualitative Vs. Quantitative Research Triangulation: Combination of different research methods Triangulation: Combination of different research methods Deductive Approach: Hypothesis is tested against empirical evidence Deductive Approach: Hypothesis is tested against empirical evidence Inductive Approach: Variables NOT clearly defined. Gather data, interpret findings Inductive Approach: Variables NOT clearly defined. Gather data, interpret findings

Qualitative: Qualitative: –Goal NOT to identify cause-and-effect –Find meanings within data and findings –NOT to predict –More subjective

Interviews Common way to gather qualitative data Common way to gather qualitative data Interview Schedule: plan for conducting Interview Schedule: plan for conducting Interviewer Skills (minimize Interviewer effects): Interviewer Skills (minimize Interviewer effects): –Interpersonal skills –Verbal skills –Professional Participant Bias Participant Bias Social Desirability Bias Social Desirability Bias

Types of Interviews Structured: highly controlled, easy to analyze Structured: highly controlled, easy to analyze Unstructured: highly flexible, often only topic and time are controlled. More difficult to analyze. Unstructured: highly flexible, often only topic and time are controlled. More difficult to analyze. Semi-Structured: Combo of above Semi-Structured: Combo of above

Ethics in Interviews Be a Researcher pg. 32 Be a Researcher pg. 32 Rules Rules –Informed consent –Confidentiality –Right of Withdrawal

Observation Naturalistic Observation Naturalistic Observation –Data collection in natural setting/environment  Ex. Animal observations –Goal NOT cause-and-effect Challenges Challenges –Not easy to collect “all” data –Researcher bias  Inter-observer reliability

Non-participant Observation Non-participant Observation –Researcher not part of the group –Issues  Reactivity could be an issue.  Demand Characteristics  Researcher bias Covert Observation Covert Observation Overt Observation Overt Observation

Participant Observation Researcher is part of the observation Researcher is part of the observation –Participates, documents, interviewing, reflection –Overt or Covert –Challenges:  Bias,  maintaining balance  Taking timely notes

Ethics of Observational Research Informed consent Informed consent Debrief Debrief Covert: needs ethics committee approval Covert: needs ethics committee approval –Could info be obtained otherwise Public places usually ok, Public places usually ok, –What if private information revealed in a public meeting? Alcoholics Anonymous

Case Studies Observation of individual or group Observation of individual or group