USING COMMAND TERMS – PRACTICE 1 ATKINSON, D THE USE OF PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION AND RESPONDENT DIARIES IN A STUDY OF ORDINARY LIVING

PRACTICE 1 1.This study attempts to establish the credibility of participants observation as a research method. Explain the importance of credibility in qualitative research? Explain – give a detailed account including reason or causes 1. what is credibility? 2. How believable are the researchers conclusions? 3. why is credibility important? 4. any research bias? 5. Did the participants demonstrate demand characteristics?

PRACTICE 1 CONT., 2. Evaluate the use of the participant observation as a research method in the context of this study. Evaluate – asks to assess the strengths and the limitations 1. note – there is no correct conclusion to make, therefore to score points it is important to provide sound strengths and limitations in conclusion. a. State the aim of the study b. Identify the type of observation used c. Evaluate [keep in mind demand characteristics, social desirability bias, participant bias, researcher bias] d. Do these strengths and limitations (evaluations) apply to the context of the study – (not cause and effect)? e. End with a clear statement indicating your conclusion.

3. This study used a checklist to guide the observer in making detained notes about behavior she observed. Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative data that could be obtained in a study such as this. Distinguish – to make clear the difference between two or more concepts qualitative vs. quantitative ALWAYS DISCUSS THE QUESTION IN TERMS OF THE STUDY BEING EVALUATED. DO NOT SIMPLY GIVE A DEFINITION OF QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE.