1. Chapter 3 Qualitative Research Methods
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The Psychologist as Detective: An Introduction to Conducting Research in Psychology Randolph A. Smith Stephen F. Davis
Chapter 3
Qualitative Research Methods
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2. Learning Objectives
3.1 Describe qualitative research and its characteristics 3.2 Describe a few examples of qualitative research methods
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3. General Overview
Objective 3.1 Describe qualitative research and its characteristics
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4. 3.1 General Overview (1 of 2) Characteristics of Qualitative Research
- Human interactions
- Encompassing picture
- Words
- Views of informants as research basis
- Natural setting
Characteristics of Qualitative Research
Point 1 – Human interactions
Meanings associated with people and things
Changing meanings
Point 2 – Encompassing picture
Examines the whole of a problem or topic
Puts reader into the situation
Point 3 – Words
Lack of statistics
Reports with words
Point 4 – Views of informants as research basis
No preconceived hypothesis
Ongoing research
Developing hypotheses
Point 5 – Natural setting
Commitment to extensive research
Lengthy time in field
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5. 3.1 General Overview (2 of 2) Data Analysis - Confirmability
- Dependability
- Credibility
- Transferability
Data Analysis
Point 1 – Confirmability
Use of other researchers to check study
Indicate procedures and recheck data
Point 2 – Dependability
Analogous to reliability
Acknowledge and decide the nature of the study
Context is often volatile
Point 3 – Credibility
Study accuracy
Identification and description of subject
Participants can review study
Point 4 – Transferability
Generalizability
Thorough and clear report
Detailed assumptions
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6. Selected Examples of Qualitative Research Methods
Objective 3.2 Describe a few examples of qualitative research methods
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7. 3.2 Selected Examples of Qualitative Research Methods (1 of 11)
Naturalistic Observation
- Natural activity in natural settings
Naturalistic Observation
Point 1 – Natural activity in natural settings
Determine focus of study
Plan the logistics
Plan the trustworthiness of the study
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8. 3.2 Selected Examples of Qualitative Research Methods (2 of 11)
Ethnographic Inquiry
- Learn about a culture
- Participant observation
- Limitations
Ethnographic Inquiry
Point 1 – Learn about a culture
From perspective of member
Point 2 – Participant observation
Humans or animals
Observer as participant
Participant as observer
Point 3 – Limitations
Time intensive
Expensive
Objectivity
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9. 3.2 Selected Examples of Qualitative Research Methods (3 of 11)
Focus Groups
- Small group
Focus Groups
Point 1 – Small group
7-10 people
Shared experiences
Typically do not know one another
Use of a moderator
6-10 key questions
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10. 3.2 Selected Examples of Qualitative Research Methods (4 of 11)
Interview Studies
- Aspect of study
- Recording interviews
- Structured interviews
- Unstructured interviews
Interview Studies
Point 1 – Aspect of study
Primary
Secondary to another methodology
Point 2 – Recording interviews
Technology
Written notes
Point 3 – Structured interviews
Predetermined script
Point 4 – Unstructured interviews
Few guiding principles
Difficult to analyze
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11. 3.2 Selected Examples of Qualitative Research Methods (5 of 11)
Narrative Studies
- Stories
- Narrative analysis
Narrative Studies
Point 1 – Stories
Gather and interpret
Life histories, biographies, personal experiences, etc.
Point 2 – Narrative analysis
Speech patterns
Literature, diaries, folklore
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12. 3.2 Selected Examples of Qualitative Research Methods (6 of 11)
Case Studies
- Intense observation of one or two participants
- Paul Broca
Case Studies
Point 1 – Intense observation of one or two participants
Not generalizable
No cause-and-effect relationships
Point 2 – Paul Broca
“Tan”
Inspiration for future studies
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13. 3.2 Selected Examples of Qualitative Research Methods (7 of 11)
Artifact Analysis
- Extant artifacts
Artifact Analysis
Point 1 – Extant artifacts
Word-based
Rarely other sources (like radio stations)
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14. 3.2 Selected Examples of Qualitative Research Methods (8 of 11)
Historiographies
- Historical sources
Historiographies
Point 1 – Historical sources
Primary sources (diaries, photographs)
Secondary sources (newspapers, textbooks)
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15. 3.2 Selected Examples of Qualitative Research Methods (9 of 11)
Symbolic Interaction
- Common symbols
- Two-stage process
Symbolic Interaction
Point 1 – Common symbols
Graffiti
Jewelry, religion, etc.
Point 2 – Two-stage process
Determine symbols
Relations between and among symbols
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16. 3.2 Selected Examples of Qualitative Research Methods (10 of 11)
Grounded Theory
- Theory developed through the study
- Research questions
- Literature
- Coding
Grounded Theory
Point 1 – Theory developed through the study
Grounded in reality
Creativity-driven
Stems from interviews and observations
Point 2 – Research questions
Open-ended
Point 3 – Literature
Limited
Nontechnical
Point 4 – Coding
Open coding: labels and categories
Axial: Links between categories
Selective coding: Core category
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17. 3.2 Selected Examples of Qualitative Research Methods (11 of 11)
Participatory Action Research
- Social programs
- Fine et al. (2003) PAR
Participatory Action Research
Point 1 – Social programs
Evaluate and understand impact
Participants as equal researchers
Multiple methods
Point 2 – Fine et al. (2003) PAR
College courses on inmate attitudes
Quantitative and qualitative
College courses as transformative
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