1. KNES 510 Research Methods in Kinesiology
Qualitative Research
KNES 510
Research Methods in Kinesiology

2. Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research
Qualitative research originated in the disciplines of anthropology and sociology
Other terms include: ethnographic, cultural studies, interpretive, grounded, subjective, constructivist paradigm, naturalistic inquiry, phenomenological inquiry, postmodernism, postpositivism approach, post structuralism
There are many types of qualitative research!

3. Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research, cont’d
Quantitative research – design and variables are defined before data are collected
Qualitative research – design and variables are flexible

4. Some Characteristics of Qualitative and Quantitative Research
Research component
Qualitative research
Quantitative experiment
Focus
Nature, essence
How much, how many
Sample
Purposive, small
Large, random, representative
Data gathering
Researcher is primary instrument
Objective instrumentation
Mode of analysis
Inductive
Deductive

5. Procedures in Qualitative Research
Define the problem
Formulate questions and theoretical framework
Collect data:
Training and pilot work
Selection of participants
Entering the setting

6. Major Methods of Collecting Data
Interviews
Individual/group
Formal/informal
Formal interviews generally use a pilot tested protocol
Focus groups
Observation
Use of field notes

7. Data Analysis Data analysis is done during AND after data collection
This allows the study to change shape as data collection proceeds
Interpretation of the data may include an analytical narrative and narrative vignette
It may also include some elements of a quantitative analysis

8. Trustworthiness in Qualitative Research
Overall quality of results
Can be further broken down to two questions
Is it ethically conducted?
Is the study competently conducted?

9. Four Issues—Is the Research Competently Conducted?
Credibility—accurate description of the subjects and setting
Transferability—would the results be useful to those in other settings or conducting research in similar settings?
Dependability—how well the researcher dealt with change
Confirmability—could another individual confirm the results

10. Ways Researchers Provide Evidence of Trustworthiness
Prolonged engagement with the participants and setting
Audit trail of changes during the study
Providing a thick description of setting and context

11. Ways Researchers Provide Evidence of Trustworthiness, cont’d
Clarification of researcher bias
is important since the researcher is the instrument
often is discussed in method section of thesis or research report
can’t control everything, but understanding bias and working to control it can help readers place faith in the results and conclusions

12. Ways Researchers Provide Evidence of Trustworthiness, cont’d
Triangulation of sources to support conclusions
Negative case checking to see if phenomenon is as pervasive as thought
Member checking to see if participants have information to add and agree with conclusions
Peer debriefing to have colleague challenge results and researcher provide support