1. CASIE Workshop Psychology
Session 6: Higher Level Paper 3

2. What are qualitative research methods?
They include: case studies, observations, and interviews. (other methods exists, but Paper 3 is limited to these three methods)
Random sampling is normally not used.
Purposive sampling is preferable since you may select subjects for their salient features.
The number of participants is generally small, and may be limited to one (case studies).

3. IMPORTANT!!
Students should realize that qualitative and quantitative research complement each other.
Each is suited to investigating different aspects of behavior and should be used appropriately.

4. For Qualitative Research (HL only!)
Learning Outcomes
For Qualitative Research
(HL only!)

5. Theory and Practice
Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative data
Explain strengths and limitations of a qualitative approach to research
To what extent can findings be generalized from qualitative studies?
Discuss ethical considerations in qualitative research.
Discuss appropriate sampling techniques

6. Theory and Practice
Explain the effects of participant expectations and researcher bias in qualitative research
Explain the importance of credibility in qualitative research
Explain the effect of triangulation on the credibility/trustworthiness of qualitative research
Explain reflexivity in qualitative research

7. Interviews
Evaluate semi-structured, focus group and narrative interviews
Discuss considerations involved before, during and after an interview
Explain how researchers use inductive content analysis

8. Observations
Evaluate participant, non-participant, naturalistic, overt and covert observations
Discuss considerations involved in setting up and carrying out an observation
Discuss how researchers analyze data obtained in observational research

9. Case Studies Evaluate the use of case studies in research
Explain how a case study could be used to investigate a problem in an organization or group
Discuss the extent to which findings can be generalized from a case study

10. Paper 3 Exam This is a one-hour exam
It is made up of three compulsory questions based on an unseen text, covering part 3 of the syllabus
30 marks are available for Paper 3
The weighting for Paper 3 is 20% of the total score for Psychology