Introduction Ms. Binns

 Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative data  Explain strengths and limitations of a qualitative approach to research  Discuss the extent to which findings can be generalized from qualitative studies  Discuss ethical considerations in qualitative research

 To understand human behaviour  Impact of hormones and neurotransmitters  Genocide- riots, protests, social issues  Human relationships  Abnormal behaviour  Developmental expectations  Addictions

 Based on  Purpose  Characteristics of the participants  Researchers beliefs about Nature of knowledge How knowledge is acquired

 Epistemology How can we know about the world?  Ontology Does a social reality exist independently of human perceptions and interpretations?

 Research in the natural sciences and the social sciences  Two different approaches should not be seen as competing but complimentary to different types of research questions  There is no definite answer to the nature of knowledge and science  Appropriate research methods provide a better understanding of the factors that influence behaviours in the natural world

 Natural sciences Object of research is independent of researcher Objective Value-free  Social sciences Research affects natural behaviour of researched Relationship between researcher and participants is not objective or value free Researcher bias and assumptions influence the way data is collected and analysed Researcher must reflect (reflexivity) on their background and beliefs

 Natural science  Correspondence theory of truth Truth of knowledge is measured by the results and if they accurately describe the world Match between observations and an independent reality  Social sciences  Coherence theory of truth Truth or falsity of knowledge is not absolute but consensual Truth is determined if support from other observations support it Assumes that truth can be determined

 Natural sciences  Deductive processes Hypothesis testing Evidence supports a conclusion Cause-effect relationships Generalization and predictions  Social science  Inductive processes Collected evidence supplies new patterns and conclusions Focus on understanding the complexities of social interactions Both ways are used by both groups:

 Qualitative studies are scientific, they are designed to be; systematic, rigorous, empirical and carried out to produce trustworthy and reliable knowledge  Reliability and validity are the most important characteristics of good research methods Alternate ways are used to describe validity, ensure transparency and consistency of conclusions in qualitative methods Interpretive approach- understanding things from the views of the people involved- reality is multifaceted Is there a unified qualitative paradigm separate from quantitative?

 Quantitative  Gathered from many different methods  Raw data manipulated to produce numbers  Easy to summarize and submit to statistical tests  Meant to be generalized to larger populations  Qualitative  Gathered through direct observation One-to-one group interviews, field observations  Data is text transcripts or field notes  No single way to analyse the ‘rich text’  Data can generate theories or theory can be used to analyse the data

 Describes and looks for explanations of events and experiences  Leads to solutions to social problems Schools, homes, hospitals, streets  In-depth descriptions are gathered from ‘stake- holders”  investigates complex and sensitive issues  Explains phenomena (homelessness)  Identifies and evaluates factors that contribute to solving social issues  Generates new ideas and theories to explain social issues  People are studied in their own environments which increases the validity of the findings

 Time consuming  Collection of huge amounts of text, video and taped material  Data analysis can be difficult- amount of data and no clear strategy for analysis  Interpretation of data is subjective- reflexivity required to minimize this factor

 Representational  Qualitative studies are usually done on small populations (homeless) but if research on two or more small groups confirms findings then generalization is possible

 Inferential  Transferability or external validity  Pilot projects can suggest inferences to the success of the plan in larger populations but this is a hypothesis until supported by larger application  Theoretical  Theoretical concepts found within a study can be used to develop further theory

 Quantitative and qualitative research has the same ethical considerations  Informed consent  Protection of participants from psychology or physical harm  Respect for participants integrity and privacy  Right to withdraw from the research  Need for researcher to not become personally involved (loose objectivity)  Anonymity in case studies or small numbers

 Should always be obtained except  When data needs to be gathered with the purpose concealed from participants must received special dispensation from ethics committee  Participation is voluntary  Information must be provided about study, how the data will be used and what the research requires the participant to do  Children under 16 need the signature of parent

 Physical Harm  Psychological Harm  Sensitive topics i.e. domestic violence  Disclosure of private information that upsets participant  If signs of discomfort appear researcher should stop the interview and provide information that could help participant deal with the issues

 Identity of participants should not be known outside of research team  Confidentiality is maintained by  changing the report to avoid participants being recognized  Destroying tapes and other records that include participants identity

 Go to the first slide and make sure you are able to answer any of the learning objectives  Make flash cards or create a mind map to help store this information in your long-term memory