NWL Non-medical research symposium Introduction to qualitative research Dr Matthew Grundy-Bowers MSc PGCertSH BSc (Hons) RN AHEA Consultant Nurse / Senior Lecturer (HIV/Sexual Health)

Introduction This workshop will provide an introduction to qualitative research

Activity 1 What is qualitative research?

The history of qualitative research Qualitative research has its roots in anthropology, sociology and clinical psychology

What is qualitative research Meaning is socially constructed by individuals in interaction with their world. Reality is not the fixed, single agreed upon or measurable phenomenon, rather there are multiple constructions and interpretations that are in flux and are located in time. (Merriam, 2002)

What is qualitative research Learning how individuals experience and interact with their social world and the meaning it has for them. (Merriam, 2002)

What is qualitative research Is scientific research that consists of an investigation that: Seeks answers to a question Systematically uses a predefined set of procedures to answer the questions Collections evidence Produces findings that were not determined in advanced Produces findings that are applicable beyond the immediate boundaries of the study (Mack et al, 2005)

Key differences between qualitative and quantitative research The key difference between qualitative and quantitative research lies in their different philosophical assumptions which guide their data collection and analysis (Parahoo, 1997)

Comparison of qualitative and quantitative research approaches (Mack et al, 2005) Quantitative Qualitative General framework Seek to confirm hypotheses about Phenomena Instruments use more rigid style of eliciting and categorizing responses to questions Use highly structured methods such as questionnaires, surveys, and structured observation Seek to explore phenomena Instruments use more flexible, iterative style of eliciting and categorizing responses to questions Use semi-structured methods such as in-depth interviews, focus groups, and participant observation Analytical objectives To quantify variation To predict causal relationships To describe characteristics of a population To describe variation To describe and explain relationships To describe individual experiences To describe group norms Question format Closed-ended Open-ended Data format Numerical (obtained by assigning numerical values to responses) Textual (obtained from audiotapes, videotapes, and field notes) Flexibility in study design Study design is stable from beginning to end Participant responses do not influence or determine how and which questions researchers ask next Study design is subject to statistical assumptions and conditions Some aspects of the study are flexible (for example, the addition, exclusion, or wording of particular interview questions) Participant responses affect how and which questions researchers ask next Study design is iterative, that is, data collection and research questions are adjusted according to what is learned

Different types of qualitative research and how it is used Narrative Phenomenological Grounded theory Case study

Practicalities of undertaking qualitative research a)Data construction/collection/generation b)Analysis c)Challenges/criticisms

Activity 2 a)What do you think qualitative research contributes to our understanding of the world? b)Why do you think nurses, midwives and AHPs are particularly drawn to qualitative research?

Activity 3 Practice experience of coding Read the short passage and then code it initially individually and then in your small groups

Activity 3 Coding is analysis: Label, organizing and sorting your data Summarise, synthesize and interpreting the data Iterative process Linking it to the evidence base

Text ‘Um it was in a sauna I’d just split up with my boyfriend, got quite drunk ended up in a sauna and had sex with somebody with a condom for a while and then we just kind of, it wasn’t working with the condom so we took it off just for a bit and then it was the last condom as well and we kind of took it off and had sex without the condom probably for about two minutes and then he went and got some more condoms and I kind of freaked out.’ (James, 34)

Feedback from activity 3

Questions?

References and further reading Merriam, S.B., Introduction to qualitative research. Qualitative research in practice: Examples for discussion and analysis, 1, pp Parahoo, K., Nursing research: principles, process and issues. Palgrave Macmillan. Mack, N., Woodsong, C., MacQueen, K.M., Guest, G. and Namey, E., Qualitative research methods: a data collectors field guide.