Qualitative Research

What is Qualitative Research A Type of Research: Subjective, Interpretive Inquiry A set of Interpretive Activities Seek to Interpret and Understand Meaning(s) of Social Activities, Behavior, Symbols, Interaction, etc. Essentially Study Quality, not Quantity No Transformation of Qualitative Data

Scope of Qualitative Research Crosscutting Disciplines Social Sciences, Humanities, Health Sciences, Communication, etc. Subject Matter: Actions, Words, Ideas, Impressions, Images, Feelings, Emotions Gestures, Tones, Motifs, Social Processes, Institutions, etc.

Distinctive Features No Consensus For Some: No Distinctive Set of Research Methods and Practices For Others: Some Distinctive Methods Some Distinctive Assumptions----Reality, Sources of Knowledge, Human Nature

Salient Features: Research Methods Subject Matter: Not all Soft Data Concrete Aspects of Social Life Nature of Data Dictates Certain Research Strategies, Techniques

Research Techniques Multi-method Research: Key Methods, Commonly Used Observation: Participant, Non-participant, Unobtrusive (Covert) In-Depth Interview, Focus Group Textual Material---Record Empathy; Role Taking

Research Techniques No Privileging any practice over others Quilt Making---Piece together Use of Whatever Aesthetic and Material Tools, Evidence, Skills, Craft, are at hand Invention of New Tools, if need arises

Logic of Multiple Methods Greater Details; Large Amount of Data Needed Theory is Built on Evidence (Inductive Logic) More Evidence, More Clarity About Complex Relationships, More Confidence

Multiple Perspectives Draw on Multiple Perspectives Interpretive Social Science Critical Social Science Post-Modernist Discourse, Narrative Analysis, etc.

Interpretation Attach Importance to Data Meanings of Actions, Symbols,etc. Emphasis: What Others Say Begin with viewpoint of People How They See the World What A Situation Means to Them Discovery of Coherence, Relevance to General Theory

The Context Researcher Works in the Fields where People Work and Live Fields are Context for Understanding what People Say Researchers Seeks to Get As Close As Possible to People; Tries to Minimize Distance Between him/her and People

The Context The Context is Critical: Meaning of Social Behavior Depends on its Context Data Divorced From Context Lose Meaning Example: “I Do.” Contexts : Marriage Ceremony, Witness in a Court Removed Behavior from Context, Distortion of Social Meaning and Significance

Non-Linear, Non-Sequential Flexible, Relaxed, Dynamic Nature No Fixed Stages; Stages Blend, Stages Repeated Fewer Procedures are Standardized Driven By Insight; Gained from Interaction with Collected Data Continuous Reflection on Data; Interactive With Data Collection Process

Open To Change Open To Change, Unexpected If Consideration of Additional Issue If One Approach is Not Working Techniques can be Adjusted, Research Question can be Modified Logic: Goal is to Learn More From Subjects Requirement: Research Methods to be Open, Not Fixed and Closed

Inductive Logic Move From Specific to General Focus on Cases: Single Case, Few Cases Detailed Examination of Cases Relate Cases to General Theory

Design Issues Richness, Complexity, Rigor, Breadth, Depth Contributing Factors: Combination of multiple data collection Techniques, Perspectives, Empirical Material Researcher Narrates a Tale/Experience From Different Viewpoints: Various Accounts of People Involved in an Ethnic Conflict Admit: Value-laden Research; Value-laden Data (Overcome: Report, Involve Others)

If No Quantitative Data, Then? Broad Familiarity With the Subject Integrity of Researcher; Conscientious Study; Judgment----Scholarly, Practical; Wisdom, Insight, Aesthetic Sense, Imagination, Keen Observation Personal Experience---when Collecting and Analyzing Data; Sharing of Norms Among Experienced Researchers