Qualitative Inquiry Interviewing Fourth Power Point Jeffrey K. Edwards, Ed.D., LMFT © 2006

Structured Interview (Fieldwork #3) –U–Uses and other ways of gaining data –W–Writers workshop Chapter Review – 15 and 17 Evaluating a Qualitative Study Present Next Field Assignment: Evaluating a Qualitative Study Today (Fourth class) we will discuss:

Chapter Review – 15 Focus Groups (and Group Discussions) –When studying opinions and attitudes, focus groups allow for the social construction of theory that includes both the range as well as the specificity (personal meanings and diverse meanings) –Collects data in a quasi - naturalistic context

Chapter Review 15 - Focus Groups Group Interviews –Specific Topic – it is an interview to gain specific data about a specific subject. –Facilitators work in pairs, guides and directs with empathy, and flexibility, and some quality control. Group Discussions –Group dynamic is part of the process, and the diverse nature provides a better coverage than a representative sample. –The process is part of the investigation.

Chapter Review 15 Focus Groups Group Discussions –Group discussions dynamics allow the opinions, and expressions and exchanges around them to be observed in the interchanges. –Extreme views (outliers?) can be seen in process, and in recursive interchanges (heated discussions). –Problem solving process can be seen.

Chapter Review 15 Focus Groups Group Discussions –Forms of groups are: homogeneous and heterogeneous (AA Group treatment people vs. Alternative treatment people (controlled drinking people vs both together). –Role of Moderator can be to provide a formal direction, topical steering, or steering of dynamics. However the moderator’s task is not to disturb the participants own initiative, according to Flick.

Chapter Review 15 Focus Groups Group Discussions –Process and Elements Existing groups already have familiarity and roles. Artificial group (one made up for the purpose of research) need introduction and an introduction to what will transpire. (forming, norming, storming and performing) Begin with a formal explanation of the procedure, a short introduction of members, and a warm-up exercise. High level of organizational efforts can be focused on making a general group appointment. Close link between data collection and interpretation requires a circular (now and later) process.

Chapter Review 15 Focus Groups Focus Groups –Uses the interaction of group process that would not be available with a single interview. Orienting oneself to a new field (how do business consultants begin): Generating hypotheses based on informants’ insights (how do AA members view controlled drinking); Evaluating different research sites of study populations; Developing interview schedules and questionnaires’ getting participants’ interpretations for results for earlier studies (Genogram study).

Chapter Review 15 Focus Groups Focus Groups (processes) –Work with strangers rather than people who know each other (missing the hidden communications meanings). –Focus on specificity, (tracking and reprocessing). –Use a stimulus to generate discussion

Chapter Review 17 Observation and Ethnography Participant Observation = Ethnography….now you have a formal name for what you have been doing, AND you know the roots from where it came. –Observation is the practice (ahh, enlightenment) and interviews and narratives are methods.

Chapter Review 17 Observation and Ethnography Nonparticipant Observation –Observation is methodologically systematized – sensing is seeing, hearing, feeling, and smelling also, integrated into your observation. Note that feeling in your observation is OK, and should not be taken out because it makes your observations “subjective.” To every season there is a purpose!

Chapter Review 17 Observation and Ethnography Nonparticipant Observation (continued) –Observational methods include Covert vs overt observation (do they know they are being watched? Ethics ? Nonparticipant vs participant observations Systematic vs unsystematic observations (protocol?) Observation in a naturalistic vs a non naturalistic (lab of focus group or interview) Self-observation vs observing others (how much attention is paid to observer’s self reflections?)

Chapter Review 17 Observation and Ethnography Phases of Observation –Selection of setting –Definition of what is to be documented –Training and standardization of observers –Focused observation –Selective observations –End of observation when theoretical sampling reaches saturation.

Chapter Review 17 Observation and Ethnography Problems and reconsiderations –What is the role of the observer? –How can you “validate” your work with triangulation, and other sources of data; and should some of the other sources pre-date the observation or will it merely taint the work? –Insider/outsider views -- –Going Native – when is emersion in the naturalistic environment a hindrance, by not allowing for an “objectivity”? Howard Becker’s work with jazz musicians in the 40’s.

Chapter Review 17 Observation and Ethnography “Words change but the meaning remains the same” –Descriptive observation – Grand Tour –Focused observation - ad libitum –Selective observation – selective sampling Expanded field notes

Chapter Review 17 Observation and Ethnography Features of ethnography –Strong emphasis on exploring the nature of a social phenomenon, not setting out to test hypotheses. –Tendency to work primarily with unstructured data, non coded data at point of collection. –Investigation of a small number of cases, perhaps even one, in depth. –Analysis of data to make explicit interpretations, of the meaning and functions of human actions – the form of which is verbal (rich textual data)

Caveat’ Remember, however, that your method, choice of setting, and such are all dictated by your intellectual puzzle and how best (and parsimonious and ethical) you can gather the data. The beauty of qualitative studies is its forgivableness, richness, and flexibility, while adhering to rigor and method. It is more an attitude.

Evaluation For your next Field Assignment (# Six) you are to choose and read two methodologically different naturalistic/qualitative studies, and report on one during class. You will use the format from the assignment, plus coming up with criteria from the class.

Critiques 1) Author(s) Names 2) Article Title: 3) Complete Journal APA reference citation 4) provide a brief description of the study (including research question, design, and results); 5) address how well the author has established a rationale for the study through his/her literature review; 6) assess the quality of the research design and its suitability for the research question; 7) point out any flaws you see in the research; and 8) point out potential uses for the research, theory building endeavors, and potential for follow-up with quantitative research. Critiques should be 2–3 pages long (double spaced), and attach a copy of first page of the article. The purpose of this assignment is to help you develop skills in critically analyzing and evaluating the components of a qualitative research study and the differences between QR and other methodologies. In addition, from your growing knowledge of qualitative research, what other criteria do you think will lead you to a complete evaluation?

Time to work on your Focus Groups

Go, the class is ended!!