1. Research in Social Work Practice Salem State University
Jeff Driskell, MSW, PhD

2. Today’s Class
Check-in
Announcements
Lecture
Qualitative Research

3. Qualitative Approach

4. What Do We Mean- Qualitative Research?

5. Approach
Qualitative analysis is the non-numeric examination and interpretation of observations.
…..Purpose is to discover underlying meanings and patterns, such as changes over time or possible links between concepts. Involves a continuing interplay between data collection and theory.

6. Why Use Qualitative Methods?
Exploring a new topic
Addressing sensitive topics
Capturing the “lived” experience of your sample
Process evaluation
Formative research (focus groups)
Used to supplement quantitative study findings
Give VOICE to marginalized and oppressed populations.
Develop theory (inductive) and generate hypotheses

7. Characteristics of Quantitative and Qualitative Methods (Dudley, 2005; Neuman, 2003)
Concepts- form of variables
Deductive reasoning
Support an existing explanation
Replication assumed
Linear research process
Structured research
Forced-response questions
Data in number form
Statistical analysis
Qualitative
Concepts- form of themes/words
Inductive reasoning
Discover a new
explanation
Replication is rare
Circular research process
Semi-or unstructured interviews
Open-ended questions
Data in word form, observations
Word analysis
Discuss mixed methods type

8. What do they have in common?
Choosing a general research topic
Turing that topic into a research question
Designing the research study
Collecting the data
Analyzing and interpreting the data
Writing the report

9. Selecting A Research Design: How Do I Know Which Design to Use???
Your research design will be driven by your study purpose and research question(s).

10. Required Skills and Traits- Researcher as the Instrument
Ability to think conceptually
Collaboration
Multitask- memos, coding, re-coding
Interpersonal qualities (observing vs. interacting)
Patience- large amounts of data to sort through

11. Qualitative Approaches (Padgett, 2008)
Grounded Theory
Naturalism/Ethnography
Phenomenological (HIV disclosure article example)
Case Study
Life course/narrative

12. Qualitative Research: Specific Methods

13. Methods Sampling Data collection strategies
Establishing rigor/trustworthiness
Data analysis

14. Qualitative Sampling
Not concerned with generalizability of findings but more so the depth and quality of the data.
Non-probability approach (not randomized)
Typically a purposive sampling
Sample size varies (attempt saturation)
Your sample may vary during the life of your study

15. Non-Probability Sampling
Qualitative Sampling
Convenience
Quota
Purposive
Snowball
Non-Probability Sampling

16. Other Sampling Types/Techniques (Patton, 2002)
Extreme or deviant case sampling- “outer edges” of a phenomena
Intensity sampling-
Maximum variation sampling-
Homogeneous sampling- opposite maximum variation. More heterogeneous.
Typical case sampling- recruits average members of a population

17. Data Collection Strategies
Informal conversational interview
Semi-structured interview (show example)
Structured interview
©2011, Brooks/Cole Publishing, A Division of Cengage Learning, Inc.

18. Individual vs Focus Group
Based on the readings:
What are pros/cons of focus group as a method of collecting data?

19. Qualitative Interviewing
Conversations are geared towards the participant and not you (avoid too much dialogue)
The participant should be doing majority of the talking
Interviews are usually flexible
May have more than one interview per participant

20. Method of Analysis Electronically Excel NVIVO Manually
Word documents printed out
Long hand- file method
Use of colored markrs

21. Exercise-
Utilizing the Squires, C.R., Kohn-Wood, L.P., Chavous, T. & Carter, P.L. (2006) article.
What is the research question (s) that is being asked? If not explicitly stated, what do you infer the question(s) to be?
Does the questi0n(s) match the research design?
Describe the data collection approach

22. Qualitative in Action

23. Trustworthiness Challenges

24. Standards for Establishing Rigor
Strategies to minimize threats to trustworthiness

25. Exercise
Utilizing Driskell et al. (2008), answer the following questions.
Identify the study purpose
Identify the research question(s)
Sampling approach
How did the researchers establish rigor?

26. Data Analysis

27. Coding/Thematic Development
Open Coding
Compare…Confirm initial codes/definitions
Codebook Development
Inter-rater reliability
Interpretation of Results

28. Strategies- A Framework for Coding (Bohm, 2004)
Process (phases, transitions, sequences)
Degree of integrity (following their value system)
Strategies (tactics, techniques)
Interactions
Identity (self-concept, self-reflection)
Turning points (critical junctures)
Cultural and social norms
Consensus (conformity vs. conflict)

29. Exercise- Putting it all together
Select two qualitative articles of your choice…
What is the research question(s)
What is the sampling approach?
Did the authors use a structured or semi-structured interview approach?
How was the data recorded?
Outline the analytic steps/procedures
What strategies for rigor were implemented?

30. Activity
Develop two research questions that can be answered qualitatively based on your assignment #1.

31. Journals that Feature Qualitative Studies (Padgett, 2008)
Qualitative Social Work
Qualitative Research
The Qualitative Report
International Journal of Qualitative Methods
Journal of Contemporary Ethnography