1. QUALITATIVE METHODS- FIELD RESEARCH Research Methods University of Massachusetts at Boston ©2012William Holmes 1

2. WHAT IS FIELD RESEARCH? I Information collection Based on direct sensory input Inductive means create –questions, –hypotheses, –conclusions 2

3. WHAT IS FIELD RESEARCH? 2 Immersed in culture Not highly structured Flexible Creative 3

4. PRINCIPLE MEANS Observation Participation In Depth Interviews Non-reactive Data Collection 4

5. OBSERVATION ISSUES Unstructured versus Structured Hidden versus Open Interactive versus Non-active Method of recording information 5

6. PARTICIPATION ISSUES Degree of participation Role of participator Knowledge of participants Obligations to participants Ethical dilemmas Method of recording information 6

7. INTERVIEW ISSUES Gaining Access Starting Interview Role of Interviewer Asking Qualitative Questions Method of Recording Information 7

8. NON-REACTIVE DATA ISSUES Availability of Non- Reactive Data Completeness of Data Relevance of Data Interpretation of Data Legal and Ethical Dilemmas 8

9. FIELD SAMPLING ISSUES: 1 Difficulties of probability sampling Snowball sampling Sampling across time Sampling different locations 9

10. FIELD SAMPLING ISSUES: 1 Sampling activities/events Purposive sampling Checking representativeness Checking exceptions 10

11. MAKING SENSE OF QUALITATIVE DATA: I Conceptual categories Grouping/piling Keyword indexing Storytelling Content analysis Reconfirming 11

12. MAKING SENSE OF QUALITATIVE DATA: II Theory construction Empirical generalization Question refinement Storytelling Purposive selection 12

13. ETHICAL ISSUES: 1 Deceptive Purpose and Natural Behavior Unethical Action and Unnatural Behavior Not Helping those in Need Manipulating Other’s Behavior 13

14. ETHICAL ISSUES: 2 Is “Ethical Neutrality” Unethical? Use of Informants Ethics of Reciprocity Ethics of Compassion 14

15. ASSESSING VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY: 1 Use multiple sources Repeat questions later on Ask about different circumstances Look for exceptions 15

16. ASSESSING VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY: 2 Compare informants with observers Compare within observers and informants Share doubts about validity and reliability 16