Parcatical Reseerch

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SH1662

Qualitative Research
I. Qualitative Research
• Qualitative research tends to focus on how people or groups have different views of
looking at reality. An example this are the current events happening in our country
• It takes account of the complex situations in the real world. We have different cultures
that we have to be knowledgeable about so that we will not commit the mistake of
offending our counterparts.
• It studies behavior in natural settings. Behavior will differ depending on different
situations happening around us.
• It focuses on experiences or on data that cannot be adequately expressed numerically.
Again, you cannot compute the problems or happy moments you have been through in
life numerically.
• It concentrates on description and interpretation. The different specifications and
upgrades of both the iPhone and Samsung smart phone will depend upon their own
description and it is up to the person’s decision on how s/he will go about it.
• It uses a flexible research process.
II. Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages Disadvantages
Qualitative methods produce more in-depth, The subjectivity of the inquiry leads to
comprehensive information. difficulties in establishing reliability and
validity of approaches and information.
It uses subjective information and It is very difficult to detect researcher bias.
participant observation to describe the
context, or natural setting, of the variables
under consideration.
It seeks a wide understanding of the entire Samples are small and not necessarily
situation. representative of the population.
Complex cases are examined with high It cannot be used as a basis for
attention to detail. generalizations.

III. Data Collection Methods


Observation
• This is a technique used to gather firsthand data on programs, processes, or behaviors
being studied.
• They provide observers with a wide range of data to choose from, to capture a variety
of interactions and to explore openly the topic.
• It systemically seeks out and organizes data about the topic.
• It uses detailed records of what occurs, including those things, which are typically
ignored.
• Observations are monitored for evidence of personal bias or prejudice.
• Data collected in observations are useful in overcoming discrepancies between what
people say they do and what they actually do.

Types of Participant Observation:


• External participation – This can be done by watching situations, people, or
processes on television or videotape.

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SH1662

• Passive participation – In this method of observation, the researcher is present at


the scene of action, but does not interact or participate.
• Balanced participation – The researcher maintains a balance of being an observer
and participant by only joining in some, not all, of the activities.
• Active Participation –This means that the researcher does everything that the others
in the setting or situation are doing.
• Total participation – Total participation is used when the observer is already a part
of the situation, process or event before the study.
Example:
You are asked to answer a certain questionnaire that requires observing a scene happening
inside an IT firm. The advantage of which is that you will be able to see and evaluate if they
are doing it right or not. However, the bad side is you really are not sure of yourself that you
are critiquing in the right manner because observing is a skill.

Interviews
• Interviews resemble everyday conversations, but are focused on the researcher’s needs
for data.
• Interviewers are also concerned with establishing trustworthiness: between the
interviewer and the interviewee, and ensuring that data is unbiased.

Types of Interviews
• Structured interviews
o In this type of interview, the interviewer asks each respondent the same
series of questions, which are prepared ahead of time.
o There is a limited set of responses possible.
• Semi-structured interviews
o These are conducted based on a series of open-ended questions that define
the area to be explored.
o These are interviews composed of open-ended questions, but allow for
more exploration of the interviewee’s answers.
• Unstructured interviews
o In this type of interview, respondents are encouraged to share their
perceptions in their own words.
o Its goal is to elicit rich, detailed material that can be used in analysis.
o It is characterized by extensive probing of the respondent’s answers.
Example:
In an interview situated in an IT company, it will be of advantage in a way that the
interviewer would be able to gather data regarding the company. On the other hand, a
disadvantage of this is that if the interviewee does not have enough questions that will cover
all the things needed, there will be some missing data since answers derived from interviews
are basically based on questions thrown to the interviewee.

Focused Group Discussion (FGD)


• Focused group discussions are similar to interviews, but are conducted to a larger group
of people.
• It refers to a gathering of 8-12 people who share a certain group of characteristics
relevant to the research topic.
• This technique allows observation of group dynamics, discussion, and firsthand insights
into the respondents’ behaviors and attitudes.

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SH1662

• The participants selected discuss a broad range of ideas on an open-ended topic.


Example:
A focused group would help you gather more data since there are more people involved.
However, the disadvantage of having focused group discussions is that some participants
may not voice out their own opinions or the exchanging of ideas within the group may be
out-of-control.

Case Studies
• Case studies are detailed investigations of individuals, groups, institutions, or other
social units.
• In a case study, the focus in not on the generalization of the population, but on
understanding specific cases.
• They are vivid examinations of a small group of data.
• Case studies can provide plenty of information of a singular project or application as it
develops in a real-world setting.

Types of Case Studies


• Descriptive – This case study defines a current practice, phenomena or system in detail.
• Illustrative – Illustrative case studies show the new practices adopted by an
organization.
• Experimental –These case studies examine the difficulties in adopting a new practice or
process.
• Explanatory – Explanatory case studies uses theories to understand and explain
practices and procedures.

REFERENCES:
An Introduction to Research. (2013). Retrieved on September 25, 2014, from http://www.sagepub.com/upm-
data/29985_Chapter1.pdf

Case studies. Retrieved on September 30, 2014, from


http://www.shoreline.edu/dchris/psych209/Documents/Case%20Studies.pdf

Cohen D., Crabtree B. (2008). Structured Interviews. Retrieved on October 07,, 2014, from
http://www.qualres.org/HomeStru-3628.html on

Focus Group Research: Features, Advantages and Disadvantages. (2012). Retrieved on September 30, 2014, from
http://myics.org/marketing/focus-group-research-features-advantages-and-disadvantages/

Hancock, B., Ockleford E., & Winridge, K. (2009). An Introduction to Qualitative Research. The NIHR RDS for East
Midlands, University Park, Nottingham.

Neville, C. (2007). Introduction to Research and Research Methods. Retrieved on September 25, 2014, from
http://www.brad.ac.uk/management/media/management/els/Introduction-to-Research-and-Research-Methods.pdf
University of Bradford, School of Management.

Overview of Qualitative Methods and Analytic Techniques. (1997). Retrieved on September 30, 2014, from
http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/1997/nsf97153/chap_3.htm

Patton, M. Q., Cochran, M. (2002). A Guide to Using Qualitative Research Methodology. Medecins Sans Frontieres.

Qualitative Research. (1997). Retrieved on September 30, 2014, from/newpage21.htm


Woods, P. (2006). Qualitative Research. Retrieved on September 30, 2014, from
http://www.edu.plymouth.ac.uk/resined/qualitative%20methods%202/qualrshm.htm. Faculty of Education, University of
Plymouth.

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