Am conducting two approaches to investigations my research work i-e. Qualitative & Quantitative In the former, we use words to describe the outcomes and in the latter, we use numbers.
Qualitative research:
The main methods employed in qualitative research are:
- Observation
- Interviews
- Sampling
- Written materials
- Questionnaires
- Validity
- Ethics
Qualitative analysis:
- Primary analysis
- Category and concept formation
- The generation of theory
Observation:
In seeking to explore the natural scene, the qualitative researcher aims to be as unobtrusive as possible, so that neither research presence nor methods disturb the situation. This is why participant observation is one of the favoured approaches.
Participant observation:
- Blends in with natural activity,
- Access to the same places, people and events as the subjects,
- Documents relevant to the role, including confidential reports and records,
- Use of mechanical aids, such as tape recorders and cameras,
- First-hand experience of the role and thus heightens understanding of it,
- Worthwhile contribution to the life of the institution.
The strengths of systematic observation are:
- It is relatively free of observer bias.
- It can establish frequencies and is strong on objective measures.
- Reliability can be strong.
- Generalise-ability, Once I have devised my instrument, large samples can be covered.
- It is precise, There is no ‘hanging around’ or ‘muddling through’.
- It provides a structure for the research topic.
Interviews:
A great deal of qualitative material comes from talking with people whether it be through formal Interviews or Casual conversations.
It is essential for the researcher:
- To develop empathy with interviewees and win their confidence;
- To be unobtrusive, in order not to impose one’s own influence on the interviewee.
- The best technique for this is the unstructured interview.
There are a number of techniques researchers use in the natural course of the conversation to aid clarity, depth and validity. Here are some:
- Check on apparent contradictions.
- Search for opinions.
- Ask for clarification.
- Ask for explanations, pose alternatives.
- Seek comparisons
- Pursue the logic of an argument.
- Ask for further information.
- Aim for comprehensiveness.
- Put things in a different way.
- Express incredulity or astonishment.
- Summarise occasionally and ask for corroboration.
- Ask hypothetical questions.
- Play devil’s advocate.
The researcher engages in ‘active’ listening, which shows the interviewee that close attention is being paid to what they say; and also tries to keep the interviewee focused on the subject, as unobtrusively as possible. Both kinds of interviews might be used in the same research.
In seeking to explore the natural scene, the qualitative researcher aims to be as unobtrusive as possible, so that neither research presence nor methods disturb the situation. This is why participant observation is one of the favouredapproaches.
Participant observation:- Blends in with natural activity,- Access to the same places, people and events as the subjects,- Documents relevant to the role, including confidential reports and records,- Use of mechanical aids, such as tape recorders and cameras,
The strengths of systematic observation are:- It is relatively free of observer bias.- It can establish frequencies and is strong on objective measures.- Reliability can be strong.
Answers & Comments
Am conducting two approaches to investigations my research work i-e. Qualitative & Quantitative In the former, we use words to describe the outcomes and in the latter, we use numbers.
Qualitative research:
The main methods employed in qualitative research are:
- Observation
- Interviews
- Sampling
- Written materials
- Questionnaires
- Validity
- Ethics
Qualitative analysis:
- Primary analysis
- Category and concept formation
- The generation of theory
Observation:
In seeking to explore the natural scene, the qualitative researcher aims to be as unobtrusive as possible, so that neither research presence nor methods disturb the situation. This is why participant observation is one of the favoured approaches.
Participant observation:
- Blends in with natural activity,
- Access to the same places, people and events as the subjects,
- Documents relevant to the role, including confidential reports and records,
- Use of mechanical aids, such as tape recorders and cameras,
- First-hand experience of the role and thus heightens understanding of it,
- Worthwhile contribution to the life of the institution.
The strengths of systematic observation are:
- It is relatively free of observer bias.
- It can establish frequencies and is strong on objective measures.
- Reliability can be strong.
- Generalise-ability, Once I have devised my instrument, large samples can be covered.
- It is precise, There is no ‘hanging around’ or ‘muddling through’.
- It provides a structure for the research topic.
Interviews:
A great deal of qualitative material comes from talking with people whether it be through formal Interviews or Casual conversations.
It is essential for the researcher:
- To develop empathy with interviewees and win their confidence;
- To be unobtrusive, in order not to impose one’s own influence on the interviewee.
- The best technique for this is the unstructured interview.
There are a number of techniques researchers use in the natural course of the conversation to aid clarity, depth and validity. Here are some:
- Check on apparent contradictions.
- Search for opinions.
- Ask for clarification.
- Ask for explanations, pose alternatives.
- Seek comparisons
- Pursue the logic of an argument.
- Ask for further information.
- Aim for comprehensiveness.
- Put things in a different way.
- Express incredulity or astonishment.
- Summarise occasionally and ask for corroboration.
- Ask hypothetical questions.
- Play devil’s advocate.
The researcher engages in ‘active’ listening, which shows the interviewee that close attention is being paid to what they say; and also tries to keep the interviewee focused on the subject, as unobtrusively as possible. Both kinds of interviews might be used in the same research.
Explanation:
Qualitative analysis:-
-Primary analysis
-Category and concept formation
-The generation of theory
Observation:
In seeking to explore the natural scene, the qualitative researcher aims to be as unobtrusive as possible, so that neither research presence nor methods disturb the situation. This is why participant observation is one of the favoured approaches.
Participant observation:- Blends in with natural activity,- Access to the same places, people and events as the subjects,- Documents relevant to the role, including confidential reports and records,- Use of mechanical aids, such as tape recorders and cameras,
The strengths of systematic observation are:- It is relatively free of observer bias.- It can establish frequencies and is strong on objective measures.- Reliability can be strong.