Qualitative Research Observations and Interviews By Mary Ellen
Qualitative Research: Observations and Interviews By Mary Ellen Young, Ph. D, CRC University of Florida
Qualitative vs. Quantitative Induction vs. deduction n Generation vs. verification n Construction vs. enumeration n Subjective vs. objective n
Qualitative Characteristics Naturalistic n Phenomenological n Holistic n Hermeneutic n
Outcomes Case studies n Ethnographies n Typologies n Survey design n Theory building—grounded theory n
Theory Coding n Categories n Properties of categories n Relationship of categories n Constant comparisons n Interpretations n Hypothesis generation n
Observational Data Human perception is highly selective n Social science observers must be trained n Observers must be prepared to observed n Pasteur: “In the fields of observation, chance favors the prepared mind. ” n
Observational Data Describes. . . n n Setting Activities People Meaning
“Always be suspicious of data collection that goes according to plan. ” Halcolm’s Laws
Purpose of Observational Data Reader is able to enter the situation n Information users understand context n Decision makers informed about what is occurring n
Entering the Field n n n Preparation Safety Equipment
“Always carry extra batteries and get away money. ” Halcolm’s Laws
Researcher Roles Participant vs. non-participant observer n Overt vs. covert observations n Disclosure of purpose n Duration in field n Focus of observations n
Field Notes n n Include everything worth noting Do immediately after interview Don’t trust memory Vague and overgeneralized vs. detailed and concrete notes
Field Notes Include… Thick description n Observers feelings* n Insights, interpretations, analyses, working hypotheses* n n *Clearly labeled as such
Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle n Instruments used to measure velocity and position of electron alter the accuracy of measurement
Observational Effects n n Process of observing affects what is observed Must monitor effects and take into account in interpretations
Qualitative Interviewing Allows us to enter another’s perspective n Cannot observe feelings, thoughts, intentions n Quality of information is dependent on skill of the interviewer n
Three Types Informal conversational interview n Interview guide n Standardized open-ended questions n
Interview Guide Provides topics to be covered n Interviewer is free to build a conversation around the topics n Word questions spontaneously n Guide provides a framework for question sequence n Follow up questions, probes are used n
Questions n n n Open-ended Neutral Singular Clear Avoid dichotomous questions that seem to suggest a yes-no answer
Nonverbal Cues n n n Voice level and pitch Speech fluency Silence Distance Position in room Touch
Nonverbal Cues n n n n Eyes Mouth Facial expressions Head Shoulders Arms/hands Legs/feet Total body
Evaluation Trustworthiness vs. reliability n Credibility vs. validity n
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