University:
Central Arizona College
Course:
PSY200 | Social Psychology
Academic year:

2023
Views:

90

Pages:

2
Author:

Lucas H.

Qualitative Methods of Data Collection Qualitative Interviews Common method for collecting qualitative data (Gibson & Riley, 2010) Exploratory conversations (Kvale, 2007) Focus on subjective accounts of individual experience Capture the participant's own language, ideas, & concepts (Rubin & Rubin, 1985) "Fact-finding & getting verified accounts is not a concern" Types of Interviews Semi-Structured Qualitative Interviews Most qualitative interviews are semi-structured Research questions & interview questions Research Q's: The questions to find answers with research Interview Q's: The questions asked to participants in order to explore answers to research questions Strengths & Limitations of Qualitative Interviews Strengths: Rich data about people's experiences Flexibility: follow-up questions, clarification Require small number of participants Accessible for vulnerable groups Good for exploring sensitive issues Limitations: Time-consuming (transcription/analysis) Time-consuming for participants Lack of breadth Participants may have reservations due to initial lack of anonymity May not always be good for exploring sensitive issues Focus Groups A form of group interview Data is collected from multiple participants at the same time Usually 6-10 participants per group (Howitt, 2010) Loose structure guided by the researcher (moderator) Data is produced through social interaction between participants Ask questions Challenge/agree/disagree A more naturalistic way of collecting data (Wilkinson, 2003) Interview Dynamic vs. Focus Group Dynamic Interview Dynamic: Interviewer - Interviewee Focus Group Dynamic: - Focus Groups - Strengths & Limitations Strengths: Allows interaction between participants, generating rich data Statements can be challenged/extended by other group members, conversation element of analysis Participants have more power to set agenda than in interviews Can be empowering for participants, especially when discussing sensitive or personally related topics. (Wilkinson, 2008) Limitations: Potential conformity within the group can be difficult to moderate. Some participants may dominate discussion. Transcription can be difficult and time-consuming. Logistically difficult (talking over each other) May reduce disclosure, does not allow for in-depth investigation of individual views. Other Methods of Qualitative Data Collection Ethnography Photo-elicitation Qualitative Surveys Recording of naturalistic data: Therapy sessions Doctor's appointments General conversations Blogs Books Policy documents Media texts Newspaper articles