Qualitative Research Methods: A Guide
Demographic Questions
Record age, gender, and ethnicity/race without asking directly. Note participant status (e.g., student, faculty, advisor). Ask about their major (current or past). Depending on the interview’s purpose, other demographic or locational information may be relevant.
Essential Questions
These questions are asked to every participant. Maintain a general order but allow flexibility during the interview. Use follow-up questions to ensure clarity and understanding. Include additional questions to assess the reliability of answers.
Throw-Away Questions
These questions build rapport and provide context. Examples include questions about related topics, hobbies, or interests. They can also redirect the conversation away from sensitive subjects or maintain participant engagement.
Probes
Develop probes for each essential question to address inadequate answers (e.g., too short, not specific). Silence is an effective probing technique. Rephrasing a condensed version of their answer can encourage elaboration. Example probes: “You mentioned ____, can you tell me more about it?”, “What else happened?”, “How did you feel about that?”
Informed Consent
Participants must sign an informed consent form. This form should describe the study’s purpose, ensure confidentiality, and emphasize voluntary participation. Participants have the right to withdraw or refuse to answer any question. Adhere strictly to the agreement outlined in the consent form.
The Camera Lens Metaphor
Approach research like a camera lens, absorbing everything while focusing on the obvious. Start with a “wide lens” to connect limited information to the broader context. As questions arise from this holistic view, focus on specific events, case studies, and practices. This process clarifies the research questions.
Case Study
A case study can focus on a person, group, organization, or any unit defined by the researcher. It involves studying a particular instance to gain a universal understanding. This method allows for close observation and understanding of a social and cultural whole. While a case study may not represent the world in its broadest sense, it can offer insights into a wider reality. The process is subjective.
Complete Participant
In this role, the researcher is a member of the studied group and conceals their researcher identity to avoid disrupting normal activity. Disadvantages include potential researcher bias, distrust from group members upon role reveal, and ethical concerns regarding deception.
Observer as Participant
Here, the researcher participates in group activities while their primary role as a data collector is known to the group. The researcher is an observer, not a group member, who participates to enhance observation. The group controls the information shared.
Complete Observer
The opposite of a complete participant, the researcher is hidden or in plain sight in a public setting, but the observed group is unaware of the observation. This stance is unobtrusive.
Literal Replication
This involves applying a theory from a case study to other cases to identify similar patterns.
Theoretical Replication
This approach involves studying different cases based on a theoretical standpoint, linked to the research question.
Focus Groups
Focus groups involve a group of individuals with specific characteristics generating narrative data in a focused discussion. Participants share ideas, feelings, and perceptions about a topic or issue. Homogeneity within the group is often desired to leverage shared experiences. Ideal group size is 4-8 people, with 4-10 groups in total.
The Puzzle Metaphor
This metaphor involves identifying recurring patterns in the data and sorting them into categories or issues. It emphasizes the importance of delaying interpretation to allow for a more thorough assembly process.