Qualitative Research Methods

EXECUTING THE INTRVW :DOS N DONTS (practive intrvws (intrvw trianing) then mock intrvws (30-40 hrs))

*Creating n sustaining a rapport= relation marked by harmony, conformity, accors, or affirmity, or tht mysterious necessity of fieldwrk. Joins the intrvwr n membr; 2 levels= report level (content of talk) n command level (how the talk is 2 b taken).**Doing ?s n Answers: let membr talk at their pace, probe 4 further details. Single ur listening by asking follow-up ?s. Use transitions; paraphrase often (restate n diff words); show supportiveness of membr; be flexible n adaptiveLIMITS of qual intrvwng= enormous amount of data; membr go off course; may be hesitant 2 talk

DISCOURSE ANALYSIS N CONVO ANALYSIS

*Discourse anal= qual analysis of discourse of any kind, whether nonverbal or verbal, with respect to its internal structure and function. **Conversation Analysis= form of discourse analysis wen qual rschr is intrstd n undrstndng how reality is constructed thru the details of talk btween communicators. Ethnomethodology.

TWO ILLUSTRATIONS OF QUAL DATA ANALYSIS APPROACHES: The developmental Rsch Sequence Model informs us about semantic relationships and rules.

*Semantic Relationships= a kernel of meaning, a primary unit of analysis 4 qual rschrs. *Rules= a commonly shared belief aout appropriate action, including the action of attributing a given meaning of somethings.

The choregraphy of Participant Observation

A Participnt-obsvn stdy has 3 stages: warm up stg (rschr begins process w/ general ?s of interests; Lit review is written 2 achieve theoretical sensitivity, journal 4 field notes; selects site; decides type of role assumed) Elastic Process (changes as stdy unfolds)

*Exemplars

A detailed and evocative example of a given category of meaning. They are examples tht illustrate vividly and concretly the abstract properties of each coding categories. Bring the qual stdy alive 4 reader and help rschrs show the confirmablility and transferablility of stdy. Give 'thick descriptions' Flag exemplars as u go. STEP 7: Integrating Coding Categories: determine conceptual relationships btween and among various categories.

*Interpretivism

Approach 2 qual rsch wen rschr is intrstd n undrstndng particpnt xperiences from the participnts pt of view. Same as phenomenology n terms of discoverng how ppl undrstnd their lives, BUT the rschr believes tht its own interpretation of the situation cant, n shud not, b removed from the resch process. Goal is 2 weave 2gethr native n rschr subjectivities n an attempt to undrstnd the life xperience of the native.

CONSTRUCTING FIELD NOTES

Field nts reflect the rschrs subjectivity= the "raw" xperiences n obsvns written n a record. Dont trust ur memory, take notes during, soon after- n take nts n stages: 1st take initial nts 2 help u recall obsvns. 2nd take detailed/comprehensive nts filling in the initial nts. They should include detailed descriptions, initial analysis as well as reflexive nts on rsch process. Should be chronological n content will vary according 2 the purpose of the stdy. But, should includ 5 w's. Nts can b in 1st persn, 3rd prsn, or omniscient perspectives. Prolonged engagement means very little if field nts r not detailed n show this.

*The Developmental Rsch Sequence (DRS)

Frequntely used by rschrs from an ethnography of comm perspectiv and by interpretive scholars w an intrest in language use. The DRS model serves 4 major kinds of activity= Domaine Analysis is the process of code categorization. Taxonomic Analysis- a taxonomy shows relationships among mebrs of a domaine. Componential Analysis- meaning is based on differences or contrasts btwen things; its the revision and refinement thru checking and additional focus in data gathering. Theme analysis.

THE GROUP/FOCUS INTRVW *Group Interview

Membrs' r intrvwd as group so reschr can analyize the interaction tht takes place among them. (2 or more ppl at once) Strengths= intrvwr gains the added insight tht comes frm observng the interaction tht happens w all of them; brings reschr 1 step closer 2 naturally occurring communication.

*Convenience Sampling

Nonprb smpg rschrs samples membrs or other samplng units based on easy availability. Not recomended- rschr talks 2 ppl who r there, willing 2 talk n interact, engages in activities cuz its possible 2 do so and visits certian scenes cuz he can. Weakest form, only helpful wen in early fieldwrk b4 all other samplng strategies become possible.

*Critical Case Sampling

Nonprb smplng- reschr purposively seeks out instances tht provide a given phenomenon in a dramatic way. Dramatically, it gives characteristics/features tht r important. not typical 2 use this, but they giv vivid, often intense, instances of features tht can typically b found n a less dramatic form.

*Snowball Sampling

Nonprob samplng in field rsch; each person intrvwed may b asked 2 suggest additional ppl 4 intrvwng. may ask a current informant 2 refer other ppl tht cud or shud interact. Quick and efficient way 2 identify ppl regarded by fellow natives. Informants r membrs of the nominators' social network.

CONSTRUCTING VISUAL RECORDS (visuals r 4 analytical (expressive) purposes-pics, films videos- happens n 2 ways: 1, reschr can control the camera (determing wut 2 record n how 2 frame the shot) 2, rschr gives camera 2 membr asking them 2 record w/e they want (AIDS vdeo). *Visual Images

Nonverbal txts such as pics or films; sometimes ncluded in written reports of rsch stdys.

*Negative Case Analysis

Part of analytic induction, a qual data analysis procedure wen rschr adopts his working hypothesis in light of cases tht challenge the hyspothesis. Process of accounting 3 discrepencies in ur data. Its a procedure not every analst has time/patience to do, but it means ur sccounting 4 100% of ur data incidents=very high std to achieve.

*Versimilitude

Plan for and carry out the rsch so tht findings are believable 2 others. (Credability as the criterion, creb may replace validity n reliability). You can sometimes use respondent validation= membrs can correct errors, challenge interpretations, and provide their perspective.

*Member Cecks

Procedure used by qual rschrs 2 establish credability of their anaysis. You go bak to membrs with ur analysis, seeking feedbak on its credibility.

CH 16 QUAL DATA ANALYSIS- The General Process of qual data analysis. *Coding

Process of categorizing and sorting raw data. Codes serve as shorthand devices 2 label, seperate, compile, and organize data. Seven steps 4 coding= Step 1: Determing the questions (qual rschrs begin rsch w a general ? like "wut is going on here" or have a focused ? 2 guide rsch.) An ethnographer of comm starts w a general ? about wut the code of comm is tht guides membrs of a cultural group. Step 2: Unitizing Textual data= 4 purposes of analysis, a txt (field nts, intrvw transcript, or soc txt) needs to be broken down, or unitized.

*Constant Comparative Method

Process of deriving categories of meaning inductively fromm qual textual data. (used n analytic coding n similar to analytic induction). This method is aligned with a specific analytic framework knwn as grounded theory= the process of initial coding described n the methods shared by most qual rschrs.

COMPUTERS AND QUAL DATA ANALYSIS- most of qual rsch software programs can b applied to textual data entered in a std word-processing system. Programs allow us to mark tzt passages w the electronic equivalent of the yellow highlighter pen.

SUMMING UP OF QUAL DATA ANALYSIS- Strengths= provides richly textured undrstnding of the system of meanings in a txt. Greatest challenge is there r no cut-n-dried steps tht guarantee success; with practice, the role exercise of quat skills can provide an ever-more-sophisticated undrstnding of the logic tht lies behind those techniques. The ffinal product must come from u- ur analytic ability 2 identify patterns in meanings and meaning-making.

CH 15 SOCIAL TXT ANALYSIS *Social text

Text used by the membrs being studied- ex) office report, report card, news ppr article. Product of part-obsvn is a txt= the reschrs field nts. Product of qual intrvwng also text= written transcript of intrvw. A social txt is a naturallu occurring txt rather than a resch-generated txt. They r symbols-in-use n r everywhere. Anythng can b a soc txt as long as it involves symbols and meaning= natural occurng convos @ home/work, letters n diaries, pics, films, mag articles, public speeches, news conferences, memorials, art exhibits, web pgs, etc. Rschrs intrstd n undrstndngs n meanings and uses of such soc txts. Interpretive, not numerical.

*Theoretical Construct Sampling

non-prob smplng wen rschr purposively seeks out instances based on their theoretical relevance= select ppl or cases based on their relevence 2 the central phoenomenon tht intrests u. Involves the acts or words of criterion 4 inclusion in a stdy. (ex, baby showr- co-ed)

*Typical Case Samplng

nonprob smplng wen rschr purposively seeks out typical instances of the phenomenon of interest. U seek out a scene or membr tht u think is typical n provide an in-depth description of tht case. Goal= provide an illustration of the phenonmenon of interest, w/ no statistical claims 2 the representativeness of the selected case. (ex, drinkin coffee at wrk n not pay 1 dollar like every1 else).

TRIANGULATION (observe>interpret>membr cks>refine interpretivity. *triangulation

process of comparing data gathered one way, 2 data gathered using another method, reschr, or from diff membrs. Using multple kinds of data and/or multipl methods in stdying a phenomenon, establishes credibility. 4 diff forms= 1, use of mult and diff sources of data 2, use of mult n diff methods of rsch 3, use of mult reschrs 4, use of mult theoretical perspectives.

PLANNING THE INTERVIEW >The Interview Protocol= guide 2 wut u will say; 2 types Structured, semistructured, and unstructured. *Structured Intrvw

(also kwn as standardized intrvw) Used in survey rsch, an intrvw wen same ?s r asked n same way, in same order, 4 all membrs. Asks respondent a series of ?s w a limited set of response categories- Qual intrvwng does not rely on this!

PERFORMANCE/DRAMATISTIC APPROACHES (scholars from this trad perform txts as a way to understnd them, also analyze comm performances enacted by others. *Performance studies

(dramatistic) Qual resch perspective wen rschr undrstnds social life by constructing performances n by stdying others' performances- ppl who have this approch 2 comm take a dramaturgical view= view wen comm is conceived as a performance. In performing a txt, the rschr uses his embodied xperience as a way 2 undrstnd anothers' words. The rschrs voice and body r tools tht assist the rschr in coming to undrstnd wut, and how a given txt means. *Autoethnography= a particpnt-obsvn study of rschr (also a participant); highly emotional and personal

RSCH ETHICS IN THE FIELD

(many ethical challenges pop up unexpectedly wen in field. Judgement calls, keep in mind ur general obligation 2 stds of voluntary part, the absence of harm, protections of confidentiality n anonymity, and the absence of deception.

QUAL INTRVWS AS SPEECH EVENTS. Sp. events= activities or aspects of activities, tht r directly governed by rules 4 the use of speech.

(sp events) Oriented toward specific goals; jointly enacted n the comm btween the intrvwr n the informant= w/e the intrvwr says is interdependent on wut the membr says n viceversa. Remembr its not a convo, play the role of the 'socially accpetable incompetent'= act like ur not undrstnding evrythg. Intrvws r recorded, taped, and field noted. 1-thematizing (clarify purpose of intrvw)2- designing (layng out the process u will accomplish ur purpose; ethical)3- do intrvw 4- transcribing (make written txt of intrvw) 5- analyzing (determine meaning of data relating to purpose of stdy) 6-verifying (assess thrustworthiness of materials) 7- reporting

SELF-REFLECTION *Reflexive Journal

A form of field notes wen rschr describes his resch process & preliminary analysis.Used 2 record reschrs' thoughts n feelings during study. Includes (4 warm up stg) discussion of reschrs' biases. Also provides an audit trial= gives best single evidence 4 dependability.

*Case Study

A qual. rsch perspective wen the rschr seeks in-depth undrstnding of a single concrete case. An investigation of a "specific, unique, bounded system". A functioning specific= group, organizatn, family, a given speech community. 4 scholars of organizational comm, select a single org and analyze its comm.

*Ethnography Of Communication

A qualitative research perspective in which the researcher is interested in understanding the code of communication that organizes meaning in a given cultural group. Also known as the ethnography of speaking and is concerned w all the situations &uses, the patterns and functions, of speaking as an activity in its own right. *Primary unit of analysis 4 speech communities. Ethnographer-of-comm in a particular "case", or speech community, is a specific form of a more general kind of rsch tht uses participnt-obsvn- the case study.

THE NARRATIVE APPROACH *Narrative

A story, w a setting, charatcers, and a plot. Narr. approaches r adopted n the analysis of soc txts, in addition to the reschr-generated txts of intrvw transcripts. Rschs examines naturally occurring instances of storytelling. Stories can b told n any # of comm events= public spchs, stnd up comedy monolgoues, family reunions. Narrattive is both means of knwing and a way of telling about the social world and communicatie xperience. -A form of discoure w a beg mid n end in which specific past even is recounted wither chronologically or thematically. Rschrs intrstd in process of telling a story, the form of a stry, and the content of a stry.

DOCUMNTS AS SOC TXTS- one kind of soc txt tht holds relevence 2 qual rschrs is this (powerful if written record). ENEACTED TALK AS SOC TXTS- rschrs gather audiotapes of naturally occuring convos from natives; fild nts gloss convos, giving rschr onlt the gist of wut was said. *Transcripts

A written txt of wut was said, and how, between interactants. Important 2 pay attention 2 the details of talk. Constructing written transcripts= transcribing is an activity wen a txt is made out of the raw material of the face2face intractin btwn ppl (time consumer 4-5 hrs). If done by rschr he becomes more familiar w data. Diff features of utter talk r important to transcribe. Systems of Transcription= Edwards tells us 3 general types of principles tht guide the creation/ selection of a transcription= principles of category design, readability, and tractability.

*The Depth Intrvw

Characterized by its in-depth focus on the topic of interest. Also called the long intrvw, tends 2 b longer n more formal. Membr n rshchr frame interaction as an intrvw. Can b used as stand-alone resch method or part-obsvn. Goal is 2 undstnd informants' pt of view on some phenon or xperience in a richly detailed manner as possible (hrs long).

*Grounded-Theory Development (GTD)

Culminates in a formal, porpositional theory- used by rschrs who take a grounded-theory perspective. Purpose is 2 generate or discover a theory, and abstract analytical schema of a phenonmenon, tht relates 2 a particular situation. Situation= one wen ppl interact, take actions, or engage in a process in response 2 a phenomenon. It tells us about semantic relations in its and features comm rules more centrally. DT is conceived as an analytic process tht culminates (brings 2 final pt) in the development of a formal, propositional theory. It should be abstract enough 2 allow generalizability 2 other similar contexts and enable prediction and control. 4 steps= open cding, axial codin, process analysis, and selective coding= designed 2 check working hypothesis as additional data emerge.

ELASTICITY -part-obsvn is a rigorous n trustworthy method. *THE COOL DOWN PERIOD

Data complete wen saturation achieved; wen data r repetitive n interpretations refined; rschr must analyze data 4 saturation; must keep relationships w membrs n mind wen leaving; additional membr chks may b needed as reschr continues 2 write rsch report.

GENRES OF QUAL INTRVWNG: 5= ethnographic convo, depth intrvw, group/focus intrvw, narrative intrvw, and postmodern intrvw. **The Ethnographic Conversation

Ethnographer engages membrs in relatively short intrvws tht often seem like convos; unplanned, informal. Usually in part-obsvn stdys. Also called situational convo- this form is closely tied 2 the field site of te part-obsvn. Membr rarely thinks of this interaction as n intervw, may not knw talkin to rechr.

*Focus Group

Group of ppl brought 2gether by rschr 2 participate in a 'group intrvw'. Popular 4 multi-methos rechrs. Face2face w a group of ppl (usually 5-10 ppl, 60-90 mins, ppl encouraged 2 interact w one another) Not a decision-making grp. Selecting= based on rsch ?, pik strangers w similar characteristics, use screening ?s, over recruit by 20%, motivate selection 2 participate. Conducting F.G Rsch= rschr decides level of structure n how convo will be encouraged. In 90 mins or less=introduce ppl, refreshmnts, conduct discussion, sum up wut was said. Moderator/facilitator= may or may not b rschr, som1 who membrs can identify, sum1 whos credible n has the comm skills 2 guide discussion (not intervwr ? after ?), n not a participnt. Fg Outline= stdrdized list of ?s of topics 2 cover, usually funnel form from general 2 specific, opening ?s shud b broad (encourage free discussion, allow every1 2 respond, allow moderator to identify other issues). FG Data= discussions r audio/videotaped, tapes verified, moderator makes field nts asap aftr each session. Strengths= giv views n opinons n own words, allows agreeing/dis 2 conflict 2 emerge among ppl. Limits= talkative ppl, over opinionated ppl, hesitant 2 say opinons opposite 2 others, easy 2 overgeneralize.

SUSTAINING ACCESS(need 2 xert a lot of time n energy 2 build trust n rapport w membrs so their confortable w u. Rapport is an ongoing relationship btween reschr n membrs. This needs 2 start @ beg (warm-up). *Sponsor

In field rsch, some1 who assists the rschr by functioning as his backer, supporter, or patron. Group membr who takes an interest n u n ur project; help open doors 4 u= introducing around and legitimating u n ur stdy 2 othrs n group.

INFORMED CONSENT PROCEDURES(need 2 have permission 2 do part-obsn=submit detailed proposal, or plan;only ok 2 not get permission if site is in public area.) *Gatekeeper

In qual fieldwrk, some1 gives reschr access 2 the group by granting informed consent. Rule is 2 get prior consent of a few key ppl 2 grant permission on behalf of evry1 in org or group. They r called gatekprs cuz they control the "access gate" thtdetermines if u can or cant "pass thru". Important 2 protect membrs; Confidentiality= reschrs use pseudonyms insted of real norms (4 data purposes)

*Saturation

In qual rsch, the pnt wen reschr concludes tht additional data gathering is not necessary= occurs wen repetition n redundancy is achieved n the textual data. Variation is both accounted 4 n undrstood. THEN decide how 2 leave field (gradual; no abrupt disappearance).

*Semi-Structured Intrvw

Intrvw wen reschr works w suggested ?s whose wording n arrangment can vary from 1 membr 2 another. Qual intrvwng relys on this n un-stcd. A list of ?s the intrvwr wants answered w exception of some (hardly never) closedended ?s-most openended. Charaterized by substantial freedom of the participnt of intrvwr. Intrvwr trys to maximize in-depth talk by the informant 2 probe 4 more details. (can u tell me sumthing about tht?) ?s can b rephrased.

*Unstructured Intrvw

Intrvw wen rschr has few, if any, pre-formulated ?s. Greatest freedom 2 intrvwr. Protocol consists of a series of topic areas of 'talking pts' 2 cover @ sum pt during intrvw. IN SUM- qual rschrs fav semi or unstd. becuz 1, reschr may hav those specific ?s; 2, rschr may prefer a semi-strcd if he wants 2 make explicit comparisons btwen membrs- Difference of 2 intrvws is whether or not the wording of ?s is done n design 4 stdy or on spot.

*Contrast Questions

Kind of ? wen membr is asked 2 compare n contrast 2 or more phonomena. R predicted on the assumption tht no phenomenon is meaningful in isolation from the other phenomena. Helps figure out the larger web of meanings.

*Structural Questions

Kind of ? wen membr is asked about how he mentally organizes a meaning domain (though, action, influence). Ask about how informants structure diff domains of knowledge or perceptions. (What kind of diff games can b played at recess?)

COMMON TYPES OF ?S 4 QUAL INTRVWS- 3 types descriptive, structured, and contrast. *Descriptive Questions

Kind of ? wen the membr is asked 2 describe a given phenon or xperience in his own words (map, most recent, physical team, membr does task n xplain along way, out of intrvw, privde xample, describe recent xperience, or direct, hypothesis, or typical).

*Maximum-Variation Sampling

Kind of non-prob samplng wen rschr purposively seeks out cases tht r different frm 1 another. Rschr intrsted in seeking out ppl, activities, or scenes tht will add a diff contrasting perspective on the phenomenon. In general, qual rschrs r intrestd n describing the variations within a popultn as they r in identifying commonalties accross popultn membrs.

*Floating Promts

Kind of probe (search) wen reschr asks a follow-up ? tht is based on wut the membr just said. "tell me more" Sometimes can b nonverbal (eyebrow raise).

*Complete-Participant Role

Kind of qual fieldwrk wen rschr participates FULLY in the group activities being studied, w/o them being aware of his status of being the rschr. -Rschr acts like the 'natives'=only allow ppl 2 see u as a membr. Data will b more trustworthy= membrs will act natural/honest. Useful 4 subjective undrstndings. Limits= u may affect wut ur stdyng

*Unitizing

Process of segmenting textual data into units 4 purposes of analysis. The 1st characteristic tht a unit must be heuristic links unitizing to asking ?s. A unit is heuristic if it proveds an answers 2 a ? asked by rschr. Another name for a unit of textual data is concept= segment of txt tht answers a ? (1st n 2nd order concepts). Rschrs use 2nd order 2 identify meaning n meaningmaking: wut we call semantic relationships and rules. STEP 3: Developing Coding Categories= process of developing coding categories is a cycle u engage n over n over, each time revising the coding categories until they capture all ur data units. (begins during data collecting) 3 types of cate. coding= housekeeping, rsch process coding, and analytic coding.

THE LITERATURE REVIEW: *Theoretical Sensitivity

Qual reschr examines his textual data inductively while keeping in mind wut has been found in existing resch & theory. -the more informed u are, the more smart ur obsvns are likely 2 be in the field. Elasticity is key.

RSCH PURPOSES APPROPRIATE 4 QUAL INTRVWNG (2 access a phenomenon tht cant b directly observed, 2 access in-depth thoughts n feelings, identify membrs' lang, 2 triangulate other sources of data, undrstnd membrs' codes (norms) of comm. *Phenomenology

Qual rsch perspective wen reschr seeks 2 undrstnd the essence (real) meaning of an xperience or phenomenon- a philosophical term refers 2 a consideration of all perceived phenonmenon, botht he 'objective' and 'subjective'. Describes the meaning of the lived xperience 4 several ppl about a concept/phenomn. Goal is 2 allow readers 2 come away w a feeling tht they hav a better undrstndng of wut it's like 4 sum1 2 hav the actual xperience.

*Biographical Study

Qual rsch perspective wen rschr seeks 2 undrstnd the life n xperiences of an individual or group. Its the study of an individual and his xperiences as told 2 the rschr or found n documnts and archival material. 2 types= life hist stry (own words of a membr, chronological life stry, link 2 longer themes) the oral hist stry (several life stories collected). **Strengths of Narrative= reliable guide 2 beliefs, attitudes, values, uncover how isolated events are part of a longer environmnt, uncover justifications (wut they did) ppl give 4 past actions. Rich and deoth of data, collet data about comm events tht wub b hard n impossible 2 observe. Limits= risk in askin ppl 2 recall troubling stories, generalizability of finding can b restricted. Did they change up story (embellish)?

Field Notes

Records kept by the researcher during participant-observation research. These notes are descriptions of what is going on in the field site, a record of the researcher's process, and the researcher's emerging analytic thoughts. Rschr records is obsvns of the phenomenon under stdy--FNs and Reflxiv Journal=2 kinds of note taking in participnt obsvn

DEGREE OF INVOLVEMENT-(recasts the particptn side of the part-obsvn method in 3 roles) *Complete member role

Reschr occupies full membership in group. Rschr piks group in which he held prior membrship, current membrshp, or becomes a membr. (closely relates 2 complet-part role)

*Participant-as-Observer Role

Reschr participates in the activities of the group and members knw tht he is a rschr. Paricipation is primary and obsvtns are secondary. This has an ethical advantage of awareness by the natives tht r being observed. Involvement= part time, voluntary, and temprary. Limits= membrs may shift attentions' 2 the resch project rather than focus on the natural social process= resch no longer typical.

*Peripheral Member

Rschr does not enact activites central 2 group. He participates in some activites, but not in the most centra ones of group. Like "real" members.

*Active member

Rschr engages in many, but not all, of activites of group. Rschr refrains from adoptings groups' goals and values. Not "real" membrship.

*Observer-as-Participant Role

Rschr has minimal involvement w/ group membrs and membrs are aware of the reschr role. Interviewing is the foremost activity of this role. Observation is primary, participation secondary. EX- rsch students and teachers in class for a long tim, then interviw them. Limits= does not allow reschr to reach conclusions tht emerge over time. But, it meets ethical stds of conduct cuz members r aware tht they r being observed.

THE NARRATIVE INTRVW *Narrative Intrvw

Rschr intrstd n the membrs' story or stories about some xperience or phen. Uses an semi or unstrcd protocol. Stories organize and interpret their xperiences; way of knwing, undrstndng, n xplaining their lives. Often use Biographical stdy

*Complete-Observer Role

Rschr observes group with w/ no participation in group. Group membrs do not knw about rshcr. This observes social processes w/o becoming part of it in any way. Limits= rschr cannot develop a full appreciation of wut is being studied; obsvtns sketchy n transitory.

*Post-Modern Interview

Rschr strives 2 equalize the power relationship btween intrvwer and interviewee. Rschrs who use this r suspicous of the power relations n domination inherent n the intrvw role. Even if intrvwr strives 4 relationship of equality w the membr, its the intrvwrs' voice n perspective in the end tht dominate the stdy. From planning 2 execution, 2 anaylisis to the write up of results. Rshr goes beyonf rapprt so nothing is glossed over.

THE FLOOR EXERCISE PERIOD (Sampling, construct field nts n visual records, make ethical decsions, triangulating sources of data, sustaining elasticity)

SAMPLING PARTICIPNTS, ACTIVITES, SCENES- all sampled purposively; samplng shud seek out "info-rich-cases". A variety of non-prob-based samplng techniques can b identified in part-obsvn rsch.

*Informants

Some1 well versed in the phenomenon tht u wish 2 stdy and who's willing 2 tell u wut he/she knws. Sponsr can lead u 2 ppl who r positioned 2 provide u w quality info about the setting/group. U can go to informnts 4 membr checks.

APPROACHES 2 THE ANALYSIS OF SOC TXTS=5: Comm criticism, Discourse and Convo analysis, the Narrative Approach, Performance/Dramatistic Approach, and the Semiotic Approach. *Communication Criticism

Specifc kind of case study wen rschr seeks 2 undrstnd n maybe evaluate some public comm text(s)- Ex) presidential state of the union addresses on the discourse surrounding stem cell rsch (public speeches, tv prgms, films). Describes a body of social apporaches 2 the sdty of public messages. 3 processes= textualization, analysis (taking-apart n breaking down a soc txt to its relevant units, dimensions or themes), n interpretation( the heart of the soc txt analysis, the puttin bak 2gethr process tht culminates in an argument by rschr about wut the txt means tohim). SOme comm crit adds a 4th dimension, judgement= is not a simple subjective reaction 2 a soc txt (i liked it) but instead its a reasoned argument wen an evaluation of sum kind is rendered. Judgmnt addresses the effect of the message and the comm competence of the speaker.

RSCH USING SOC TXT

The qual analysis of soc txts takes 2 forms in comm rsch= 1, rschrs anakyze soc txts as a form of triangulation w part-obsvn n qual intrvwng; 2, rschrs anayize selected soc txts n their own right. Also, rschrs analyze them w/o part-obsvn and intrvwng methods= soc txts then function as the primary data 2 be analyized.

PROCESS OF WORKING W SOC TXTS (1st rschr needs 2 locate a work or sample of works (some commtive message, speech convo, tv prgrm) some public/private, mediated/nonmed, scripted/spontaneous, linguistic/non) Purposive nonprob samplng is the docmnt strategy (rich in info). *Textualization

The qual rsch process of constructing textual data from comminicative messgs (done aftr samplng wrks). It recognizes the subjectivity of the rschr(he must b faithful 2 wrk). Qual rschrs assume tht many credible txts can b located in the single work or messg. Persuade reader tht the txt identified is reasonable n insightful. Qual txt anal is evaluated by same 4 critera: dependability, confirmability, credibility, n transferability.

*Qualitative Interview

Usually, semi or un-structured intrvwing is used by reschrs 4 purposes of undrstnding the system of meanings of the ppl being intrvwd. An interaction btween an intrvwr and a membr wen the intrvwr has a general plan of inquiry but not a specific set of ?s in a certian order. Ideally, the membr, or informant, does most of the talking. Rschr thinks abstrac (openminded).

DEVELOPMNT OF A TIMELINE

When u submit an IRB app, ur usually asked 4 an approx timeline 4 the conduct of the stdy n the field. More time is better than less. **Best way 4 rschrs 2 get credibility of his stdy is by informing reader of how much time was spent. Evidence of Prolonged Engagement= stdy findings "ring true" 2 natives= tells us # of months, hrs involved, of membrs who were intrvwd n 4 how long, and of transcript pgs of field nts. Also importnt 2 fulfil the criterion of transferability.

*Triangulation

You can triangulate diff data sources comparing, say, the coding catergories u develop n intervws n those from ur field nts. STEP 6: finding Exemplars.

CH14 Qual Intrvwng

described as a Convo w a purpose- not all qual intrvwng involves part-obsvn. Undrstndng focuses on undrstnding meanings n the rules of meaning-making. Same criterion of trustworthiness= dependability, confirmability, credibility, n transferability. Designed 2 b felxible, interactivve, n continuous- not prepared in advance.

*Analytic Induction

methd of qual data analysis wen rschr derives (traces from original source) categories inductively from textual data, accounting for 100% of cases thru a systematic treatment of negative cases. Ex) cases tht dnt support the workin hypothesis. Read all data completely>identify ur 1st unit of data>identify 2nd unit>make a basic judgement of similarity-difference btween units>procede w the similarity-judegement task 4 all ur units of data> develop catergory labels n descriptions 4 each n all categories>start over. STEP 4: Plugging Holes (when rschr revisits codng catgories its needed to plug holees w additional data gathering. STEP 5: checking; give xtra effort 2 ensure ur process met the criterion of confirmability, and credibility. 3 procedures= negative case analysis, membr checks, and triangulation.

VARIOUS ROLES OF THE RESCHR--*Participant Observation

method used in qual resch 2 stdy comm phenomena in their natural setting. Rschr can adopt any of several roles in the field- refers 2 a family of observation strategies, or roles, tht can b assumed by the rschr.

SITE SELECTION

should be guided by a general stance of purposive sampling. Can use probability-based samplng or nonprob. Should choose site based towards "info-rich-cases"

A SEMANTIC APPROACH *Semiotics

study of symbols n their meanings. It's primarily a mode of analysis seeking to undstnd how signs perform or convey meaning n context. The work of semiotics is 2 uncover the rules tht govern the conventions of signification. Science of Signs. It uses the model of languages as the basis of undrstnding signification more generally. 2 Directions- One pulls itself 2 the rules themselves, or language and other, the relationships btween the lang n performance or the consequences of speech acts, pragmatics. Expls) morse code, etiquette, mathematics, music, n hwy signs. Signs r anything assigned w special meanings. STRENGTHS OF SOC TXT ANAL= can provide a useful source of triangulation, particularly 4 particpnt-obsvn. The detailed stdy of soc txts givs rschr a close view than either part-obsvn or qual intrvwng does alone. Weaknesses= meaning doesnt sit in the txt, if u dnt knw wut a txt means, its important to hav a full undrstndng of the context tht surrounds tht txt, may end up w empty analysis, n its time consuming.