chapter 11
Recording Observations
(a) Logs (field diaries) (b) Field notes -Descriptive (observational) notes -Reflective notes: -Methodologic notes -Theoretical notes (or analytical notes) -Personal notes
Snowball sampling
(network sampling): Sample might be restricted to a small network of acquaintances.
Types of Qualitative Self-Report Techniques
- Unstructured Interviews - Semistructured Interviews - Unstructured Interviews - Semistructured Interviews - photo-elicitation
Types of Purposive Sampling in Qualitative Research
-Qualitative Research -Maximum variation sampling -Extreme/deviant case sampling -Typical case sampling -Criterion sampling -Confirming and disconfirming cases
critically appraising qualitative sampling plans
-appropriateness -adequacy -transferability
convenience sampling
-use results that are easy to get -not preferred approach but economical
data collection in qualitative studies
Data collection methods may change as study progresses. In-depth interviews most common method Observation also common
Evaluation of Unstructured Observational Methods
Excellent method for capturing many clinical phenomena and behaviors Potential problem of reactivity when people are aware that they are being observed Risk of observational biases—factors that can interfere with objective observation
Sample Size in Qualitative Research
No explicit, formal criteria Sample size determined by informational needs Decisions to stop sampling guided by data saturation Data quality can affect sample size
Sampling in Phenomenology
Relies on very small samples (often 10 or fewer) Participants must have experienced phenomenon of interest
Purposive sampling (non-probability)
Researchers deliberately choose the cases that will best contribute to the study.
in qualitative research studies
Selection of sample members guided by desire for information-rich data sources
Sampling in the Main Qualitative Traditions
a) *Ethnography* - "Big net" approach - *Key informants* - highly knowledgeable about the culture and develop special, ongoing relationships with the researcher b) *Phenomenology* - Rely on very small samples of participants (10 or fewer) c) *Grounded Theory* - Typically done with samples of 20 to 30 using theoretical sampling (informants who can best contribute to the evolving theory)
Tell whether the following statement is True or False. In qualitative studies, observation is unstructured. a.True b.False
a.True Rationale: Observation with a qualitative study is unstructured and occurs in naturalistic settings.
Tell whether the following statement is True or False. Sampling in qualitative research is guided more by the desire for rich sources of information than by the need for random selection. a.True b.False
a.True Rationale: Selection of sample members for qualitative research is guided by the desire for information-rich sources. The representativeness of the sample is not a key aspect, and random selection is not considered productive.
Tell whether the following statement is True or False. A focus group typically involves at least 10 to 15 people. a.True b.False
b. False Rationale: A focus group usually involves interviews with small groups, ranging in size from 5 to 10 people.
Types of Qualitative Sampling
convenience, snowball, purposive, theoretical
Theoretical sampling:
involves decisions about where to find data to develop an emerging theory optimally
theoretical sampling
selecting sample members based on earlier interviews that suggest that particular types of participants will help researchers better understand the research topic
sampling in grounded theory
typically involves samples of 20 to 30 people sampling, data collection, data analysis, and theory construction occur simultaneously goal = selection of participants who can best contribute to emerging theory (usually theoretical sampling)
