Qualitative Research Session 2 RECAP Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative data Explain strengths and limitations of a qualitative approach to research Todays learning outcomes Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative data ID: 542061
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HL PsychologyQualitative ResearchSession 2Slide2
RECAPDistinguish between qualitative and quantitative data
Explain strengths and limitations of a qualitative approach to research
Today’s learning outcomesSlide3
Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative data
RECAPSlide4
Quantitative
Data
Qualitative Data
Data=
numbers
Operational definition of research & “closed” data in the form of numbers (generally not open to interpretation
Analysis of data relatively easy- statistical tests
Data from many participants (sampling) & inferential statistics- generalisation of findings to populations
Data=
text/pictures (transcripts, field notes & sometimes pictures)
Naturally occurring & rich data (open ended, i.e. Open for interpretation)
Analysis of data often difficult & time consuming: no single approach to data analysis
Few participants (non-probability sampling)- difficult to generaliseSlide5
Has been argued that qualitative research is not “scientific” because not built on principles of
method of natural sciencesHowever, qualitative researchers would argue that “science” in a broad sense as a systematic, rigorous task that must be carried out properly to produce trustworthy and reliable knowledge.
Strengths and Limitations of Qualitative ApproachSlide6
Your ideal partner?
You have 5 minutes...Slide7
Now do it again but only use quantitative data...
You have 5 minutes...Slide8
So what’s my point?
In
some circumstances
qualitative data is superior to quantitative data because it allows for rich, descriptionsSlide9
Ritchie & Lewis (2003)
Social world does not exist independently of individual subjective understanding and researchers NEED to consider participants’ interpretations to properly understand them
Researcher should strive to be objective in collection, interpretation and presentation of data
They also argue that a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods may be necessary and helpful
Strengths and Limitations of Qualitative Approach
N.B NOT ALL QUALITATIVE RESEARCHERS AGREE WITH THIS!
Exam ref!Slide10
Provides rich data- in depth descriptions of individual experiences Particularly useful for investigating
complex and sensitive issues such as coping with illness, sexuality, homelessness, or living in a violent relationship
Explain phenomena- goes beyond mere observation and asks “why?”
Identify and evaluate factors that
contribute to
solving a problem
People studied in own environment, which increases
validity
Strengths of Qualitative ResearchSlide11
Can be time consuming & generate a huge amount of dataData analysis can be difficult because of amount of data & no clear strategy for analysisInterpretation of data may be subjective
Generalisation IssuesEthical considerationsNon-probability sampling
Effects of participant expectations & researcher bias
Limitations of Qualitative Research
We’ll look at all of these in more detail!Slide12
What is generalisation?
Scientists normally want findings to apply to people other than those who participate in study
Generalising findings
from a study means that
the result are relevant
outside the context of study
itself
Is it possible to generalise from qualitative studies?Slide13
Lewis and Ritchie (2003)
Suggest qualitative research could distinguish between following forms of generalisation:
REPRESENTATIONAL GENERALISATION
INFERENTIAL GENERALISATION
THEORETICAL GENERALISATION
Is it possible to generalise from qualitative studies?Slide14
1. REPRESENTATIONAL GENERALISATION
Findings can be applied to
populations
outside study
E.G. Are findings from interviews with people in a study on homeless
people are representative of all
homeless people?
Qualitative research
uses
small samples
that are not selected to be
statistically representative
&
non-standardised methods
may be used makes it difficult to generalise findings
However, if evidence from other studies confirms findings, it is argued that generalisation is possible
(
Hammersley
, 1992)Slide15
2. INFERENTIAL GENERALISATION
Findings can be applied to
settings
outside setting of study
A.K.A. TRANSFERABILITY or EXTERNAL VALIDITY
E.G. Pilot programme to test effectiveness of a service to resettle homeless people, question is whether findings can be applied to other services that provide help to homeless people.
Whether findings can be transferred to another setting
dependent on depth of research
This generalisation may allow for inference but will rest as a hypothesis NOT A THEORY until
supported by further evidenceSlide16
3. THEORETICAL GENERALISATION
Theoretical concepts derived from study can be used to develop further theory
E.G. Findings from a study might lead to inferences about what could be effective policies to help homeless people.
Findings may contribute to wider social theorySlide17
Overall same ethical issues as quantitaitve research
Can
Do
Can’t
Do
With
Participants
Ethics in qualitative researchSlide18
C
onfidentiality
D
eception
C
onsent
D
ebrief
W
ithdrawal
P
rotection
However, there are also special ethical considerations to be made due to the very nature of the qualitative research often involves
long-term/close personal contact with participant
Ethics in qualitative research