Exam 9: Qualitative Methods: Observing, Participating, Listening

In order to develop and maintain relationships in the field, Chambliss suggests all of the following except:

If you are concerned with online communities, which form of qualitative analysis would be most appropriate?

According to Chambliss's "Nine Steps to Successful Field Research," a researcher should do all of the following except:

Focus groups with very different subjects (i.e., heterogeneous focus groups) are usually more willing to talk and share feelings than are homogenous focus groups.

Taking and analyzing field research notes is a time-consuming and interactive process, in which the field researcher develops ideas from analyzing notes that then guide the next round of note-taking. Describe this approach and discuss its advantages and disadvantages.

A researcher is interested in public displays of affection, so she visits three research sites and observes couples, taking note of any sign of affection but not asking them any questions. What role has she taken in the field?

Another name for a key informant is a gatekeeper.

If a field researcher changes the behavior of subjects in the field, there is said to be a:

Tape recorders alter the willingness of key informants to be truthful so much that they are rarely used in intensive interviewing.

Use the following to answer questions 16-18: In each set, match a concept from Group A to a definition or example from Group B. -Roles in Field Research Group A 1. Complete observer 2. Covert participant 3. Participant observer 4. Gatekeeper 5. Key informant Group B a. A research subject who can determine access to the field b. A researcher who engages in activities under study and informs some members of his/her role as researcher c. A research subject who knows about the activities under study and is willing to share his or her insights d. A researcher who does not actively engage in activities under study e. A research subject who has no knowledge of the role of the researcher f. A researcher who does not reveal his or her true identity to subjects

Intensive interviewing and focus groups should be conducted until:

Use the following to answer questions 16-18: In each set, match a concept from Group A to a definition or example from Group B. -Qualitative Sampling Group A 1. critical cases 2. typical cases 3. deviant cases 4. theoretical sampling Group B a. A sampling technique in which cases are selected based on their contrast with "normal" cases b. A sampling technique in which cases are selected to allow comparisons with previously selected cases c. A sampling technique in which cases are selected based on the presence of unusually rich and pertinent information to the research question d. A sampling technique in which cases are selected based on random selection from a sampling frame constructed of known groups e. A sampling technique in which cases are selected based on the assumption that they are very similar to most other cases

Field research relies heavily on which two types of research subjects?

When conducting a study of grassroots movements that organized to keep big box stores out of their neighborhood, Wendy agreed to serve as the secretary for that group. What role did she take in the field?

In intensive interviewing, active listening involves all of the following except:

In field research, public figures are often best approached using direct methods, such as writing a letter introducing yourself and your research agenda.

Use the following to answer questions 16-18: In each set, match a concept from Group A to a definition or example from Group B. -Qualitative methods Group A 1. Participant observation 2. Field research 3. Intensive interviewing 4. Focus groups Group B a. A type of qualitative research distinguished by the researcher making observations in a natural setting (that is, within social context) b. A type of qualitative research distinguished by discussions among subjects guided by a researcher c. A type of qualitative research distinguished by the researcher's partial involvement in social behavior under study d. A type of qualitative research distinguished by self-administered questionnaires e. A type of qualitative research distinguished by in-depth, structured conversations between the researcher and key informants

To what extent do the personal dimensions of participant observation undermine or enhance its validity? Illustrate your answer with examples from the text.

Julie studies an Overeaters Anonymous group for several years. In her book on the subject, she mentions the location of the meetings. This violates which one of the main ethical issues in field research:

Which of the following is true regarding field notes?