Deck 15: Designing Qualitative Research

Question 1

In qualitative research, the researcher:

A) is the primary data collector.
B) is likely to be in the research context for extended periods of time.
C) observes the communication firsthand.
D) takes on some form of participant observation.
E) all of the above.

Answer 1

all of the above.

Question 2

Using a qualitative methodology and collecting data in the field, a researcher:

A) will not have control over what happens.
B) will have a great deal of control over what happens.
C) should be objective.
D) must refrain from developing additional questions or modifying the initial research question.
E) has no opportunity to ask interactants what communication events mean.

Answer 2

will not have control over what happens.

Question 3

Gaining access is a critical step in qualitative research.

A) Gaining access is always easy.
B) Interactants in all interaction environments would welcome the observations of researcher.
C) Observing some interaction events may not be practical, or is difficult-even denied.
D) If a gatekeeper or sponsor is used, no ethical issues will be raised.
E) Once granted access, the researcher will be more effective if he or she maintains his or her typical communication style and demeanor.

Answer 3

Observing some interaction events may not be practical, or is difficult-even denied.

Question 4

Maximum variation sampling is:

A) the number of times a researcher will ask an individual to participate in a research project.
B) based on informational redundancy; a researcher seeks participants until the data received are the same as previously collected data.
C) a form of probability sampling.
D) the degree to which the sample varies from the population on important characteristics.
E) the number of variables included in the research design.

Question 5

Respondent validation occurs when the researcher:

A) directs their questions to interactants who should know the answers.
B) works with at least two other researchers in collecting and interpreting the data.
C) asks participants to review the researcher's notes or interpretations.
D) makes observations and collects data at several different times.
E) uses several different forms of qualitative data.

Question 6

In qualitative research, snowball and network sampling are similar in that:

A) both are random sampling strategies.
B) both are nonprobability sampling strategies.
C) both rely on random assignment to conditions.
D) participants are actively sought.
E) b and d

Question 7

Match the following terms and descriptions of participant observation roles. Some responses can be used more than once.

-Researcher dose not reveal to others that he/she is simultaneously observing and assessing their actions.

A) complete observer
B) complete participant
C) observer-as- participant
D) participant-observer

Question 8

Match the following terms and descriptions of participant observation roles. Some responses can be used more than once.

-Researcher openly aclnowledges the research purpose, but at the same time takes an active role in the interaction

A) complete observer
B) complete participant
C) observer-as- participant
D) participant-observer

Question 9

Match the following terms and descriptions of participant observation roles. Some responses can be used more than once.

-Researcher takes on a secindery role within the interactionenvironment.

A) complete observer
B) complete participant
C) observer-as- participant
D) participant-observer

Question 10

Match the following terms and descriptions of participant observation roles. Some responses can be used more than once.

-Researcher dose not engage interactants in any fashion.

A) complete observer
B) complete participant
C) observer-as- participant
D) participant-observer

Question 11

Match the following terms and descriptions of participant observation roles. Some responses can be used more than once.

-Researcher views the interaction as someone inside the system while others know and accept that Reseach is being conducted.

A) complete observer
B) complete participant
C) observer-as- participant
D) participant-observer

Question 12

Match the following terms and descriptions of participant observation roles. Some responses can be used more than once.

-Permission to observe Is legitimated through the Researcher's role as participanting fully in the interaction.

A) complete observer
B) complete participant
C) observer-as- participant
D) participant-observer

Question 13

Match the following terms and descriptions of participant observation roles. Some responses can be used more than once.

-Researcher is limited to what can be seen or heard.

A) complete observer
B) complete participant
C) observer-as- participant
D) participant-observer

Question 14

Match the following terms and descriptions of participant observation roles. Some responses can be used more than once.

-Researcher interacts with other participants, but the interaction is ot driven by being an actor within the interaction scene.

A) complete observer
B) complete participant
C) observer-as- participant
D) participant-observer

Question 15

Match the following terms and descriptions of non-researcher roles in qualitative methodologies

-Someone within the group who can validate and legitimize your presence.

A) Key informant
B) Gatekeeper
C) Sponsor

Question 16

Match the following terms and descriptions of non-researcher roles in qualitative methodologies

-The person who seems to be more central to the interaction than others.

A) Key informant
B) Gatekeeper
C) Sponsor

Question 17

Match the following terms and descriptions of non-researcher roles in qualitative methodologies

-Person who has the authority to allow you access.

A) Key informant
B) Gatekeeper
C) Sponsor

Question 18

Qualitative methodologies are more subjective and initially less structured than quantitative methodologies. Thus, the researcher does not need to design the research process before collecting data.

Question 19

The primary advantage of using qualitative methodologies is that it is easier to distance yourself from the interaction and the interactants enabling you to draw more objective conclusions.

Question 20

A researcher using qualitative methods should rely on his or her first impressions of the interaction.

Question 21

A researcher using qualitative methodologies may find that their initial research question may change as evidence of the problem is observed (or not observed.).

Question 22

Qualitative research is contextually bound to specific interaction and specific interactants.

Question 23

The reflexive nature of qualitative research is what distinguishes it from quantitative approaches.

Question 24

In preparing for observing in the field, a researcher using qualitative methods would restrict the literature review to only studies that also report qualitative methods.

Question 25

When using some form of participant observation, a researcher looks for interdependence among the people observed, the social situation, and the context in which the interaction occurs.

Question 26

Counting the number of times a theme appears in your field notes is a good way to analyze field notes.

Question 27

Explain how qualitative research is both subjective and objective.

Question 28

Explain the problems that can occur when a researcher using qualitative methods develops social and emotional relationships with research participants.

Question 29

Explain how being familiar with the interaction environment or the interactants can be both a strength and a liability when using qualitative methodologies.

Question 30

Describe ways in which sampling issues can be addressed when using qualitative methodologies.

Question 31

Describe how the seamless container can be used as a method for structuring your observations.

Question 32

Describe note-taking procedures researchers can employ when the interaction environment they are observing makes it difficult to generate notes on the spot.