Deck 18: Qualitative Research: General Principles

Question 1

Grounded theory emphasizes inductive processes, but can incorporate deductive processes.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

Among the advantages of qualitative research is that it​

A) ​yields precise descriptive statements about a large population.
B) involves the uniform application of precise operational definitions.​
C) ​allows for the modification of research design.
D) ​produces definitive conclusions.
E) ​is an extremely reliable technique.

Answer 2

C

Question 3

Case studies use qualitative sources of evidence, only, never quantitative sources.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

Professor Smith was interested in reporting the reality of the experiences of teenage runaways living on the streets in their own terms. Smith is probably most interested in:​

A) ​being a complete participant.
B) ​grounded theory.
C) ​ethnography.
D) ​hermeneutics.

Question 5

​A researcher wanted to learn about factors that influence parents to participate or not participate in the substance abuse treatment for their adolescent children. She decided to interview the parents who refused to participate and compare their responses with the parents who participated the most. What type of sampling did she use?

A) ​snowball sampling.
B) ​systematic sampling.
C) ​deviant cases sampling.
D) ​accidental sampling.
E) ​quota sampling.

Question 6

Qualitative research is especially effective for​

A) descriptive research.​
B) ​examining social processes over time.
C) ​meeting the scientific norm of generalizability.
D) ​meeting the scientific norm of inter-subjectivity.

Question 7

The qualitative researcher​

A) usually approaches the task with precisely defined hypotheses to be tested.​
B) ​typically studies only those processes that can be predicted in advance.
C) ​makes initial observations, develops tentative conclusions that suggest further observation, and revises the conclusions.
D) ​never attempts to increase objectivity
E) all of the above.​

Question 8

The participatory action research paradigm uses empowerment standards for evaluating qualitative studies.

Question 9

Qualitative research differs from other forms of observation in that it is both a data-collecting and a theory-generating activity.

Question 10

Professor Hall was planning to do a field study of unemployed recent immigrants. Hall wanted to be sure that persons representing all different age, racial, and sex categories were included in the sample of unemployed recent immigrants. What kind of sampling scheme would you recommend?​

A) Deviant cases​
B) ​Quota sampling
C) ​Stratified sampling
D) ​Snowball sampling
E) ​Cluster sampling

Question 11

Which of the following is a weakness of qualitative research?​

A) ​It measures phenomena too superficially.
B) ​It is inflexible.
C) ​It is weak on generalizability.
D) ​It cannot be used to study formal organizations.

Question 12

Sampling in qualitative and quantitative research is similar in that both types of inquiry are most likely to use probability sampling techniques.

Question 13

According to contemporary positivist standards, which of the following strategies is NOT recommended for enhancing the rigor of qualitative studies?​

A) ​Prolonged engagement.
B) ​Triangulation.
C) ​Negative case analysis.
D) ​Leaving a paper trail for auditing.
E) evoking actions by participants to effect desired change.​

Question 14

The naturalism paradigm discourages the use of ethnography.

Question 15

According to contemporary positivist standards, which of the following is NOT a threat to the trustworthiness of qualitative research?​

A) ​The researcher's presence in the field might distort the naturalism of the setting.
B) ​Researcher biases might distort what researchers perceive or how they selectively observe
C) ​The need to appear socially desirable might result in respondent biases.
D) ​The use of prolonged engagement.

Question 16

In qualitative research, the formulation of theoretical propositions, the observation of empirical events, and the evaluation of theory are typically all part of the same ongoing process.

Question 17

Prolonged engagement is discouraged in qualitative research be4cause it increases the risk of reactivity and respondent bias.

Question 18

An advantage of qualitative research is that​

A) ​it enables the researcher to draw conclusions about the population.
B) ​the researcher can control the variables under study.
C) ​social life can be studied in a natural setting.
D) ​hypotheses can be rigorously tested.

Question 19

When qualitative studies involve observing people in their natural environment, ethical issues are less likely to be a concern than in other types of research.

Question 20

In comparison to surveys, qualitative research is​

A) ​more subjective and more generalizable.
B) ​less subjective and more generalizable.
C) ​more subjective and less generalizable.
D) ​less subjective and less generalizable.

Question 21

Using contemporary positivist standards, describe three key threats to the trustworthiness of qualitative research and six strategies commonly used to minimize the distorting influence of those threats.

Question 22

A study that begins with observations and then looks for patterns, themes, or common categories is using what method?​

A) ​Being a complete participant
B) ​Participatory action research.
C) ​Grounded theory.
D) ​Client logs.

Question 23

Discuss how the use of qualitative methods can enhance a case study that uses a single-subject design to evaluate practice effectiveness.

Question 24

In comparison to quantitative research methods, what are the major strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research methods?