Lesson 3-Analysis of Procedures Such As Survey, Interview and Observation
This document discusses qualitative data collection methods such as interviews and observation. It provides details on structured and unstructured interviews, as well as the strengths and limitations of observation techniques. The key points are:
- Qualitative research relies on smaller sample sizes but provides richer insights through methods like in-depth interviews and observation.
- Interviews can be fully unstructured to explore topics in detail or highly structured using standardized questions.
- Observation allows researchers to directly view behaviors and contexts but the observer's presence may influence people or the researcher may miss details.
- Collecting high quality qualitative data requires thorough preparation, skill, and careful analysis of interview responses and observational notes.
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Lesson 3-Analysis of Procedures Such As Survey, Interview and Observation
This document discusses qualitative data collection methods such as interviews and observation. It provides details on structured and unstructured interviews, as well as the strengths and limitations of observation techniques. The key points are:
- Qualitative research relies on smaller sample sizes but provides richer insights through methods like in-depth interviews and observation.
- Interviews can be fully unstructured to explore topics in detail or highly structured using standardized questions.
- Observation allows researchers to directly view behaviors and contexts but the observer's presence may influence people or the researcher may miss details.
- Collecting high quality qualitative data requires thorough preparation, skill, and careful analysis of interview responses and observational notes.
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ANALYSIS OF PROCEDURES SUCH AS
SURVEY, INTERVIEW, AND
OBSERVATION Lesson 3 DATA COLLECTION Qualitative research data collection methods are time consuming, therefore data is usually collected from a smaller sample than would be the case for quantitative approaches – therefore this makes qualitative research more expensive. The benefits of the qualitative approach are that the information is richer and has a deeper insight into the phenomenon under study. METHODS FOR COLLECTING QUALITATIVE DATA 1. INTERVIEWS UNSTRUCTURED Can be referred to as ‘depth’ or ‘in depth’ interviews They have very little structure at all The interviewer may just go with the aim of discussing a limited number of topics sometimes as a few as just one or two UNSTRUCTURED The interviewer may frame the interview questions based on the interviewee and his/her previous response This allows the discussion to cover areas in great detail They involved the researcher wanting to know or find out more about a specific topic without there being a structure or a preconceived plan or expectation as to how they will deal with the topic STRUCTURED The interviewee will ask the respondent the same questions in the same way. A tightly structured schedule is used The questions may be phrased in order that a limited range of responses may be given (i.e. Do you rate our services as very good, good or poor). A researcher needs to consider whether a questionnaire or structured interview is more appropriate. STRUCTURED If the interview schedule is too tightly structured this may not enable the phenomena under investigation to be explored in terms of either breadth or depth Qualitative interviews should be fairly informal and participants feel they are taking part in a conversation or discussion rather than in a formal question and answer situation STRUCTURED There is skill required and involved in successful qualitative research approaches – which requires careful consideration and planning GOOD QUALITATIVE RESEARCH INVOLVES: a.Thought b.Preparation c. The development of the interview schedule d.Conducting and analyzing the interview data with care and consideration 2. OBSERVATION May take place in natural settings and involved the researcher taking lengthy and descriptive notes of what is happening It is argued that there are limits to the situations that can be observed in their ‘natural’ setting and that the presence of the researcher may lead to problems with validity LIMITATIONS WITH OBSERVATION INCLUDE: a. Changed in people’s behavior when they know they are being observed b. A ‘snap shot’ view of a whole situation c. Think Big Brother… d. The researcher may miss something while they are watching and taking notes e. The researcher may make judgments, make value statements or misunderstand what has been observed STRENGTHS OF OBSERVATION Can offer a flavor for what is happening Can give an insight into the bigger picture Can demonstrate sub-groups Can be used to assist in the design of the rest of the research Sometimes, the researcher becomes or needs to become a participant observer, where he/she is taking part in the situation in order to be accepted and further understand the workings of the social phenomenon OBSERVATION Can sometimes obtain more reliable information about certain things – for example, how people actually behave It can also serve as a technique for verifying or nullifying information provided in face to face encounters People or environment can be observed When environment is researched, it can provide valuable background information that may inform other aspects of the research TECHNIQUES FOR COLLECTING DATA THROUGH OBSERVATION: WRITTEN DESCRIPTIONS The researcher makes written descriptions of the people, situations or environment Limitations include oResearcher might miss out an observation as they are taking notes oThe researcher may be focused on a particular event or situation oThere is room for subjective interpretation of what is happening