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The document outlines various qualitative research methods including document analysis, interviews (structured, semi-structured, and unstructured), stimulated research interviews, focus group interviews, observation (participatory and non-participatory), and questionnaires. Each method is described in terms of its purpose, structure, advantages, and suitable research contexts. The document emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate method based on research goals and participant engagement.

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8 views5 pages

Document

The document outlines various qualitative research methods including document analysis, interviews (structured, semi-structured, and unstructured), stimulated research interviews, focus group interviews, observation (participatory and non-participatory), and questionnaires. Each method is described in terms of its purpose, structure, advantages, and suitable research contexts. The document emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate method based on research goals and participant engagement.

Uploaded by

ndovemagda2030
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1.

Document analysis

Document analysis involves examining written, printed, or digital


materials to understand their content, structure, context, and significance.
Document analysis is used to identify the purpose of the document. To
determine the credibility and reliability of the information.To extract and
organize key data and also to interpret the content within its historical,
social, or organizational contextis.Document analysis is a type of
qualitative research in which documents are reviewed by the analyst to
assess an appraisal theme. Dissecting documents involves coding content
into subjects like how focus group or interview transcripts are
investigated. A rubric can likewise be utilized to review or score a
document. Krippendorff, K. (2018)

Types of Documents Analysis

Primary documents: Original materials such as letters, official records,


reports, photos, and memos

Secondary documents: Interpretations or analyses of primary documents,


like reviews or critiques

2.Interviews

Interviews are a key method of data collection in both qualitative and


quantitative research. They can be broadly categorized into three main
types: structured, semi-structured, and unstructured.Interviews are a
great research tool. They allow you to gather rich information and draw
more detailed conclusions than other research methods, taking into
consideration nonverbal cues, off-the-cuff reactions, and emotional
responses.Bryman, A. (2016)

Structured Interviews

Structured interviews involve a standardized set of questions that are


asked in the same order and manner for every respontool.Structured
interview have predetermined questions in a set order. They are often
closed-ended, featuring dichotomous (yes/no) or multiple-choice
questions. While open-ended structured interviews exist, they are much
less common. The types of questions asked make structured interviews a
predominantly quantitative tool.

Asking set questions in a set order can help you see patterns among
responses, and it allows you to easily compare responses between
participants while keeping other factors constant. This can mitigate
research biases and lead to higher reliability and validity. However,
structured interviews can be overly formal, as well as limited in scope and
flexibility.

Structured interviews may be a good fit for your research if:

You feel very comfortable with your topic. This will help you formulate
your questions most effectively.

You have limited time or resources. Structured interviews are a bit more
straightforward to analyze because of their closed-ended nature, and can
be a doable undertaking for an individual.

Your research question depends on holding environmental conditions


between participants constant.

Semi-Structured Interviews

Semi-structured interviews use a guide with predefined questions, but


allow flexibility to explore topics in more depth as they arise.
Semi_structured interviews are a blend of structured and unstructured
interviews. While the interviewer has a general plan for what they want to
ask, the questions do not have to follow a particular phrasing or order.

Semi-structured interviews are often open-ended, allowing for flexibility,


but follow a predetermined thematic framework, giving a sense of order.
For this reason, they are often considered “the best of both worlds.”

However, if the questions differ substantially between participants, it can


be challenging to look for patterns, lessening the generalizability and
validity of your results.
Semi-structured interviews may be a good fit for your research if:

You have prior interview experience. It’s easier than you think to
accidentally ask a leading question when coming up with questions on the
fly. Overall, spontaneous questions are much more difficult than they may
seem.

Your research question is exploratory in nature. The answers you receive


can help guide your future research.

Unstructured Interviews

Unstructured is the most flexible type of interview. The questions and the
order in which they are asked are not set. Instead, the interview can
proceed more spontaneously, based on the participant’s previous
answers.

Unstructured interviews are by definition open-ended. This flexibility can


help you gather detailed information on your topic, while still allowing you
to observe patterns between participants.However, so much flexibility
means that they can be very challenging to conduct properly. You must be
very careful not to ask leading questions, as biased responses can lead to
lower reliability or even invalidate your research.

Unstructured interviews may be a good fit for your research if:

You have a solid background in your research topic and have conducted
interviews before.

Your research question is exploratory in nature, and you are seeking


descriptive data that will deepen and contextualize your initial
hypotheses.

Your research necessitates forming a deeper connection with your


participants, encouraging them to feel comfortable revealing their true
opinions and emotions.

3.Stimulated research interviews

Are a research technique where participants view recordings of their own


behavior or experiences and are then prompted to reflect on their
thoughts, feelings, and decision-making processes during those events.
The primary goal of SRIs is to gain insights into participants’ subjective
experiences, cognitive processes, and decision-making during specific
events or tasks. When conducting SRIs , Researchers must ensure that
participants are fully informed about the study and their right to withdraw.

Data Analyzing: SRI data requires careful consideration of the context


and potential biases.

Validity: Researchers should ensure that the questions/prompts used in


the SRI do not alter the cognitive process being employed at the time of
the event.

Focus group interview(including sharing circles)

Focus group interviews are a qualitative research method where a small


group of individuals discuss a specific topic in a moderated setting.
Sharing circles, a variation of this, emphasizes peer-to-peer discussion and
emotional expression, often focusing on personal experiences and shared
narratives. Sharing circle and focus group discussions are similar in that
they are commonly used in qualitative research to explore and construct
knowledge about a phenomenon with research participants in small
groups (Redman-MacLaren, Mills, and Tommbe 2014).

4 .Observation

Observation is a key method in qualitative research that involves


systematically watching and recording behaviors, events, or conditions in
their natural setting. Two main types are participatory observation and
non-participatory observation.

Participatory Observation

In participatory observation, the researcher actively engages in the


environment or activities of the group being studied. They become a part
of the community or setting to gain deeper insights from an insider’s
perspective. This method helps build trust and allows the researcher to
observe behaviors and interactions in a more natural and detailed way. It
is commonly used in ethnographic studies and social anthropology.

Example: A researcher joins a local community group to study their


decision-making processes.
Non-Participatory Observation

In non-participatory observation, the researcher does not interact with the


subjects or interfere in the setting. They observe from a distance or
remain passive, ensuring that their presence does not influence the
behavior of the participants. This method is useful when the goal is to
record unbiased, natural behavior.

Example: A researcher watches classroom interactions from the back of


the room without taking part in the activities.

5.Questionnaire

According to Pritha Bhandari (2021) ,Questionnaire is a list of questions


or items used to gather data from respondents about their attitudes,
experiences, or opinions. Questionnaires can be used to collect
quantitative and/or qualitative information.These instruments include
either written or oral questions and comprise an interview-style format.
Questionnaires may be qualitative or quantitative and can be conducted
online, by phone, on paper or face-to-face, and questions don’t
necessarily have to be administered with a researcher present.
Questionnaires feature either open or closed questions and sometimes
employ a mixture of both. Open-ended questions enable respondents to
answer in their own words in as much or as little detail as they desire.
Closed questions provide respondents with a series of predetermined
responses they can choose from.

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