2. What is Qualitative Research?
A holistic approach to questions--a
recognition that human realities are
complex. Broad questions.
The focus is on human experience
The research strategies used generally
feature sustained contact with people in
settings where those people normally
spend their time. Contexts of Human
Behavior.
2
3. Qualitative Research cont.
There is typically a high level of
researcher involvement with
subjects; strategies of participant
observation and in-depth,
unstructured interviews are often
used.
The data produced provide a
description, usually narrative, of
people living through events in
situations. 3
5. Grounded Theory
It is used when there are no existing
theories or limited theories regarding
the process that is of interest.
Study of Experiences on the Process of
Becoming Something
6. Grounded Theory
Grounded theory refers to an inductive
process of generating theory from data.
This is considered ground-up or bottom-
up processing.
Grounded theorists argue that theory
generated from observations of the
empirical world may be more valid and
useful than theories generated from
deductive inquiries.
7. Grounded Theory (con’t)
Grounded theorists criticize deductive reasoning
since it relies upon a priori assumptions about the
world.
However, grounded theory incorporates deductive
reasoning when using constant comparisons.
In doing this, researchers detect patterns in their
observations and then create working hypotheses
that directs the progression of the inquiry.
8. Samples
Teenage Smoking: A Grounded Theory
A Grounded Theory on being An LGBT
Teenage Alcohol Drinking: A Grounded
Theory
A Grounded Theory on Being a Drug Addict
Student Achiever: A Grounded Theory
Porn Watching: A Grounded Theory
9. Samples
Teenage Smoking: A Grounded Theory
A Grounded Theory on being An LGBT
Teenage Alcohol Drinking: A Grounded Theory
A Grounded Theory on Being a Drug Addict
Student Achiever: A Grounded Theory
Porn Watching: A Grounded Theory
K-Pop Culture: A Grounded Theory
10. Ethnography
Studies of culture (values, beliefs,
behaviors, language) of a distinct group
within society.
Study of Culture
11. Ethnography
Ethnography emphasizes the
observation of details of everyday life as
they naturally unfold in the real world.
This is sometimes called naturalistic
research.
Ethnography is a method of describing a
culture or society. This is primarily used
in anthropological research.
12. Phenomenology
Phenomenology is a school of thought
that emphasizes a focus on people’s
subjective experiences and
interpretations of the world.
Phenomenological theorists argue that
objectivity is virtually impossible to
ascertain, so to compensate, one must
view all research from the perspective
of the researcher.
13. Phenomenology
Focuses on people’s meaning of a lived
experience of a concept or
phenomenon.
Study of Experiences on a certain
phenomenon
14. Phenomenology (con’t)
Phenomenologists attempt to
understand those whom they observe
from the subjects’ perspective.
This outlook is especially pertinent in
social work and research where
empathy and perspective become the
keys to success.
15. Types of Qualitative Data
1.Interviews
2.Observations
3.Documents
Qualitative Research--Simpson 15
16. Participant Observation
The researcher literally becomes
part of the observation.
Example: One studying the
homeless may decide to walk the
streets of a given area in an
attempt to gain perspective and
possibly subjects for future study.
17. Direct Observation
Direct observation is where the researcher
observes the actual behaviors of the subjects,
instead of relying on what the subjects say
about themselves or others say about them.
Example: The observation booth at the CECP in
Martha Van may be used for direct observation
of behavior where survey or other empirical
methodologies may seem inappropriate.
18. Data Collection Types per
Designs
Ethnography Grounded Theory Phenomenology
--Observations and
interviews
--interview
--open-ended
questions
--in-depth individual
interviews.
--limited to 1 or 2
broad, open-ended
questions
-20 or more people
in the group
20 or more people in
the group
5 participants
