Qualitative Methods

A qualitative data analysis approach in which a text is read several times to identify themes that emerge from the data. This is a common method for interpreting interviews.

• Theory triangulation

• Emergent thematic coding

• Point sampling

• Content analysis

• Meta-analysis

A data collection method used when carrying out an observation of a group where the researcher records the behavior of an individual and then moves on to the next participant until all have been observed.

• Time sampling

• Event sampling

• Point sampling

• Covert observation

• Snowball sampling

The rate at which participants drop out of a study over time. This often occurs when research has many steps or takes place over a long period of time.

• Participant attrition

• Meta-analysis

• Prospective research

• Transferability

• Naturalistic observation

A study that attempts to find a correlation between two variables by collecting data early in the life of participants and then continuing to test them over a period of time to measure change and development.

• Participant attrition

• Meta-analysis

• Prospective research

• Transferability

• Naturalistic observation

A data collection strategy for observational studies. This is when the researcher makes note only when a specific behavior is observed. For example, only when aggression is observed on the playground.

• Time sampling

• Event sampling

• Point sampling

• Covert observation

• Snowball sampling

The use of more than one theoretical approach to investigate a question - for example, looking at a patient like HM from a biological, cognitive and sociocultural perspective.

• Theory triangulation

• Emergent thematic coding

• Point sampling

• Content analysis

• Meta-analysis

The degree of agreement among researchers recording behavior during an observation.

• Data triangulation

• Emergent thematic coding

• Participant observation

• Theory triangulation

• Inter-rater reliability

It may be the case that an individual may respond positively to questions about their health, misjudging just how healthy their behaviors actually are.

• Cross-sectional design

• Focus group

• Optimism bias

• Transferability

• Participant attrition

A sampling technique where research participants recruit other participants for a study.

• Time sampling

• Event sampling

• Point sampling

• Covert observation

• Snowball sampling

Comparing two or more groups on a particular variable at a specific time. The opposite is a longitudinal design where the researcher measures change in an individual over time.

• Cross-sectional design

• Focus group

• Optimism bias

• Transferability

• Participant attrition