Qualitative research: Essential skills

Which of the following is NOT TRUE about the myths of qualitative research?

• Qualitative research is not rigorous.

• Qualitative research incorporates many methods of data collection.

• Qualitative research is too subjective.

• Qualitative research is too labor intensive.

Answer explanation

Qualitative research is rigorous because

1) Methodological Rigor: Qualitative research involves systematic procedures for data collection and analysis. This includes careful planning, execution, and documentation of each step.

• 2) Thick Description: Providing detailed, rich descriptions of the phenomena being studied requires a deep understanding of the context, participants, and their experiences.

• 3) Triangulation: Using multiple data sources, methods, or researchers to cross-verify the findings enhances the credibility and validity of the research.

• 4) Researcher Reflexivity: Qualitative researchers engage in reflexivity, critically reflecting on their own biases and how these might influence the research. This helps to maintain objectivity.

• 5) Member Checking: Involving participants in verifying the findings ensures that the interpretations accurately reflect their experiences and perspectives.

• 6) Audit Trail: Maintaining detailed records of all research processes and decisions allows others to review and understand the research steps, promoting transparency and objectivity.

Why does qualitative research is more preferred as compared to quantitative research?

• It can be used to lift up the silenced voices of marginalised groups or populations.

• It enhances the ability to generalize findings to a broader population.

• Some academic journals favor it due to its emphasis on statistical significance.

• It is easier to replicate studies.

Why is it important for qualitative researchers to know about quantitative research too?

• To avoid methodological biases and appreciate the strengths and limitations of each approach.

• To be more effective and evidence-based about interventions and policies.

• To foster a narrower perspective on research.

• To study the same phenomenon using either one of the specific research design.

Answer explanation

These are some of the importance of qualitative researchers to know about quantitative research:

• 1) Enhanced Analytical Skills: Understanding both qualitative and quantitative methods enhances a researcher’s ability to analyze data from multiple perspectives and apply the most appropriate techniques to answer research questions.

• 2) Versatility: Being skilled in both methodologies makes researchers more versatile and capable of handling a wider range of research projects and questions.

• 3) Critique and Interpretation: Knowledge of quantitative research allows qualitative researchers to critically evaluate quantitative studies, understand their findings, and integrate these insights into their own research.

• 4) Balanced Viewpoint: Awareness of both methodologies helps researchers avoid methodological biases and appreciate the strengths and limitations of each approach.

• 5) Comprehensive Understanding: In interdisciplinary settings, knowing both methodologies helps researchers contribute more effectively to discussions and analyses, leading to more integrated and comprehensive research outcomes.

• 6) Collaborative Research: Many research projects involve interdisciplinary teams where different members bring varied methodological expertise. Understanding quantitative methods facilitates better communication and collaboration within such teams.

Which of the following is NOT TRUE to make a qualitative research conceptually interesting?

• Study an unusual location

• Study an unusual group of participants

• Collect data using relics and pictures

• Present results in a usual way, very structured like a quantitative research

Which of the following is not commonly experience by qualitative researchers?

• Positivist enthusiasm phase.

• Interview-quoting phase.

• Aggressive phase of silence.

• Exhaustion phase.

Answer explanation

To know more, read Brinkmann and Kvale (2015) Interviews: Learning the craft of qualitative research (3rd edition).

Which of the following are some of the concerns in collecting data from marginalised groups?

I Sampling and access

II Mistrust

III Culture

IV Language

V Equality

• I, II, III and IV

• I, II, III and V

• II, III, IV and V

• I, II, IV and V

In qualitative research, why does the proposed research questions relate to interview questions?

• Research questions indicate the phenomenon that you want to explore

• Research questions identify the type of data that a researcher needs in qualitative research

• It leads the interview from veering off-topic and ensures that the information gathered is pertinent to the study’s aims.

• The relationship between research questions and interview questions can be incremental.

Answer explanation

The type of data that a researcher needs in qualitative research would be narrative form such as responses from interviews, blogs, even drawing or painting which as "story" or "narration" that can be explored. The data is less straightforward like quantitative data i.e. numerical.

Which of the following is FALSE about reciprocity in qualitative research?

• It is a mutual exchange of benefits, respect, and ethical considerations between researchers and participants

• It creates a collaborative and ethical relationship where participants are not merely subjects but active contributors to the research process

• Participants do not get direct feedback, sharing findings, or other forms of acknowledgment and support.

• The researcher gives back to the participants in some form such as token of appreciation, supporting participants through volunteerism etc.

Answer explanation

One of the researchers in a research about a soup kitchen for the homeless became an advocates for the right of the homeless to support agencies. For more details, refer to Miller, D. L., Creswell. J. W. and Olander, L. S. (1998) Writing and retelling multiple ethnograpbic tales of a soup kitchen for the homeless. Qualitative Inquiry, 4(4) 469-491.

Which of the following are required for observational protocol?

• It must include descriptive and reflective notes.

• It comprises of list of questions that a researcher wants to ask and record.

• Researcher uses probes to get more information

• There will be a follow-up questions at the end of observation.

Which of the following is ONE of the concerns of using images as qualitative data?

• A photograph is a selective representation of the world of the photographer.

• A photograph cannot be extended beyond the actual data.

• A photograph can be used with thorough ethical consideration.

• Additional details must be added to informed consent documents if a researcher needs to use personal images of the respondents.