GROUP 3

Encoded Report on Qualitative Methodology

Group 3 (3rd Reporter): Jacinth Villanueva John Barry Ibaez Ace Gerald Jupakkal John Alfred Lugo Kate Jasmin Alquizar Judea Marie Egay Janne Gayle Leonero Jireh Rodriguez

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

a method of inquiry employed in many different academic disciplines, traditionally in the social sciences, but also in market research and further contexts aim to gather an in-depth understanding of human behavior and the reasons that govern such behavior

The qualitative method investigates the why and how of decision making, not just what, where, when. Hence, smaller but focused samples are more often used than large samples. In the conventional view, qualitative methods produce information only on the particular cases studied, and any more general conclusions are only propositions (informed assertions). Quantitative methods can then be used to seek empirical support for such research hypotheses. Qualitative researchers face many choices related to data collection ranging from grounded theory practice, narratology, storytelling, classical ethnography, or shadowing. Qualitative methods are also loosely present in other methodological approaches, such as action research or actor-network theory. The most common method is the qualitative research interview, but forms of the data collected can also include group discussions, observation and reflection field notes, various texts, pictures, and other materials. Qualitative researchers typically rely on the following methods for gathering information: Participant Observation Non-Participant Observation Field Notes Reflexive Journals Structured Interview Semi-Structured Interview Unstructured Interview Analysis of Documents and Materials

Participant Observation - A strategy of reflexive learning, not a single method of observing - Researchers typically become members of a culture, group, or setting, and adopt roles to conform to that setting. In doing so, the aim is for the researcher to gain a closer insight into the culture's practices, motivations and emotions. It is argued that the researchers' ability to understand the experiences of the culture may be inhibited if they observe without participating The data that is obtained is streamlined to a definite theme or pattern. This is further worked on and alternative research hypothesis is generated which finally provides the basis of the research statement. Qualitative Research is the method of inquiry that seeks to understand social phenomena within the context of the participants perspectives and experiences. The research methods are more flexible, responsive, and open to contextual interpretation than in quantitative research, which uses inventory, questionnaire, or numerical data to draw conclusions.

One traditional and specialized form of qualitative research is called cognitive testing or pilot testing which is used in the development of quantitative survey items. Survey items are piloted on study participants to test the reliability and validity of items.

THREE KEY QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS

Unstructured Interviews Unstructured interviews can be thought of as guided conversations. We can divide unstructured interviews into three main types (although these are not exhaustive): 1. Cultural interviews. These are an exploration of the experience of individuals within a culture, and the knowledge they pass on to future generations. 2. Oral (signed) histories. These relate to past events, such as experiences of World War II or the closure of a Deaf school. Participants are asked about their experiences from that time, and what they recall happening and feeling; how they interpreted the events then and now. 3. Life histories. Life histories focus upon the individual, and ask about the experience of that individual from childhood through to the present day. What was like being a deaf child in the 1930s? How did that experience effect later life decisions, and what is the outcome for the individual today? Unstructured interviews require a large investment of time. This is because they aim for depth of information, which can be time-consuming to obtain, analyze and interpret. The aim during the interview is to move from public accounts towards private accounts. In other words, to go from the sort of answers that an interviewee would give to anyone towards the type of answer that reveals their true feelings and views. This is normally done using three types of question: 1. Main questions. It is always advisable to have a few topics for conversation noted down. There may be certain aspects you want to explore in the interview. If things go well, then you may not need to refer to this list. 2. Probes. Often a participant will say something that you find interesting, but not expand upon it. They may even seem unsure whether they are giving you the information you want often participants feel that they have a duty to tell you what you want to know! 3. Follow-up questions. These are questions arising from a theme or topic introduced in the course of the interview. Often the interview will take unexpected directions, and new ideas for questions will occur to you. Focus Groups Focus groups can be thought of as an unstructured interview with several people at the same time. They can contain from 6 to 20 participants and a group leader (usually the researcher). The important thing about a focus group is the group dynamic. The way in which members of the focus group relate to each other and engage with what each other is saying will determine the success of this approach. Focus groups are considered to be a useful tool for exploring cultural values and beliefs. Below are some additional pointers to help you get started: 1. An unstructured guide. Focus groups usually last for between 1 and 2 hours. Make sure have enough material for this length of time. This will normally take the form of a few questions which you can use to stimulate new conversation or change direction. 2. Comfortable environment. Make sure the focus group meets somewhere that members will be comfortable for 1-2 hours. Seating should be comfortable, the room should be well lighted, and refreshments must be available. 3. Room layout. You will need to keep a video record of the focus group, so you need to take care with the layout of the room. The layout must promote discussion, and yet at the same time allow contributions by all group members to be recorded. 4. Controlling the group. Focus groups are normally uncontrolled environments, in that the leader does not act as a formal chair of the meeting. If the focus group consists of sign language users, however, the case may be different. Unless there is some control over who is allowed to sign, then information can be missed by group members when more than one person signs at the same time. Ethnography and Critical Ethnography In ethnographic research, the researcher enters into the daily lives of those being studied. The methodology is a combination of participant observation (observing from within) and unstructured

interviewing. In ethnographic research, the participants are full collaborators. They are included in negotiating the content and direction of the research. In addition, when it comes to analyzing, interpreting and reporting the data from the research, the participants must be included as well. This can be a cyclical process, with the researcher disseminating findings, gathering feedback and rewriting the research until all parties are satisfied with and can relate to the final research document. Ethnographic research requires certain things from the researcher. He or she needs to: 1. 2. 3. 4. engage with participants in a social situation, by living among them. acquire the language of those who are being studied. observe from within, and conduct unstructured interviews. make a record of events and analyze them.

It is important to understand the ambiguity and fluidity of the researchers role as someone operating within the group that is being studied. When conducting ethnographic research, it is important to be critical. This means you must: 1. Be aware of the fluidity and ambiguity of your role. This impacts upon the data you collect. 2. Be aware that you are biased. This bias can manifest itself in guiding the direction of the research, influencing how your participants react to you and what information they give you, and determining how you choose to interpret the data you have collected. 3. Reflect upon the research process. This means you have to think about what you have done, why you have done it, and what conclusions you have come to. It requires you to be aware of yourself as a researcher and as an individual with biases.

EXAMPLES OF QUALITATIVE METHODS

1. Case Study - a process or record of research into the development of a particular person, group, or situation over a period of time 2. Clinical Method - the basic idea of this method is to present a person with a situation or problem to deal with 3. Introspection - is the examination of ones own conscious thoughts and feelings and it is closely related to human self-reflection and is contrasted with external observation 4. Naturalistic Observation - probably the oldest qualitative research, a research tool in which a subject is observed in its natural habitat without any manipulation by the observer 5. Experimental Phenomenology - is primarily concerned with the systematic reflection on and the study of the structures of consciousness and the phenomena that appears in acts of consciousness 6. Participant Observation - aims to gain a close and intimate familiarity with a given group of individuals and their practices through an intensive involvement with people in their cultural environment at a given time 7. Interviewing - seeks to describe the meanings of central themes in life world of the subjects with its main task is to understand the meaning of what the interviewees say during the phenomenon