Qual

• What is the goal of method triangulation in a case study?

  To increase the credibility of a study
• What type of study is typically longitudinal?

  Case study
• What can a case study focus on?

  An individual, group, or organization based on a specific trait or behavior
• What do researchers do in observations?

  They watch and record data of participants' behavior in a natural environment
• Why can't cause and effect relationships be established in observations?

  Because researchers do not manipulate anything in the observation environment
• What methods can be used to collect data during observations?

  Tallying for quantitative data and qualitative 'field notes'
• What is participant observation?

  The researcher is actively involved with the group they are studying
• What is naturalistic observation?

  The researcher observes behaviors in a natural setting
• What is non-participant observation?

  The researchers remain separate from the activities of the group
• What is covert observation?

  When participants are unaware that they are being observed
• What is overt observation?

  When participants are aware that they are being observed
• How many participants are typically in a focus group interview?

  Around 8 - 12 participants
• Why do participants in a focus group tend to share common experiences?

  It develops a sense of trust in the group
• What role do researchers play in focus group interviews?

  They act as facilitators to keep the discussion focused
• How do focus groups help participants respond?

  Responses from other participants prompt further responses
• What type of data is collected in focus groups?

  Rich qualitative data that needs interpretation
• What characterizes a semi-structured interview?

  A predetermined set of questions with flexibility for follow-on questions
• What is the nature of an unstructured interview?

  The researcher has flexibility in the questions asked
• What is a strength of unstructured interviews?

  They reflect a normal conversation
• What is a weakness of unstructured interviews?

  They are difficult to analyze
• What is a strength of case studies?

  They are rich in detail
• What is a weakness of case studies?

  They have low representational generalizability
• What is a strength of observations?

  They allow researchers to gain first-hand experience with behavior
• What is a weakness of participant observation?

  It increases the chance of researcher bias
• What is a strength of non-participant observation?

  It reduces chances of researcher bias
• What is a weakness of covert observation?

  It raises ethical issues
• What is a strength of overt observation?

  It has fewer ethical issues
• What is a weakness of unstructured interviews?

  They are susceptible to researcher bias
• What is a strength of semi-structured interviews?

  They resemble real-life conversations
• What is a weakness of focus group interviews?

  They are less reliable due to conformity effects
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of case studies?

  Strengths:

  • Rich in detail
  • Permits investigations that may be unethical
  • Method triangulation improves credibility

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Low representational generalizability
  • Prone to researcher bias
  • Difficult to repeat
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of observations?

  Strengths:

  • Gain first-hand experience with behavior
  • Naturalistic observations are good for unethical situations

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Prone to researcher bias
  • Time-consuming
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of participant and non-participant observations?

  Participant Observation:

  • Unique perspective increases credibility
  • Increases chance of researcher bias

  
  

  Non-Participant Observation:

  • Reduces chances of researcher bias
  • Reduces credibility
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of covert and overt observations?

  Covert Observation:

  • Reduces demand characteristics
  • Ethical issues

  
  

  Overt Observation:

  • Less ethical issues
  • Demand characteristics
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of interviews?

  Unstructured Interviews:

  • Flexible and generates detail
  • Prevents misunderstanding
  • Difficult to analyze
  • Susceptible to researcher bias

  
  

  Semi-Structured Interviews:

  • Higher mundane realism
  • Lower reliability

  
  

  Focus Groups:

  • More detail possible
  • Less reliable
  • Conformity effects