SOC 2805 Study Guide - Spring 2018, Comprehensive Midterm Notes - Time, Ford Focus, Qualitative Research
SOC 2805
MIDTERM EXAM
STUDY GUIDE
Fall 2018
Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods Design
• Description of the design
o The researcher collects qualitative data in the first phase
o Analyzes the results and uses them to plan phase two
o The qualitative phase informs the quantitative phase
• Data Collection
o The qualitative data collected and is used in the second phase to:
▪ Create an instrument
▪ Develop new variables
o The intent of this type of develop better instruments and to see if data from a few individuals can
be generalized to a larger sample.
• Data analysis
o The two databases are analyzed separately
o The researcher uses the results of phase one to build into quantitative measures
• Interpretation
o Typically written into the discussion section of the study
o Qualitative results are reported first and then quantitative
• Validity
o Should be based on both quantitative and qualitative validity
o A concern might be whether the research uses the appropriate steps to develop the instrument
Several Advanced Mixed Methods Designs
• Embedded mixed methods – this one or more forms of data within a larger design.
• Transformative mixed methods – the researcher uses a social justice theory as a framework for mixed
methods study.
• Multiphase mixed methods – researchers conduct several mixed methods projects, sometimes including
mixed methods convergent or sequential approaches, or including only quantitative or qualitative
studies.
Mixed Methods Notation in the Figures
• Mixed methods notation provides shorthand labels and symbols that can be important aspects of
mixed methods research.
o QUAL and QUAN capitalization indicates an emphasis on priority on the quantitative or
qualitative data, analysis, and interpretation in the study.
• Quan and Qual stand for quantitative and qualitative respectively.
• A plus sign + indicates a convergent or merging integration of data collection
• An arrow indicates a sequential form of data collection
• Parentheses – indicate that one form of data collection is embedded within another or embedded within a
larger design
• Double arrows mean that the flow of activities can go both ways
Factors Important in Choosing a Mixed Methods Design
• Choice based on outcomes expected. This requires a researcher to determine the outcome anticipated
and then to link it to the types.
• Choice based on how the data will be used together. The researcher needs to consider whether mixed
methods integration of the two databases will be merge, connected, or embedded.
• Choice based on the timing of the data collection. This considers whether the two databases are
collected concurrently or sequentially
• choice based on the emphasis placed on each database. A mixed methods study can use an equal
emphasis on both databases or an unequal emphasis.
find more resources at oneclass.com
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• Choice based on type of design most suited for a field. Quantitatively oriented fields, the explanatory
sequential approach seems to work well.
• Choice based on a single researcher or team. If the investigators a single researcher the sequential
strategies are best because the investigation can be broken into two tasks.
Validity and Reliability
• Qualitative validity means that the researcher checks for the accuracy of the findings by employing
certain procedures.
• Qualitative reliability indicates that the researchers approach is consistent across different researchers
and different projects.
• The researcher actively incorporates validity strategies into their proposal.
o Triangulate different data sources of information by examining evidence from the sources. Use it
to build a coherent justification for themes.
o Use member checking is to determine the accuracy of the qualitative findings. The researcher
takes back parts of the polished or semi-polished product to determine if participants feel they
are accurate.
o Use a rich, thick description to convey findings.
o Clarify the bias the researcher brings to the study.
o Present negative or discrepant information that runs counter to the themes.
o Spend prolonged time in the field. The more time the researcher has with the participants in their
settings, the more accurate the findings will be.
o Use peer debriefing to enhance the accuracy of the account.
o Use an external auditor to review the entire project.
• Gibbs (2007) suggested several qualitative reliability procedures:
o Check transcripts to make sure that they do not contain obvious mistakes made during
transcription
o Make sure that there is not a shift in the meaning of the codes during the process of coding.
o For team research, coordinate the communication among the coders. Have regular documented
meetings. Share in the analysis.
o Crosscheck codes developed by different researchers by comparing results that are independently
derived (inter coder agreement).
Writing the Qualitative Report
• The qualitative methods planned should in with some comments about the narrative that will emerge
from the data analysis.
• The basic procedure is to develop descriptions and themes from the data and present these descriptions
and themes in a way that conveys the multiple perspectives from participants and detailed descriptions
of the setting or individuals.
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
Document Summary
Factors important in choosing a mixed methods design: choice based on outcomes expected. This requires a researcher to determine the outcome anticipated and then to link it to the types: choice based on how the data will be used together. The researcher needs to consider whether mixed methods integration of the two databases will be merge, connected, or embedded: choice based on the timing of the data collection. This considers whether the two databases are collected concurrently or sequentially: choice based on the emphasis placed on each database. A mixed methods study can use an equal emphasis on both databases or an unequal emphasis: choice based on type of design most suited for a field. Quantitatively oriented fields, the explanatory sequential approach seems to work well: choice based on a single researcher or team. If the investigators a single researcher the sequential strategies are best because the investigation can be broken into two tasks.
