ENT 526 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Participant Observation, Discourse Analysis, Content Analysis
4 May 2018
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Nov 24 – logic
Outline
- The qualitative research process
- Firest steps
- Collecting, summarizing, and organizing data
- Analyzing data
The qualitative research process
- Qualitative research can be changed over time
- Much of the process is embedded in the writing and reporting of results
First steps
- Selecting a problem
- Do some background research
- Can look at a particular case in a variety of ways
- When sampling, ensure you are selecting individuals or cases that best illustrate phenomena you are seeking to
study
Collecting, summarizing and organizing data
- Mazimize the ability for participants to have a strong voice
- Produce large amounts of data that will be focused on after collection is finished
- Stages that were distinct in quantitative research are blended in qualitative research
- Progress back and forth to give the best description of what is going on
Observation
- Non-participant
- Participant
3 focuses
- The whole situation
- The participants in a situation
- What the researcher perceives given his own preconceptions and values
Non participant observation
- Stand back and observe
- Take detailed notes on the venue, the people, the interactions, social relations among participants
- How did you react to the situation?
- Find a suitable observation point
- Consider the reactivity of how your non-participant status might affect how others might act
- Prepare a printed statement from your REB on your research goals in case anyone asks
Participant observation
- Distinction between research and participant is blurred
- Become part of the group in order to obtain detailed personal accounts and reflections from group member
Disadvantages
o Participants might feel trespassed(intrude) upon
o Might be unable to observe much of the situation
o Might be impossible to blend in
Participant vs. Non-participant observation
- Look at your research question and setting
- REB (research ethics board) policy on participation
Data recording
- Note taking – 3 issues
o Separation of observations and personal reactions
o How to divide attention between observing and taking notes
o Notation
In-depth interviewing
- Get a window on reality from the point of view of the participant
- Need to gain rapport
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
Document Summary
Qualitative research can be changed over time. Much of the process is embedded in the writing and reporting of results. Can look at a particular case in a variety of ways. When sampling, ensure you are selecting individuals or cases that best illustrate phenomena you are seeking to study. Mazimize the ability for participants to have a strong voice. Produce large amounts of data that will be focused on after collection is finished. Stages that were distinct in quantitative research are blended in qualitative research. Progress back and forth to give the best description of what is going on. What the researcher perceives given his own preconceptions and values. Take detailed notes on the venue, the people, the interactions, social relations among participants. Consider the reactivity of how your non-participant status might affect how others might act. Prepare a printed statement from your reb on your research goals in case anyone asks. Distinction between research and participant is blurred.
