Qualitative Field Research
I. Introduction
a. Field research incolves the direct observation of social phenomena in their natural settings
i. Typical field research is qualitative that quantitative
b. In field research, observation, data processing, and analysis are interwoven cyclical processes
II. Topics Appropriate for Field Research
a. Field research is appropriate for topics that are not easily quantifiable, that change over time and a best observed in their natural settings
i. Examples include practices, episodes, encounters, role etc.
III. Special Considerations in Qualitative Field Research
a. The various possible roles of the observer and the researchers relations to subjects are special considerations
b. One must decide …show more content…
Conducting field research responsibly involves confronting several ethical issues that arise from the researchers direct contact with subjects
Chapter 13
Qualitative Data Analysis
I. Introduction
a. Qualitative analysis is the nonnumerical examinations and interpretations of observations
II. Linking Theory Analysis
a. Qualitative analysis involves the continual interplay between theory and analysis
b. We seek to discover patterns such as changes over time or possible causal links between variables
c. The units to be coded in qualitative analysis may vary within a document
d. Memoing is appropriate at several stages of data processing and serves to capture code meanings, theoretical ideas and so forth
e. Concept mapping uses diagrams to explore relationships in the data graphically
III. Computer Programs for Qualitative Data
a. Some programs are specially designed to assist researchers in the analysis of qualitative data
IV. The Qualitative Analysis of Quantitative Data
a. Researchers need both qualitative and quantitative analysis for the fullest understanding of social science data
V. Evaluating the Quality of Qualitative Research
a. Validity and reliability are ways to assess the quality of qualitative research
VI. Ethics and Qualitative Data