Qualitative Research Designs

The correct answer is "all of the above." In qualitative research, differences among types of purposive samples have to do with representativeness, timing during the study, and individual variability. Purposive sampling involves selecting participants who possess specific characteristics or qualities that are relevant to the research objectives. These characteristics can vary in terms of their representativeness, the timing at which they are selected during the study, and the individual differences among participants. Therefore, all of these factors contribute to the differences among types of purposive samples in qualitative research.

Phenomenology is the approach to qualitative research that researchers use when studying various reactions to or perceptions of a particular phenomenon. Phenomenology focuses on understanding the lived experiences of individuals and how they make sense of the world around them. It aims to uncover the essence and meaning of these experiences through in-depth interviews and analysis. This approach allows researchers to gain a deeper understanding of how individuals interpret and understand a particular phenomenon.

In qualitative research, the "process" refers to the systematic approach and steps followed to gather and analyze data. It involves the researcher's decisions, actions, and reflections throughout the research journey. Understanding the process is considered of major importance because it allows for transparency and rigor in the research, ensuring that the findings are reliable and trustworthy. By studying the process, researchers can also identify potential biases, challenges, and opportunities for improvement, ultimately enhancing the quality and validity of the research outcomes.

Grounded theory is an approach to qualitative research where researchers aim to generate a theory that is based on systematically gathered and analyzed data. This means that the theory is derived directly from the data collected, rather than being predetermined or based on pre-existing theories. The researchers immerse themselves in the data, constantly comparing and analyzing it to identify patterns, categories, and relationships. Through this iterative process, a theory is developed that is grounded in the data and provides an explanation or understanding of the phenomenon being studied.

A case study is an approach to qualitative research where researchers focus on studying a single individual, classroom, school, or program in depth. This method allows researchers to gather detailed and comprehensive information about a specific case, which can provide valuable insights and understanding. By examining a specific case, researchers can explore complex phenomena, analyze unique situations, and gain a deep understanding of the context and factors influencing the case. Case studies are often used when the researcher wants to explore a particular phenomenon or situation in great detail, making it the correct answer in this context.

A case study involves in-depth analysis of a single individual, group, or situation. In this scenario, the researcher is focusing on one gifted student to gain insights into their school day compared to typical students. This approach allows for a detailed examination of the specific case and can provide valuable information about the unique characteristics and experiences of the gifted student. Therefore, the correct answer is case study.

In qualitative research, data analysis is typically conducted in an inductive rather than deductive manner. This means that researchers gather and analyze data without preconceived theories or hypotheses, allowing patterns and themes to emerge from the data itself. Inductive analysis involves identifying commonalities and themes in the data and generating theories or explanations based on these observations. In contrast, deductive analysis starts with a pre-existing theory or hypothesis and seeks to confirm or refute it using data. Therefore, the correct answer is "inductive rather than deductive."

Qualitative research methods focus on understanding and interpreting phenomena in their natural settings, rather than manipulating variables or using control groups. Naturalistic inquiry involves observing and analyzing real-life situations to gain in-depth insights and understanding. It emphasizes context, meaning, and the subjective experiences of individuals. Copyright refers to the protection of original works, indicating that the findings and data collected through qualitative research are unique and cannot be used without permission. Therefore, the characteristic of qualitative research methods is reflected in the option "Naturalistic inquiry copyright."

The term "emic perspective" refers to gaining an insider's view or understanding of a particular culture or group. It involves studying and interpreting phenomena from within the culture itself, taking into account the unique beliefs, values, and perspectives of the individuals within that culture. This approach allows for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cultural context, as opposed to an outsider's view or etic perspective which may be influenced by preconceived notions or stereotypes. A holistic view, on the other hand, refers to considering the whole or entirety of something, which is not the same as an insider's view.

The correct answer is "Positivist paradigm." Qualitative research typically does not align with the positivist paradigm, which emphasizes objectivity, quantification, and generalizability. Qualitative research, on the other hand, seeks to explore phenomena in-depth, often using emergent design and semi-structured methods to gather rich, descriptive data.

The correct answer is the philosophical assumption of quantitative researchers is that the purpose of qualitative research is to explain and be able to predict relationships. The ultimate goal is the development of laws that make prediction possible. This assumption reflects the belief that quantitative research aims to establish generalizable and predictive laws or principles that can be applied across different contexts. Quantitative researchers seek to identify patterns, establish causal relationships, and make predictions based on empirical data.

The best illustration of data collection in a qualitative study focusing on computer-based technology usage is Arnold interviewing children and parents about their use of technology for instruction in the home. This method allows for in-depth exploration of experiences, perspectives, and attitudes towards technology use, providing rich qualitative data that can help understand the context and nuances of computer-based technology usage. The other options, such as Gerald's questionnaire, Pauline's test scores, and Helga's attitude survey, may provide quantitative data or surface-level information but do not offer the same level of depth and insight as qualitative interviews.

Meta-analysis is not a qualitative method of research because it involves the statistical analysis of data from multiple studies. It is a quantitative method that aims to combine and analyze the results of different studies to draw conclusions and make inferences about a particular research question. In contrast, qualitative methods such as ethnography, case study, survey/sampling, and discourse/text analysis focus on understanding and interpreting social phenomena through the collection and analysis of non-numerical data, such as interviews, observations, and textual materials.

Qualitative research involves gathering non-numerical data, such as interviews or observations, to understand the underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations of individuals. The answer "less certain than from quantitative research" is correct because qualitative research relies on subjective interpretations and is open to bias and varying perspectives. Unlike quantitative research, which uses statistical analysis to provide precise and measurable results, qualitative research provides insights and in-depth understanding rather than definitive conclusions. Therefore, the certainty of findings in qualitative research is lower compared to quantitative research.

Bricolage refers to the tendency in qualitative research to gather a diverse range of data from various sources and using different methods. It involves the researcher creatively piecing together these different elements to construct a comprehensive understanding of the research topic. Bricolage allows for flexibility and adaptability in the research process, enabling researchers to incorporate multiple perspectives and approaches to generate rich and nuanced findings.

In grounded theory research, the literature review is conducted after some data collection, as needed. This approach allows researchers to gather initial data and gain insights from it before conducting a literature review. By doing so, researchers can avoid preconceived ideas or biases that may arise from an extensive literature review conducted prior to data collection. Instead, they can use the literature review to complement and validate their findings, filling any gaps in knowledge that may have emerged during the data collection process. This approach ensures that the grounded theory is truly grounded in the data collected.

Positivism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the use of scientific methods to study and understand the world. One of the main criticisms of positivism is that it fails to consider the subjective and interpretive nature of reality. Positivists tend to focus on observable and measurable data, disregarding the subjective experiences and interpretations that individuals have of reality. Therefore, the criticism of positivism relating to the meaning of reality suggests that positivism overlooks the complex and subjective aspects of human existence, limiting our understanding of the world.

Negative case analysis is a method used in qualitative studies to refine a hypothesis or theory. It involves including cases that seem to contradict or disprove earlier hypotheses. By examining these negative cases, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the phenomenon being studied and refine their theories accordingly. This process helps to ensure that the hypothesis or theory is robust and can withstand scrutiny.

Qualitative researchers often criticize quantitative research for oversimplifying complex phenomena, reducing them to numerical data and losing the richness of individual experiences. They also criticize it for treating people as objects, as quantitative research focuses on measurable variables rather than understanding the subjective experiences and perspectives of individuals. Additionally, qualitative researchers argue that quantitative research can't see the forest for the trees, meaning it may miss the broader context and fail to capture the complexities of social phenomena. However, they do not typically criticize quantitative research for lacking creativity, as creativity is not a central concern in quantitative approaches.

Qualitative researchers believe that values are an integral part of the research process. This means that researchers acknowledge that their own values and biases can influence the research process and outcomes. They recognize that their subjective interpretations and perspectives shape the data collection and analysis. Qualitative researchers aim to understand the social and cultural contexts in which phenomena occur, and they believe that values play a crucial role in this understanding. By acknowledging and incorporating values into the research process, qualitative researchers strive to provide a more holistic and nuanced understanding of the research topic.