Question 1

When a research report reflects the lived experience of the research participants and others who identify with them, we say the research has achieved the criteria of truth for a qualitative study. This is called:

A) Phenomenological validity
B) Objectivity
C) Positivism
D) Empiricism
E) Objectification

A

Accepted Answer

Phenomenological validity refers to the extent to which the findings of a study accurately reflect the lived experiences of the participants. In qualitative research, achieving phenomenological validity means the research successfully captures and conveys the perspectives and realities of those being studied, making it a key criterion for assessing the truthfulness or authenticity of the study's outcomes.

Question 2

The methods of qualitative research are often inductive. This means that:&#10;A) Observation precedes theory, hypotheses and interpretation&#10;B) Theory guides the generation of hypotheses, which in turn determines the methods of observation and analysis.

Accepted Answer

In inductive research, observations and data collection occur before developing a theory or hypothesis, meaning researchers start with observations and then move to forming theories, which is why option A is correct.

Question 3

Research that focuses on problem-solving for the betterment of the community is called:&#10;A) Action research&#10;B) Triangulation&#10;C) Positivism&#10;D) Observation&#10;E) Crisis of representation

Accepted Answer

Action research is specifically designed to address issues and solve problems within a community, often involving collaboration between researchers and participants to create practical solutions.

Question 4

The social construction of reality reflects the viewpoint that there is a physical knowable reality that can be observed, broken into parts and analyzed by a trained researcher.

Accepted Answer

The social construction of reality suggests that our perception of reality is shaped by our social interactions and cultural norms, rather than being a direct reflection of an objective, observable reality.

Question 5

Which of the following is a characterization of a grand narrative?&#10;A) Prescribed sequence&#10;B) Required elements&#10;C) Identifiable functions&#10;D) Script&#10;E) All of the above

Accepted Answer

Grand narratives, or metanarratives, are overarching stories or interpretations that give meaning to historical events, social structures, or cultural identities, and they typically include prescribed sequences, required elements, identifiable functions, and scripts to maintain their coherence and influence.

Question 6

What is it called when the act of observation itself causes a change in the variable being studied?&#10;A) Heisenberg uncertainty principle&#10;B) Colonialism/imperialism&#10;C) Crisis of representation&#10;D) Phenomenological validity&#10;E) Triangulation

Accepted Answer

The Heisenberg uncertainty principle states that the position and velocity of an object cannot both be measured exactly, at the same time, even in theory. This principle from quantum mechanics illustrates how observation can inherently alter the state or nature of the subject being observed.

Question 7

What is the criticism of research in which the research assumes a superior position to the persons or culture being studied?&#10;A) Heisenberg uncertainty principle&#10;B) Colonialism/imperialism&#10;C) Crisis of representation&#10;D) Phenomenological validity&#10;E) Triangulation

Accepted Answer

This criticism is often associated with colonialism/imperialism, where researchers impose their own cultural perspectives and biases, potentially misrepresenting or devaluing the studied culture.

Question 8

Questions regarding whose experiences are being presented and whose interpretations (the participants' or the researchers') have authority in research reports, are associated with what Denzin and Lincoln call:

A) The crisis of representation
B) Qualitative purists
C) Quantitative purists
D) Reformed quantitative research
E) Triangulation

Accepted Answer

The crisis of representation refers to concerns in qualitative research about how experiences are depicted and whose viewpoints are prioritized in research narratives, highlighting the tension between participants' experiences and researchers' interpretations.

Question 9

Which of the following is a criticism of positivist assumptions in research?&#10;A) People cannot be isolated or sorted into groups on the basis of similar criteria.&#10;B) People change&#10;C) Prediction explanation and understanding of the aggregate can perpetuate the power of dominant cultural groups&#10;D) Research &#34;subjects&#34; risk being &#34;objectified&#34; as objects rather than recognized as people&#10;E) All of the above

Accepted Answer

Positivist assumptions in research have been criticized for various reasons, including the difficulty of isolating or sorting people into groups based on similar criteria (A), the dynamic nature of human behavior and conditions (B), the risk of perpetuating the power of dominant cultural groups through aggregate predictions and explanations (C), and the ethical concern of objectifying research subjects rather than recognizing their humanity (D). Therefore, all of the provided options are valid criticisms of positivist assumptions in research.

Question 10

Which of the following approaches to research is focused on giving voice to silenced people and groups?&#10;A) Qualitative&#10;B) Quantitative

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research is focused on understanding human behavior, thoughts, feelings, and experiences from the perspective of the people being studied. It often aims to give voice to those who are marginalized or silenced, making it a suitable approach for exploring the experiences and perspectives of underrepresented groups.

Deck 7: What Is Qualitative Research