Deck 17: Collecting Qualitative Data

Question 1

A risk when conducting observational studies includes the Hawthorne effect, which occurs when subjects change their behavior because they know they are being observed.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

Peer debriefing is very valuable in qualitative inquiry because it provides a means by which areas of disagreement and controversy are highlighted, leading to additional data collection as the need to clarify conflicting data as conflicting views becomes apparent.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Transparency refers to a deliberate and systematic process of self-examination where an investigator addresses an individual's thoughts, feelings, and reactions to people and events in light of the course of data collection.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

In preparing for data collection, the researcher (interviewer) should be trained on technical skills in interviewing, appropriate behaviors to gain access to a population, as well as interpersonal skills and behaviors.

Question 5

Content analysis is the process of reviewing raw materials, including any form of communication or text, although written forms are most common.

Question 6

There are many activities that a qualitative researcher employs while using participation as a method to gather information. Which of the following would not be something a researcher does through participation?

A) Collects data from journals and field notes of reflections and observations
B) Becomes involved firsthand with the social world chosen for study
C) Strives to experience firsthand reality without preconceptions
D) Actively assimilates into the group to address the underlying research problem

Question 7

Which of the following would be something a researcher would do when using observation to collect qualitative data?

A) Attempt to become an active part of the group being studied
B) Utilize careful watching, listening, and recording of events, behaviors, and objects
C) Record the observations noted by an independent panel of experts
D) Apply existing theoretical models to explain behavioral patterns

Question 8

Which of the following would not be something a researcher does when collecting data through an in-depth interview?

A) To probe ideas of the interviewees and obtain the most detailed information available regarding a particular event, issue, or context
B) Negotiating and establishing a social identity in the setting
C) Note-taking comprehensively while astutely questioning and listening
D) Writing up summaries and notes about what the interviewee said as well as reflective personal observations

Question 9

There are many different formats that may be employed when conducting an in-depth interview. Which of the following is not considered a typical method for collecting data?

A) Semistructured interview
B) Unstructured interview
C) Structured interview
D) Focused interview

Question 10

There are several types of biases that can negatively impact qualitative studies. Which of the following would not be considered a bias relevant to qualitative data collection?

A) Overreliance on accessible research participants or favoring of more dramatic events and statements involving research participants and the context of study
B) Biasing effects produced by the presence of the investigator in the research site
C) Biases stemming from the influence of the participants and the research site on the investigator
D) Biases related to having limited (or no) randomization with the selection of participants

Question 11

An audit trail is a systematically maintained set of documentation. Which of the following would not be included in a qualitative study's audit trail?

A) Personal notes and reflections
B) Details regarding the blinding of participants/investigators
C) Explanations of procedures used in data collection and analysis
D) All data generated in the study

Question 12

During qualitative data collection, the point of saturation occurs when:

A) The researcher's questions are all answered.
B) The researcher has validated all the research aims.
C) The researcher is gaining little or no new information.
D) The researcher has exhausted available subjects to observe or interview.

Question 13

The process whereby investigators check out their assumptions and emerging interpretations of the data with the original stakeholders who provided the information is defined as:

A) Double-checking
B) Triangulation
C) Verification
D) Member checks