Deck 19: Qualitative Data Collection

Question 1

Jill, a sociologist, is interested in social networking behaviors of exceptional business students. She goes to the business student socials, honorary meetings, and other public events. She does not interact with the business students but does observe and record their behaviors. In this scenario, Jill is best described as a(n)

A) participant observer.
B) nonparticipant observer.
C) overt observer.
D) privileged observer.

Answer 1

B

Question 2

Myles is conducting a qualitative research study of middle management engineers enrolled in an executive MBA program. If Myles' study is consistent with practice, which of the following represents his primary data source?

A) Records from the school that show the program requirements
B) Observations of the students while engaged in coursework
C) Opinion surveys regarding participants purposes for enrollment
D) Students' academic transcripts

Answer 2

B

Question 3

In qualitative research, the primary data collection instrument is

A) the researcher.
B) the participant.
C) face-to-face interaction.
D) numerical data.

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Of the following types of observation for qualitative data collection, which is considered the LEAST obtrusive?

A) Participant observer
B) Nonparticipant observer
C) Overt observer
D) Privileged observer

Question 5

In the initial observation session it is suggested that the researcher

A) stay for an extended length of time to better understand the setting.
B) stay for a short time to ease into the process of writing field notes.
C) observe only, do not take any field notes as it will diminish your focus.
D) ask numerous questions of all potential participants to establish rapport.

Question 6

Melanie is a qualitative researcher studying veteran teachers' perceptions of the State's new teacher certification criteria. Which of the following is NOT likely part of her primary data sources?

A) Interviews with veteran teachers
B) Observations of Teachers' Union meetings where the new criteria are discussed
C) The articles written in the popular press by teachers who are participants in her study
D) The test scores of the district's students who have veteran teachers.

Question 7

Field notes should be written

A) in the field during the observation.
B) after a time delay to assure reflection.
C) as concisely as possible.
D) by an assistant not the researcher.

Question 8

Ankur is conducting a qualitative research study that explores the context of youth competitive soccer. Of the following, which is likely the most prevalent source from which he will collect data?

A) Times of speed drills completed in practice
B) Individual player's statistics for the season
C) Observations of players and others at games
D) Surveys of community members opinions

Question 9

Geir is a qualitative researcher interested in studying the role playing games of current children that relate to Nordic heroes. To collect data he goes to afterschool programs that allow a free play period. He observes the children as they play, documenting who they are role playing and the behaviors they engage in as well as how they socially negotiate the script of their play. Geir is best described as a

A) participant observer
B) nonparticipant observer
C) privileged observer
D) covert observer

Question 10

Deirdre studies Irish-American culture as demonstrated in urban areas with large concentrations of Irish-Americans and small communities in rural areas that have remained tied to their Irish roots. As an Irish-American herself, she has decided to move to a Irish-American community to reside for the duration of her study. While there she will observe the community. Deirdre is displaying which form of data collection?

A) Participant observation
B) Covert observation
C) Overt observation
D) Nonparticipant observation

Question 11

As a researcher interested in young children's motivation to read, Cynthia works as a volunteer in a pre-kindergarten setting for approximately 6 months as she collects data regarding children's reading motivation. In this scenario, Cynthia is best described as a

A) participant observer.
B) nonparticipant observer.
C) covert observer.
D) experienced observer.

Question 12

Lakyle's study explores social interactions among adult workers with mental disabilities. She uses observation as her primary data collection method. Which of the following research sites is likely MOST pertinent to Lakyle's study?

A) The assembly room where participants work
B) Transportation of individual participants to work
C) Participants classroom type training experiences
D) Participants interactions with their caregivers about work

Question 13

Of the following the most common data source in a qualitative study is

A) e-mail.
B) survey data.
C) observations.
D) document analysis.

Question 14

According to your text, the three primary data collection techniques qualitative researchers use include all of the following EXCEPT

A) observations.
B) interviews.
C) examining records.
D) attitude surveys.

Question 15

Lan is working on a study of teachers' use of technology in their classrooms. She uses observation as her primary data collection method. Which of the following research sites is likely MOST pertinent to Lan's study?

A) Faculty/Staff rooms where teachers' talk about technology
B) Conference sessions that teachers attend about technology
C) The classrooms of her teacher participants
D) The computer lab that the students go to after school.

Question 16

A framework for field notes that is consistent across observation sessions developed before data collection is referred to as

A) a memo.
B) a protocol.
C) interaction analysis.
D) a thick description.

Question 17

Damir is a music educator interested in successful high school jazz programs. He goes to work as a 'new' teacher at a high school with a high-ranking jazz program. He works with the students and with the music educator at the school while exploring the jazz program. In this scenario, Damir is best described as a

A) participant observer.
B) nonparticipant observer.
C) covert observer.
D) experienced observer.

Question 18

Field notes include

A) the informant's descriptions.
B) the gatekeeper's reflections.
C) both informant and researcher descriptions.
D) the researcher's descriptions and reflection.

Question 19

Damir is a music educator interested in successful high school jazz programs. He goes to work as a 'new' teacher at a high school with a high-ranking jazz program. He works with the students and with the music educator at the school while exploring the jazz program. Given this scenario, which of the following research sites is likely MOST pertinent to Damir's study?

A) The teachers' lounge in the music wing of the building
B) The Jazz programs' concerts
C) The Jazz programs' practice sessions
D) Individual student lessons with the Jazz instructors

Question 20

Lupe's study describes the experiences of Division I cross country athletes. She uses observations as her primary data collection methods. Which of the following settings is likely MOST pertinent to Lupe's study?

A) Coaches' conference meeting
B) Cross country practices
C) Parent's of athletes homes
D) Athlete's high school coaches offices

Question 21

Luke is conducting an interview study with parents regarding separation anxiety in preschool children. He first starts by asking the parent if his or her child experiences separation anxiety. This first question on Luke's interview protocol is considered a(n)

A) nonverbal question.
B) closed question.
C) open-ended question.
D) a priori question.

Question 22

Cynthia is a qualitative researcher who has enrolled in the class as a student to experience a new treatment-knitting as a means to increase fine motor skills in occupational therapy. Cynthia could best enhance trustworthiness in her study by

A) increasing the number of data sources.
B) spending less time in the field.
C) modifying the type of observations that she makes.
D) not including her reflections in her field notes.

Question 23

Interviews generally used to gather basic information at the start of a study are referred to as

A) structured.
B) informal.
C) unstructured.
D) spontaneous.

Question 24

While collecting data through observation at a hockey game, Bruce, is astonished by what he feels is violently aggressive behavior. How should Bruce address this astonishment in his notes?

A) Bruce should not reference his personal reaction in his field notes nor journal.
B) Bruce should include his reaction within his description in his field notes.
C) Bruce should include his reaction within the reflective section of his field notes.
D) Bruce should record his personal reaction in his journal not his field notes.

Question 25

Of the following, the best way qualitative researchers can increase confirmability is to

A) triangulate data sources.
B) use covert observation.
C) use observations instead of interviews.
D) decrease the amount of time spent in the field.

Question 26

Jeb studies the motivation of young environmentalists. He wants to understand more about the ways in which these children think about environmental issues and how their ideas have developed. He identifies participants through a local 'green kids' group and goes to their next meeting. He selects several of the children through convenience, and asks them open-ended questions that he has written down in advance. He records their responses as they answer the questions. Jeb is best displaying which of the following types of interviews?

A) Unstructured and informal
B) Unstructured and formal
C) Structured and informal
D) Unstructured and informal

Question 27

Which of the following data collection techniques is most appropriate in order to address a practicing nurse's experiences while in a continuing education session?

A) Observation
B) Document analysis
C) Interview
D) Survey

Question 28

Gretchen is studying the experiences of foster children in new school settings. As a social worker and a qualitative researcher, she would like to conduct observations to collect her data. If observes the children as a by stander while they are in school. Gretchen's data collection strategy can be classified as

A) active participant observation.
B) nonparticipant observation.
C) passive observation.
D) privileged observation.

Question 29

As part of his research on young elite athletes, Chris was conducting a nonparticipant observation of a national youth track meet. Audrey started to ask him questions about his session before he had a chance to finish recording his field notes. He told her that he did not want to discuss his session until after he had recorded his notes. Relying on your text content, which of the following is accurate regarding discussion of field notes?

A) Chris is right, discussion of the field notes at this time might alter his perceptions.
B) Chris is right, discussion of the field notes at this time is unethical.
C) Chris is wrong, discussion of the field notes at this time will help him to remember important details and description.
D) Chris is wrong, discussion of the field notes at this time will help him to understand what he has seen more deeply.

Question 30

Consistent with guidelines in your text for field notes, researchers should

A) include only descriptive information in field notes.
B) include only reflective information in field notes.
C) record descriptive and reflective information together in field notes .
D) record descriptive and reflective information separately in field notes.

Question 31

Which of the following is NOT considered a qualitative research data source?

A) Photographs
B) Journals
C) Informal conversations
D) Survey instruments

Question 32

Of the following, the data collection method of choice in interview studies is

A) writing notes after the interview.
B) having the participant write their responses.
C) writing notes during the interview.
D) recording the interview.

Question 33

Of the following, which is a suggestion to researchers regarding field notes?

A) Engage as deeply as possible as soon as possible
B) Write field notes after you have had time to reflect
C) Document the date, site, topic, and time on your field notes.
D) While in the field focus your attention to your reactions and feelings.

Question 34

Finn is a qualitative researcher setting out to conduct his first interview of his study. He is not sure if he should record the interview. Given recommendations regarding data collection methods, please advise Finn.

A) Qualitative researchers do not generally record the first interview.
B) Qualitative researchers recommend recording the interview.
C) Qualitative researchers do not record novice interviewers.
D) Qualitative researchers recommend only video recording interviews.

Question 35

Of the following, the best way qualitative researchers can increase credibility is to

A) rely only on nonparticipant observation.
B) increase the amount of time spent in the field.
C) increase observational training.
D) use observations instead of interviews.

Question 36

One strategy that researchers can use to ease into the field is to

A) ask all the specific questions first to establish rapport.
B) come to the first session unannounced to see things 'the way they really are'.
C) try not to answer any questions about themselves or the study so not to influence the responses.
D) be relatively passive and ask nonspecific questions to increase comfort level.

Question 37

Debbie was observing classes in a small rural school as part of her study on opportunities in the arts in diverse school districts. She heard several teachers make reference to the upcoming 'play day' within the context of their lessons. Not knowing what the 'play day' was, Debbie pulled the principal aside and asked her to explain. In this example, Debbie is best illustrating a(n)

A) formal interview.
B) structured interview.
C) semi-structured interview.
D) informal interview.

Question 38

Elaine is interpreting her data and realizes that the amount of time she spent at one of the schools is substantially smaller and that she has very little data from that site. She believes it is because she did not 'click' with the principal of one of the five schools she is studying and therefore that school is not well represented in her data. The school is important for Elaine's study. Of the following, which is the most appropriate way to remedy Elaine's problem?

A) Confront the principal and then collect more data.
B) Extend the collection and have another researcher collect data.
C) Recognize the problem and eliminate the school from the study.
D) Change the nature of research questions and drop the school.

Question 39

Keb is convinced that teachers provide more praise to their students while he is observing in their classrooms than they do otherwise. Of the following the most appropriate way to decrease Keb's concerns and increase validity of his data is

A) to tell teachers he is interested in something unrelated to praise.
B) to focus on a smaller number of teachers.
C) increase the amount of time he spends in the classrooms.
D) observe the classes covertly.

Question 40

Susan is conducting interviews with successful technology entrepreneurs. She needs to pilot her interview protocol. Of the following, who would constitute the most appropriate pilot group?

A) Other technology entrepreneurs
B) Entrepreneurs in other fields
C) Those who invest in technology entrepreneurs
D) Employees of technology entrepreneurs

Question 41

Which of the following is generally true when comparing focus group interviews with individual interviews?

A) Focus group interviews often take more time than individual interviews
B) Focus group interviews are conducted without structured questions
C) All participants must reach agreement for quality data from focus groups
D) Transcribing focus group interviews is often easier than individual interviews

Question 42

The researcher's belief that everything is context-bound refers to which of the following validity criteria for qualitative research?

A) Dependability
B) Transferability
C) Credibility
D) Confirmability

Question 43

Which of the following statements regarding e-mail interviews is supported by your text?

A) E-mail interviews should not be used as they do not provide rich data.
B) Ethical concerns with e-mail interviews can be challenging for researchers.
C) Participants are less likely to participate in an e-mail interview than an in-person interview.
D) E-mail interviews are often harder to transcribe than in-person interviews.

Question 44

The neutrality or objectivity of the data collected refers to which of the following validity criteria for qualitative research?

A) Dependability
B) Transferability
C) Credibility
D) Confirmability

Question 45

Which of the following is consistent with the strategies your text presents for ensuring the validity of qualitative research?

A) Keep your observations to yourself so participants do not influence your conclusions.
B) Record your experiences only after you have left the research site so you can attend to details while in the field.
C) Only begin writing once all of the data are collected to assure objective data collection.
D) Allow participants to read and respond to your overall report before finalizing it to ensure credibility.

Question 46

Which of the following criteria for validity of qualitative research relates to the stability of the data?

A) Confirmability
B) Credibility
C) Transferability
D) Dependability

Question 47

Which of the following is the best ways to increase the confirmability of qualitative research?

A) Practice reflexivity.
B) Establish an 'audit' trail.
C) Establish referential adequacy.
D) Do persistent observation.

Question 48

Which of the following is important when conducting focus groups?

A) Designate one leader to assure order in responses
B) Include large groups to collect richer data
C) Encourage all participants to respond to questions
D) Leave the process open-ended without researcher interference

Question 49

Which of the following is one of the recommended ways to directly increase the credibility of a qualitative research study?

A) Practice reflexivity
B) Do peer debriefing
C) Overlap methods
D) Establish an audit trail