Question 1

Qualitative methods differ from quantitative methods from the outset due to quantitative methods focus on preformulated hypotheses. What is this research strategy called?

Accepted Answer

Deductive reasoning is the research strategy where quantitative methods often start with a hypothesis (or hypotheses) that is then tested through the collection of data. This approach is in contrast to inductive reasoning, which is more commonly associated with qualitative research and involves generating theories based on observed data.

Question 2

A researcher is interested in why youth commit crime. This researcher is not interested in the sequence of events that might lead up to why a young person would engage in crime. This is because there is a difference in qualitative and quantitative research methods focus on ______.

Accepted Answer

Quantitative research methods, which the researcher seems to be leaning towards by not focusing on the sequence of events, typically focus on causal explanations. They aim to identify and measure variables to understand how they influence each other, rather than exploring subjective experiences or the research process itself, which are more aligned with qualitative research.

Question 3

Having an interpretive process for data analysis allows for an emergence of a written account that represents what has been done and how the data have been interpreted. This process is associated with the notion of ______ typically found in qualitative research methods.

Accepted Answer

Reflexivity in qualitative research refers to the process of examining both the research process and the researcher's role within that process. It involves reflecting on how the researcher's background, assumptions, and interactions with the data influence the interpretation and understanding of the data. This reflective process is crucial for ensuring the integrity and depth of the analysis, making reflexivity the concept most closely associated with the description provided.

Question 4

Imagine you are a researcher that wanted to see if teen's encounters with school teachers, principals, coaches, peers, for example, shaped the meanings teens created about this themselves. In other words, your area of concern would be the school attended by the teen participants in your study. Since you would be focused on ______, you would most likely design a qualitative research project.

Accepted Answer

The research focuses on the social context of the school environment and how interactions within it shape teens' self-perceptions, which is a qualitative research focus.

Question 5

Dr. Addall wanted to focus his research on categories predetermined by the researcher, whereas Dr. Reidel wanted to focus his research on observations of natural phenonmena. Dr. Addall would therefore have different priorities than Dr. Reidel. Which of the following would NOT be a priority of Dr. Addall?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Addall's focus on predetermined categories suggests a preference for structured, objective approaches such as causal explanations, deductive reasoning, and identifying discrete features. Subjectivity, which involves personal perspectives and interpretations, would not align with this structured, objective approach and thus would not be a priority for Dr. Addall.

Question 6

Which of the following is related to qualitative researcher's committment to inductive reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative researchers often use inductive reasoning to generate theories and hypotheses from the data they collect, rather than starting with a hypothesis. This approach is exploratory, aiming to understand complex phenomena by studying them in their natural settings.

Question 7

Qualitative methods have their greatest appeal when we need to explore new issues, investigate hard-to-study groups, or determine the meaning people give to their lives and actions. According to your text, this appeal is why qualitative methods focus on ______ processes.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Qualitative methods have their greatest appeal when...

Question 8

Dr. Williams conducted a qualitative study that would allow him to observe his participants in their own social world. His interest in observing them in their worlds is related to qualitative researchers' orientation to ______.

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research often emphasizes understanding participants within their social context to gain insights into their behaviors and experiences.

Question 9

Focusing on life stories, people accounting for their lives, the way people interpret and evaluate their life experiences is related to the qualitative focus on ______.

Accepted Answer

The qualitative focus on subjectivity is concerned with understanding how individuals perceive, interpret, and give meaning to their life experiences, aligning with the description of focusing on life stories and personal accounts.

Question 10

Which of the following is a qualitative research method that studies a culture or cultures that some group of people shares, using participant observation over an extended period?

Accepted Answer

Ethnography is a qualitative research method that involves the researcher immersing themselves in a group's culture for an extended period to observe and participate in their daily activities. This method is used to gain a deep understanding of the group's way of life from an insider perspective.

Question 11

One of the main differences between ethnography and netnography is that netnography is focused on ______.

Accepted Answer

Netnography is specifically designed to study cultures and communities that are manifested through online platforms or digital environments, unlike traditional ethnography which often focuses on physical locations and face-to-face interactions.

Question 12

What is the main discipline traditionally associated with ethnographic research methods?

Accepted Answer

Ethnographic research methods are most traditionally associated with anthropology, where they are used to study cultures and communities by immersing in their daily lives and practices.

Question 13

Ethnography is concerned with all of the following EXCEPT ______.

Accepted Answer

Ethnography involves the study of cultures and communities through direct observation and participation, often emphasizing the importance of understanding the subject's perspective in naturalistic settings. It encourages reflexivity and making meaning from the observed behaviors and social interactions. However, it aims to minimize the influence of preconceived notions to ensure an accurate and unbiased understanding of the studied culture or community.

Question 14

Once data collection is complete, a netnographer has an ability that traditional ethnographers do not have. What is it?

Accepted Answer

Netnography allows researchers to return to and review the original data (such as online conversations, forums, and social media posts) even after the data collection phase is complete, unlike traditional ethnography where the data (observations and interactions) cannot be exactly replicated or revisited in their original form.

Question 15

Unlike experimental methods, participant observation researchers are focused on studying phenomenon that occurs naturally in the field and therefore are trying to uphold the principle of ______.

Accepted Answer

Participant observation research aims to study phenomena in their natural settings to ensure the authenticity of the observed behaviors and situations, rather than in artificially constructed environments.

Question 16

A qualitative researcher was particularly interested in how gender affected the attitudes and behavior of community-police liaisons or neighborhood police officers and wanted to see the influence of gender as it happened, without disrupting the participants. As such, this research announced that she was a researcher to her participants and took the participant observation role of ______.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A qualitative researcher was particularly interested in...

Question 17

The first concern of all participant observers is to decide what balance to strike between observing and participating and whether to reveal their role as researchers. According to your book, one way that complete observation versus participation and observation differs is that the latter involves ______.

Accepted Answer

Active participation in the setting distinguishes participation and observation from complete observation, as the former requires the researcher to engage directly in the activities of the setting being studied.

Question 18

A researcher spent a large part of nearly four years trying to be accepted by a community and seen as a good fellow. In order to do so, he participated enough in activities that so he could develop trust and ______.

Accepted Answer

Rapport is the correct answer because it refers to a positive relationship characterized by trust, harmony, or affinity, which is what the researcher aimed to develop by participating in community activities.

Question 19

The background work necessary for participant observers as they begin their study is related to ensuring a good impression when ______.

Accepted Answer

Entering the field requires background work by participant observers to ensure they make a good impression, as it sets the stage for their interactions and acceptance within the community or group they are studying.

Question 20

According to your text, a researcher recruited participants in a study from a youth leadership organization and community center in Oakland. This researcher needed to make sure he had the trust and rapport of his participants and therefore was concerned with the difficult component in participant observation research of ______.

Accepted Answer

Developing and maintaining relationships is crucial for a researcher, especially when the study involves direct interaction with participants. Trust and rapport are essential for effective participant observation, as they enable deeper and more honest insights from the participants.

Quiz 9: Qualitative Methods: Observing, Participating, and Listening