Question 1

1) Which of the following is true?
A) Content analysis has largely been a means of analysing initially quantitative data with qualitative methods
B) Content analysis has largely been a means of analysing initially qualitative data with qualitative methods
C) Content analysis has largely been a means of analysing initially qualitative data with quantitative methods
D) Content analysis has largely been a means of analysing initially quantitative data with quantitative methods

Accepted Answer

Content analysis is a research method used to analyze qualitative data by systematically categorizing and interpreting the meaning of text, image, or sound. It involves the use of quantitative methods to analyze initially qualitative data. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

Question 2

2) Triangulation in qualitative research involves:
A) The comparison of at least three different view points of the same phenomenon or experiences
B) The comparison of at least two different view points of the same phenomenon or experiences
C) The comparison of at least two different view points of two different phenomena or experiences
D) The comparison of at least two measurements of the same phenomenon or event

Accepted Answer

Triangulation in qualitative research involves comparing at least two different view points of the same phenomenon or experiences. This can help to increase the validity and reliability of the findings by providing multiple sources of data and perspectives on the topic being studied.

Question 3

3) The term 'idiographic' refers to:
A) An approach which emphasises common traits and characteristics among people
B) An approach which emphasises the uniqueness of each individual and sees traits as different in each person
C) An approach which sees individuals as unique because of the different combinations and degrees of common traits which they possess
D) A visual means of describing lunacy

Accepted Answer

The term "idiographic" refers to an approach which emphasises the uniqueness of each individual and sees traits as different in each person. This is in contrast to a nomothetic approach, which emphasises common traits and characteristics among people. The idiographic approach sees individuals as unique because of the different combinations and degrees of common traits which they possess. Option D is not related to the term "idiographic".

Question 4

4) Inductive analysis refers to:
A) An approach involving the testing of hypotheses drawn from background theory prior to the research project
B) An approach which permits theory and hypotheses to emerge from data as they are analysed in the research project
C) An approach which emphasises as valuable the degree to which results of a research project agree with previous studies
D) An approach which analyses people as they arrive for participation in a research project

Accepted Answer

Inductive analysis is an approach in which the theory and hypotheses emerge from the data as the researcher analyses the information collected during the research project. This approach is used when previous research or theories do not provide a clear understanding of the phenomenon being studied. It involves refining the research question and developing an understanding of the data through an iterative process of data collection and analysis.

Question 5

5) A good reason for conducting a piece of qualitative research is:
A) It is easier than conducting a quantitative analysis
B) Interviewing people is more interesting than subjecting them to an experiment
C) Qualitative research is becoming more and more popular among academics
D) The research aim demands an in depth approach exploring meanings and experiences rather than the testing of a pre-conceived hypothesis

Accepted Answer

The research aim is the most important factor in deciding whether to conduct qualitative research. If the goal of the research is to explore meanings and experiences, then a qualitative approach would be appropriate. It is not a matter of convenience or personal interest, nor is it based on popularity among academics.

Question 6

6) In grounded theory the data are analysed until no new data can alter or fail to fit the explanatory framework and categories. This is known as:
A) Saturation
B) Axial coding
C) Selective coding
D) Focused coding

Accepted Answer

Saturation is the point at which the researcher has collected enough data to ensure that all categories and themes have been identified and no new data is likely to emerge that would challenge or modify the overall explanatory framework.

Question 7

7) During discourse analysis of data the researcher is interested in:
A) Counting the occurrence of certain ideas or phrases
B) Ways in which participants construct a version of events
C) Themes that will contribute to a unifying explanatory structure
D) Developing an overall explanatory model which reflects people's understanding

Accepted Answer

Discourse analysis focuses on how language is used to construct social realities and versions of events, rather than just counting occurrences or developing explanatory models.

Question 8

8) Most modern qualitative approaches are interested in:
A) Content analysis
B) Hypothesis testing
C) Emergent theory
D) Descriptive studies

Accepted Answer

Most modern qualitative approaches are interested in emergent theory, which means that the theory arises from the data and is not predetermined before the research. Content analysis and descriptive studies can be part of qualitative research methods, but they do not reflect the overall approach. Hypothesis testing is more commonly associated with quantitative research methods.

Question 9

9) Respondent validation refers to:
A) Observing participants' responses to the data interpretations
B) Asking participants if they agree with the researcher's interpretations
C) Telling participants what interpretations will be published
D) Asking participants to make their own interpretations of the data

Accepted Answer

Respondent validation involves checking with participants to ensure that their responses and experiences have been accurately captured and represented in the data analysis. This is often done by asking participants if they agree with the researcher's interpretations.

Question 10

10) The transcript of a qualitative interview:
A) Should record the main gist of what the person has said
B) Should include a faithful verbatim record of some of what the participant has said
C) Should be a full verbatim record of everything the participant has said
D) Should consist of notes of what the participant has said

Accepted Answer

A full verbatim record of everything the participant has said is essential in qualitative research to ensure accuracy and completeness in capturing participants' responses. This allows researchers to analyze the data thoroughly, considering all nuances and contexts of the participants' statements.

Quiz 12: Analysing Qualitative Data

1) Which of the following is true?

2) Triangulation in qualitative research involves:

3) The term 'idiographic' refers to:

4) Inductive analysis refers to:

5) A good reason for conducting a piece of qualitative research is:

6) In grounded theory the data are analysed until no new data can alter or fail to fit the explanatory framework and categories. This is known as:

7) During discourse analysis of data the researcher is interested in:

8) Most modern qualitative approaches are interested in:

9) Respondent validation refers to:

10) The transcript of a qualitative interview: