Question 1

A basic difference between positivism and its critics pertains to:

Accepted Answer

Positivism and its critics primarily differ in their views on the nature of reality. Positivism asserts that reality is objectively given and can be understood through empirical observation and logical analysis. Critics, however, often argue for a more subjective or constructed view of reality, emphasizing the role of human perception, social factors, or theoretical frameworks in shaping our understanding of the world.

Question 2

In qualitative research, the role of the researcher is to:

Accepted Answer

In qualitative research, the researcher's role includes becoming highly familiar with the context of the study to understand the depth and complexity of the research topic. This approach allows for a comprehensive exploration of the subject matter, which is a hallmark of qualitative methodology.

Question 3

Which of the following is more likely to be found in a qualitative study compared to other methods?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative studies often focus on understanding social interactions and patterns within groups, making option A more likely in qualitative research.

Question 4

Hypotheses in qualitative research usually:

Accepted Answer

In qualitative research, hypotheses often emerge as the study progresses because the research is exploratory and aims to understand phenomena in depth, allowing for flexibility and adaptation as new insights are gained.

Question 5

In qualitative research, "propositions may be used:

Accepted Answer

Propositions in qualitative research serve multiple purposes: they act as flexible tools, guide data collection, and assist with data analysis, making all of the options correct.

Question 6

The unique perceptions of individuals are most likely to be viewed by qualitative researchers as:

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research focuses on understanding individuals' experiences, perceptions, and the meanings they attach to their social reality. The unique perceptions of individuals are thus considered an essential part of an investigation in qualitative research, as they provide depth and insight into the phenomena being studied.

Question 7

Data analysis in qualitative studies, compared to quantitative studies, is:

Accepted Answer

Data analysis in qualitative studies is typically inductive, meaning it involves generating theories and patterns from the data itself, rather than testing hypotheses or theories that were formulated prior to data collection, which is more characteristic of deductive reasoning in quantitative studies.

Question 8

Which is not a reason a biographical study is hard to do?

Accepted Answer

Remaining outside the account is not a reason that makes a biographical study hard to do. In fact, biographical studies often require the researcher to engage deeply with the subject's life and context, rather than staying detached.

Question 9

A phenomenological study makes the assumption that:

Accepted Answer

The answer of A phenomenological study makes the assumption that:
...

Question 10

Which is not an important characteristic of a grounded theory study?

Accepted Answer

Grounded theory can utilize various types of data, not just interview data. It is a research method that involves the collection and analysis of data with the aim of developing theories grounded in the data itself. This approach is not limited to any specific type of data and can include observations, interviews, and documents among others.

Question 11

In qualitative research differences among types of purposive sample are based on differences in:

Accepted Answer

In qualitative research, purposive sampling decisions can be influenced by individual variability (the unique characteristics or qualities of participants), timing during the study (when participants are selected can impact the type of purposive sampling used), and representativeness (how well the sample reflects the broader population or phenomenon of interest). Thus, differences among types of purposive samples are based on all these factors.

Question 12

Qualitative researchers prefer natural settings because:

Accepted Answer

Qualitative researchers prioritize natural settings as they consider the context in which data is collected to be crucial for understanding the phenomena under study.

Question 13

Qualitative data are least likely to be collected by:

Accepted Answer

Questionnaires are more commonly associated with quantitative data collection, as they often include closed-ended questions that generate numerical or categorical data. Qualitative data, on the other hand, is more descriptive and is better captured through methods like photographs, diaries, and official records, which can provide detailed, narrative information.

Question 14

Qualitative researchers are more interested in which question?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative researchers focus on understanding the "how" of phenomena, seeking to explore processes, experiences, and meanings rather than quantifying variables.

Question 15

Qualitative researchers view ongoing changes in procedures as:

Accepted Answer

Qualitative researchers often view ongoing changes in procedures as desirable because these changes allow their studies to be more responsive and adaptable to the data as it emerges, ensuring a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the research topic.

Question 16

Sampling of participants in qualitative studies is typically:

Accepted Answer

In qualitative research, purposive sampling is commonly used to select participants who have specific characteristics or experiences relevant to the study, allowing for in-depth exploration of the research topic.

Question 17

Which of the following procedures is not typical of school applications of the case study method?

Accepted Answer

Collecting data from a large number of subjects is not typical of the case study method, which focuses on in-depth analysis of a single case or a small number of cases, rather than gathering data from large groups.

Question 18

Generalization in qualitative research is:

Accepted Answer

Generalization in qualitative research is different from quantitative research because it focuses on depth and context of a specific group or situation rather than aiming for broad applicability across populations.

Question 19

Conclusions from qualitative research are:

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research conclusions are often less certain than those from quantitative research because they are based on non-numerical data, such as observations and interviews, which can be open to interpretation. Quantitative research, on the other hand, relies on statistical, mathematical, or computational techniques, providing more definitive conclusions.

Question 20

Which is not a criticism of quantitative research made by qualitative researchers?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative research is often criticized for treating people as objects, oversimplifying complex issues, and missing the broader context (not seeing the forest for the trees), but not typically for lacking creativity. This criticism is more likely to be directed at the constraints of structured methodologies rather than the creative potential of the research approach itself.

Quiz 18: The Nature of Qualitative Research