Question 1

The final step in qualitative data analysis is

Accepted Answer

The final step in qualitative data analysis is interpreting the data. While organizing, summarizing, and searching for patterns in the data are important steps in the analysis process, the ultimate goal of qualitative research is to interpret the data in order to gain deeper understanding and insight into the phenomenon being studied.

Question 2

"Triangulation" in qualitative inquiry means

Accepted Answer

Triangulation in qualitative inquiry involves using multiple sources of data, multiple observers, and/or multiple methods of data collection to increase the validity and reliability of the findings. Option A is incorrect because triangulation does not involve developing alternatives to null hypotheses. Option B is incorrect because it refers to consensus building, which is not necessarily a component of triangulation. Option C is incorrect because it only involves assessing the quality of observational data by having two observers record behavior, while triangulation involves using multiple sources of data, observers, and methods.

Question 3

Which of the following is not a part of qualitative data analysis?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative data analysis involves understanding the meaning and interpretation of data, rather than focusing on statistical significance. Therefore, using tests of significance would not be a part of qualitative data analysis. The other options, reducing the data, organizing the data, and coding the data are all important aspects of qualitative data analysis.

Question 4

A major difference in assessing external validity in quantitative and qualitative studies is that: in quantitative, the ____ makes the generalization; in qualitative studies, the ____ makes the generalization.

Accepted Answer

In quantitative studies, the researcher makes the generalization based on statistical analysis of data collected from a representative sample. In qualitative studies, the potential user makes the generalization based on the researcher's in-depth analysis of the data collected from a small group of participants. Therefore, the correct answer is B - researcher makes the generalization in quantitative studies, and potential user makes the generalization in qualitative studies.

Question 5

Dependability in qualitative research is concerned with

Accepted Answer

The answer of Dependability in qualitative research is concerned with
...

Question 6

Transferability in qualitative research is similar to____ in quantitative research.

Accepted Answer

Transferability in qualitative research refers to the ability to generalize findings to other settings or populations. This is similar to external validity in quantitative research, which refers to the degree to which the results of a study can be generalized to other populations and settings. Internal validity (A) refers to the degree to which a study accurately measures what it is intended to measure, triangulation (C) refers to the use of multiple methods or sources to confirm findings, and objectivity (D) refers to the absence of bias or personal belief in the research.

Question 7

Reliability in qualitative research is demonstrated through

Accepted Answer

Reliability in qualitative research is established through the use of trustworthiness techniques such as member checking, triangulation, and peer debriefing to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the data. Being value-free and removing the experimenter from the setting are related to objectivity, while tight control of the setting and independent variables is more relevant to quantitative research.

Question 8

A classification of similar ideas and concepts in qualitative data analysis is called a

Accepted Answer

A category is a classification of similar ideas and concepts in qualitative data analysis. Choices A, B, and D are all components or techniques used in qualitative data analysis, but they do not specifically refer to the classification of similar ideas and concepts.

Question 9

Objectivity in quantitative research is analogous to ____ in qualitative research.

Accepted Answer

Confirmability in qualitative research is analogous to objectivity in quantitative research, as it refers to the degree to which the findings could be confirmed or corroborated by others, emphasizing the neutrality and unbiased aspect of the research findings.

Question 10

Internal validity is to quantitative research as ____ is to qualitative research.

Accepted Answer

Internal validity is a concern in quantitative research because it reflects how accurately the experiment measures the causal relationship being studied. In qualitative research, credibility is similar to internal validity in that it shows the accuracy and truthfulness of the findings. Credibility refers to how well the researcher has captured the perspectives and experiences of the participants, and how well the findings reflect their reality. Transferability (A) is how well the findings can be applied to other contexts or groups. Confirmability (B) is the degree to which the findings can be confirmed by others or the extent to which the researcher's biases and preconceptions are accounted for. Neutrality (C) is an approach to research that seeks to minimize the researcher's own biases and values.

Question 11

Internal validity in qualitative inquiry is enhanced by

Accepted Answer

Member checks and participant feedback are essential in ensuring that the researcher's interpretation and understanding of the data align with the participants' experiences and perceptions, thus enhancing the internal validity of the study. While the other options can also contribute to internal validity, they are not as directly related to the qualitative nature of the inquiry.

Question 12

The main purpose of coding is basically to

Accepted Answer

The answer of The main purpose of coding is basically...

Question 13

In qualitative research, having multiple researchers collecting data independently is called

Accepted Answer

Investigator triangulation refers to using multiple researchers to collect data independently, which helps increase the reliability and validity of the data gathered.

Question 14

To enhance the interpretative adequacy in qualitative research, one uses

Accepted Answer

The answer of To enhance the interpretative adequacy in qualitative...

Question 15

Data analysis in qualitative research differs from quantitative data analysis in that

Accepted Answer

In qualitative research, data analysis is often conducted in an iterative and ongoing manner, allowing the researcher to refine their research questions and data collection as they gain deeper insights into the phenomenon they are studying. This means that data analysis may begin during the process of data collection and that fieldwork may influence the direction a study takes. Thus, both options b and c are correct. Option a is incorrect because in qualitative research, researchers typically engage in an ongoing process of collecting and analyzing data, rather than waiting until data collection is complete to begin analysis.

Question 16

Categories in qualitative data analysis should be

Accepted Answer

Categories in qualitative data analysis should be distinct from one another and internally consistent. They do not necessarily need to be similar in theme. Therefore, options A and B are correct, but option C is not necessarily true for categories in qualitative data analysis. Hence, the best choice is D.

Question 17

Qualitative data requiring analysis are typically in the form of

Accepted Answer

Qualitative data can take various forms including field notes, interview transcripts, documents or audio-tapes. Therefore, all of the choices are correct.

Question 18

Qualitative researchers check the credibility of their data by

Accepted Answer

The use of multiple sources of data and prolonged engagement at the site are two common strategies employed by qualitative researchers to check the credibility of their data. These techniques help ensure that the findings are based on multiple perspectives and that the researcher has spent adequate time observing and interpreting the data in situ. In contrast, spit-half, Cronbach alpha, and other reliability assessment procedures are more typically used in quantitative research to validate measures and test the overall reliability of a study's findings. Therefore, the correct option is D.

Question 19

The best way for a qualitative researcher to reduce the potential for bias in a study is to use

Accepted Answer

Using reflexivity, or reflecting on one's own biases and assumptions, can help reduce potential bias in a study. Negative-case sampling, which involves purposely seeking out cases or individuals that do not fit the expected patterns, can also help reduce bias. Additionally, thick, rich description can provide a more complete and nuanced understanding of the data, reducing the potential for biased interpretations. Therefore, the best choice is D, which includes both reflexivity and negative-case sampling.

Question 20

The first step in qualitative data analysis involves

Accepted Answer

The first step in qualitative data analysis involves organizing the data. This can include categorizing, coding, and structuring the data to make it more manageable for further analysis. Summarizing the data, stating hypotheses, and writing reflective notes come later in the analysis process.

Quiz 17: Analyzing and Reporting Qualitative Research