Question 1

Qualitative research methods are particularly strong in studying the meanings that participants attach to events.

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research methods, such as interviews and observation, are designed to explore the subjective experiences and meanings that participants attach to events. This approach is especially useful for understanding complex social and cultural phenomena that cannot be simply quantified or measured. Qualitative methods can uncover rich, detailed information about participants' thoughts, feelings, and perspectives, which can be used to develop insights and inform policy or practice.

Question 2

Ethnomethodology is the study and systematic recording of human cultures.

Accepted Answer

Ethnomethodology is the study of the methods people use to understand and produce the social order in which they live, not the systematic recording of human cultures.

Question 3

Which of the following is true regarding field notes?
A) They should be written with 24 hours of leaving the field.
B) They should include details of the researcher's interpretation of events.
C) They should contain methodological information.
D) They should distinguish between direct quotations and paraphrases.
E) All of the above

Accepted Answer

Field notes are an essential part of qualitative research, providing a detailed account of observations, interactions, and reflections. They should be written promptly (ideally within 24 hours) to ensure accuracy and detail. Including the researcher's interpretations helps in understanding the context and significance of the observed phenomena. Methodological information is crucial for the transparency and replicability of the study. Distinguishing between direct quotations and paraphrases is important for the integrity and accuracy of the data recorded.

Question 4

A reactive effect occurs when an observer alters conditions in the field simply because of his or presence.

Accepted Answer

This is true. An observer can inadvertently alter the conditions in the field by their presence or actions, leading to a reactive effect.

Question 5

A researcher is interested in public displays of affection, so she visits three research sites and observes couples, taking note of any sign of affection but not asking them any questions. What role has she taken in the field?
A) Complete observer
B) Participant observer
C) Complete participant
D) Covert participant
E) Investigative observer

Accepted Answer

The researcher is simply observing the couples and taking notes, without any interaction or involvement with them. This falls under the category of complete observation, as the researcher is not a participant in the situation being observed.

Question 6

Netnographies are different from traditional ethnographies in that they can focus on communities whose members are physically distant and dispersed.

Accepted Answer

Netnographies use the internet to study online communities, which may be composed of people from different physical locations. This makes it possible to conduct research on dispersed communities, which would not be possible with traditional ethnographies that require physical proximity to the community being studied.

Question 7

Because it is usually inductive, qualitative research cannot use theoretical sampling.

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research often makes use of theoretical sampling, which involves selecting new participants or cases based on theoretical concepts or hypotheses that are evolving from the analysis of previous data. This allows researchers to refine their theoretical understanding and test their emerging theories in subsequent interviews or observations.

Question 8

Use the following to answer questions 16-18:
In each set, match a concept from Group A to a definition or example from Group B.
-Qualitative methods
 Group A
 1. Participant observation
 2. Field research
 3. Intensive interviewing
 4. Focus groups 
 
 Group B
 a. A type of qualitative research distinguished by the researcher making observations in a natural setting (that is, within social context)
 b. A type of qualitative research distinguished by discussions among subjects guided by a researcher
 c. A type of qualitative research distinguished by the researcher's partial involvement in social behavior under study
 d. A type of qualitative research distinguished by self-administered questionnaires
 e. A type of qualitative research distinguished by in-depth, structured conversations between the researcher and key informants

Accepted Answer

The answer of Use the following to answer questions 16-18:
In...

Question 9

Covert participation is a form of complete observation.

Accepted Answer

Covert participation involves observing a group or individuals without them being aware of the observation. This is different from complete observation, which involves openly observing a group or individuals with their knowledge and consent.

Question 10

Another name for a key informant is a gatekeeper.

Accepted Answer

A key informant is someone with specialized knowledge who provides information for a research project, while a gatekeeper is someone who controls access to information, resources, or people.

Question 11

Netnographies have no similarities to traditional ethnographies.

Accepted Answer

While netnographies are concerned with studying online communities and social behaviors in digital spaces, they still share many similarities with traditional ethnographies, such as the importance of fieldwork, participant observation, and understanding cultural norms and practices. Both types of research require a deep understanding of the social context being studied and often involve building relationships with members of the community being observed.

Question 12

Focus groups with very different subjects (i.e., heterogeneous focus groups) are usually more willing to talk and share feelings than are homogenous focus groups.

Accepted Answer

Homogeneous focus groups, where participants share similar characteristics or experiences, often feel more comfortable and are more willing to share feelings and thoughts, as they perceive a safer and more understanding environment. Heterogeneous groups might face barriers due to differences, leading to less openness.

Question 13

Qualitative analysis can only follow an inductive approach: moving from data to a more general theory.

Accepted Answer

Qualitative analysis can follow both inductive and deductive approaches, depending on the research design and objectives. Inductive reasoning involves building theories from observed data, while deductive reasoning tests hypotheses derived from existing theories.

Question 14

Field notes are records written while in the actual field.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Field notes are records written while in...

Question 15

In participant observation, researchers do not reveal their true identities to their subjects until after the research is complete.

Accepted Answer

In participant observation, researchers typically disclose their identities and the purpose of their research to the subjects before or during the study, to establish trust and prevent ethical concerns. Keeping the researcher's identity secret would compromise the validity and ethics of the research.

Question 16

Use the following to answer questions 16-18:
In each set, match a concept from Group A to a definition or example from Group B.
-Qualitative Sampling
 Group A
 1. critical cases
 2. typical cases
 3. deviant cases
 4. theoretical sampling
 
 Group B
 a. A sampling technique in which cases are selected based on their contrast with "normal" cases
 b. A sampling technique in which cases are selected to allow comparisons with previously selected cases
 c. A sampling technique in which cases are selected based on the presence of unusually rich and pertinent information to the research question
 d. A sampling technique in which cases are selected based on random selection from a sampling frame constructed of known groups
 e. A sampling technique in which cases are selected based on the assumption that they are very similar to most other cases

Accepted Answer

The answer of Use the following to answer questions 16-18:
In...

Question 17

In field research, public figures are often best approached using direct methods, such as writing a letter introducing yourself and your research agenda.

Accepted Answer

Direct methods such as writing a letter introducing yourself and your research agenda are often the best approach when conducting field research with public figures. This allows for clear communication and establishes a professional relationship.

Question 18

Intensive interviewing with key informants should continue until new interviews yield little new information.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. The goal of intensive interviewing with key informants is to gather as much information as possible. Once new interviews no longer provide significant new information, the process can be considered complete.

Question 19

Tape recorders alter the willingness of key informants to be truthful so much that they are rarely used in intensive interviewing.

Accepted Answer

Tape recorders do not inherently alter the willingness of key informants to be truthful to such an extent that they are rarely used in intensive interviewing. Their impact depends on the context, the relationship between the interviewer and the informant, and how their use is negotiated and perceived. In fact, tape recorders are often used in qualitative research to ensure accuracy in capturing respondents' statements.

Question 20

Use the following to answer questions 16-18:
In each set, match a concept from Group A to a definition or example from Group B.
-Roles in Field Research
 Group A
 1. Complete observer
 2. Covert participant
 3. Participant observer
 4. Gatekeeper
 5. Key informant
 
 Group B
 a. A research subject who can determine access to the field
 b. A researcher who engages in activities under study and informs some members of his/her role as researcher
 c. A research subject who knows about the activities under study and is willing to share his or her insights
 d. A researcher who does not actively engage in activities under study
 e. A research subject who has no knowledge of the role of the researcher
 f. A researcher who does not reveal his or her true identity to subjects

Accepted Answer

The answer of Use the following to answer questions 16-18:
In...

Quiz 9: Qualitative Methods: Observing, Participating, Listening

Qualitative research methods are particularly strong in studying the meanings that participants attach to events.

Ethnomethodology is the study and systematic recording of human cultures.

Which of the following is true regarding field notes?

A reactive effect occurs when an observer alters conditions in the field simply because of his or presence.

A researcher is interested in public displays of affection, so she visits three research sites and observes couples, taking note of any sign of affection but not asking them any questions. What role has she taken in the field?

Netnographies are different from traditional ethnographies in that they can focus on communities whose members are physically distant and dispersed.

Because it is usually inductive, qualitative research cannot use theoretical sampling.

Covert participation is a form of complete observation.

Another name for a key informant is a gatekeeper.

Netnographies have no similarities to traditional ethnographies.

Focus groups with very different subjects (i.e., heterogeneous focus groups) are usually more willing to talk and share feelings than are homogenous focus groups.

Qualitative analysis can only follow an inductive approach: moving from data to a more general theory.

Field notes are records written while in the actual field.

In participant observation, researchers do not reveal their true identities to their subjects until after the research is complete.

In field research, public figures are often best approached using direct methods, such as writing a letter introducing yourself and your research agenda.

Intensive interviewing with key informants should continue until new interviews yield little new information.

Tape recorders alter the willingness of key informants to be truthful so much that they are rarely used in intensive interviewing.