Qualitative Methods Study Cards

Enhance Your Learning with Qualitative Methods Flash Cards for quick revision



Qualitative Methods

Research methods that focus on understanding and interpreting social phenomena through non-numerical data, such as interviews, observations, and textual analysis.

Ethnography

A qualitative research method that involves immersing oneself in a particular social group or culture to understand their beliefs, practices, and behaviors.

Interviews

A qualitative data collection method that involves asking individuals a series of questions to gather in-depth information about their experiences, opinions, and perspectives.

Focus Groups

A qualitative research method that involves bringing together a small group of individuals to discuss a specific topic or issue, allowing for the exploration of shared beliefs and experiences.

Case Studies

An in-depth analysis of a particular individual, group, or event, often using multiple sources of data to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

Content Analysis

A research method that involves systematically analyzing and interpreting the content of various forms of communication, such as texts, images, and media.

Grounded Theory

A qualitative research approach that aims to develop theories or explanations based on the data collected, allowing for the emergence of new concepts and ideas.

Narrative Analysis

A method of analyzing and interpreting stories or narratives to understand how individuals construct meaning and make sense of their experiences.

Participant Observation

A research method that involves immersing oneself in a social setting or group and observing their behaviors and interactions firsthand.

Document Analysis

The systematic examination and interpretation of various types of documents, such as texts, reports, and historical records, to gain insights into a particular phenomenon or topic.

Qualitative Data Collection

The process of gathering non-numerical data through methods such as interviews, observations, and document analysis for the purpose of qualitative research.

Qualitative Data Analysis

The process of systematically organizing, interpreting, and making sense of qualitative data to identify patterns, themes, and insights.

Validity and Reliability in Qualitative Research

The extent to which qualitative research methods produce accurate and trustworthy findings, ensuring that the data collected is credible, transferable, and dependable.

Ethical Considerations in Qualitative Research

The ethical principles and guidelines that researchers must adhere to when conducting qualitative research, ensuring the protection of participants' rights and privacy.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Qualitative Methods

The strengths and limitations of using qualitative research methods, including the ability to capture rich and detailed data but the potential for subjectivity and limited generalizability.

Applications of Qualitative Methods in Political Science

The various ways in which qualitative research methods are used to study political phenomena, such as understanding public opinion, analyzing policy processes, and exploring political behavior.

Triangulation

The use of multiple methods or data sources to validate and corroborate findings in qualitative research, enhancing the credibility and trustworthiness of the study.

Reflexivity

The process of reflecting on and acknowledging the researcher's influence and biases in qualitative research, ensuring transparency and self-awareness throughout the study.

Sampling in Qualitative Research

The process of selecting participants or cases for qualitative research, often based on purposeful sampling to ensure diversity and relevance to the research question.

Thematic Analysis

A method of analyzing qualitative data that involves identifying and organizing recurring patterns or themes within the data, providing insights into the research question.

Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis

A qualitative research approach that focuses on understanding and interpreting individuals' lived experiences and subjective perspectives, often used in psychology and healthcare research.

Critical Discourse Analysis

A method of analyzing language and communication to uncover power dynamics, ideologies, and social structures embedded within discourse, often used in political and media studies.

Ethnographic Fieldwork

The immersive and long-term engagement with a particular social group or community to gain an in-depth understanding of their culture, practices, and social dynamics.

Data Saturation

The point in qualitative research when collecting additional data no longer leads to new insights or information, indicating that data collection can be concluded.

Member Checking

A process in qualitative research where participants are given the opportunity to review and provide feedback on the researcher's findings, ensuring accuracy and validity.

Researcher Bias

The influence of the researcher's personal beliefs, values, and experiences on the research process and findings, which can impact objectivity and the interpretation of data.

Data Triangulation

The use of multiple data sources or methods to validate and cross-verify findings in qualitative research, enhancing the credibility and robustness of the study.

Sampling Bias

A bias that occurs when the selected sample in qualitative research does not accurately represent the target population, leading to limited generalizability of the findings.

Research Ethics Committee

An independent body that reviews and approves research proposals involving human participants, ensuring that ethical standards and guidelines are followed.

Data Analysis Software

Computer programs or tools used to assist in the organization, coding, and analysis of qualitative data, such as NVivo, ATLAS.ti, and MAXQDA.

Researcher Reflexivity

The process of critically reflecting on the researcher's own biases, assumptions, and positionality in relation to the research topic and participants, ensuring transparency and self-awareness.

Sampling Frame

A list or description of the target population from which a sample is drawn in qualitative research, providing a basis for selecting participants or cases.

Data Coding

The process of categorizing and labeling qualitative data to identify patterns, themes, or concepts, facilitating data analysis and interpretation.

Researcher-Participant Relationship

The dynamic and ethical interaction between the researcher and participants in qualitative research, emphasizing respect, trust, and informed consent.

Data Collection Techniques

The specific methods and tools used to gather qualitative data, such as interviews, observations, focus groups, and document analysis.

Researcher Objectivity

The extent to which the researcher remains unbiased and impartial throughout the research process, minimizing personal beliefs and values that may influence data collection and analysis.

Data Interpretation

The process of making sense of qualitative data by analyzing, synthesizing, and drawing conclusions based on the patterns, themes, and insights identified.

Researcher Positionality

The recognition and acknowledgment of the researcher's social, cultural, and personal background, which may influence the research process and findings.

Data Trustworthiness

The extent to which qualitative research findings are credible, transferable, dependable, and confirmable, ensuring the quality and rigor of the study.

Researcher Neutrality

The researcher's ability to remain neutral and unbiased during data collection and analysis, minimizing personal opinions and preconceived notions.

Researcher Subjectivity

The influence of the researcher's personal beliefs, values, and experiences on the research process and findings, which can impact objectivity and the interpretation of data.