Chapter 15 - Qualitative methods of data collection. After reading this chapter, you should be able to: Identify the role of the researcher in qualitative research designs and explain the potential effects of different researcher roles on the research process; select, and argue for, an appropriate researcher role for a specific research project; develop a purpose statement and research question for a qualitative research project;. | Chapter 15 Qualitative Methods of Data Collection Researcher using qualitative methods needs theoretical and social sensitivity Balance what is being observed with what is known Recognize subjective role of the researcher Think abstractly and make connections among data collected Field Interviewing Method for discovering how people Think and feel about their communication practices Order and assess their world Semidirected conversation Goal is to uncover participant's point of view More than just asking questions to get answers Interviews can be formal, informal, or both Electronic Interviewing Interviewing via email, website, or fax Advantages Low cost Can reach geographically dispersed participants Disadvantages Difficult to develop rapport Creates fictional social reality Can’t check nonverbals May take longer The Interview Process Conceptualize the interview study Review the topical and interview literature Develop the purpose of your study Develop research questions . | Chapter 15 Qualitative Methods of Data Collection Researcher using qualitative methods needs theoretical and social sensitivity Balance what is being observed with what is known Recognize subjective role of the researcher Think abstractly and make connections among data collected Field Interviewing Method for discovering how people Think and feel about their communication practices Order and assess their world Semidirected conversation Goal is to uncover participant's point of view More than just asking questions to get answers Interviews can be formal, informal, or both Electronic Interviewing Interviewing via email, website, or fax Advantages Low cost Can reach geographically dispersed participants Disadvantages Difficult to develop rapport Creates fictional social reality Can’t check nonverbals May take longer The Interview Process Conceptualize the interview study Review the topical and interview literature Develop the purpose of your study Develop research questions Design the interview Decide how to find and select respondents Determine how many respondents are needed Generally enough when interviews are producing the same data The Interview Process Conduct the interview Select locations and times comfortable and accessible for respondents Best done in pairs One to interview; one to take notes Establish context and frame for interview Define situation, explain purpose, ask about taping the interview, ask if participant has any questions The Interview Process Ask questions Carefully construct questions to get the information you need or to prompt discussion Prepare and use an interview guide Ask relevant biographical questions to contextualize information Some questions should allow respondent to tell his or her own story Open questions are better than closed questions The Interview Process Conclude the interview Debrief the participant Summarize main points and new information Provide any information that was withheld from participant
