Showing papers on "Qualitative research published in 1989"

Designing Qualitative Research

Abstract: Introduction The Substance of the Study Framing the Research Question How To Conduct the Study Designing the Research Data Collection Methods Recording, Managing, and Analyzing Data Managing Time and Resources Defending the Value and Logic of Qualitative Research

Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences

Abstract: IN THIS SECTION: 1.) BRIEF 2.) COMPREHENSIVE BRIEF TABLE OF CONTENTS: Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Designing Qualitative Research Chapter 3: Ethical Issues Chapter 4: A Dramaturgical Look at Interviewing Chapter 5: Focus Group Interviewing Chapter 6: Ethnographic Field Strategies Chapter 7: Action Research Chapter 8: Unobtrusive Measures in Research Chapter 9: Social Historical Research and Oral Traditions Chapter 10: Case Studies Chapter 11: An Introduction to Content Analysis Chapter 12: Writing Research Papers: Sorting the Noodles from the Soup COMPREHENSIVE TABLE OF CONTENTS: Chapter 1: Introduction Quantitative Versus Qualitative Schools of Thought Use of Triangulation in Research Methodology Qualitative Strategies: Defining an Orientation From a Symbolic Interactionist Perspective Why Use Qualitative Methods? A Plan of Presentation Chapter 2: Designing Qualitative Research Theory and Concepts Ideas and Theory Reviewing the Literature Evaluating Web Sites Content versus Use Theory, Reality, and the Social World Framing Research Problems Operationalization and Conceptualization Designing Projects Data Collection and Organization Data Storage, Retrieval, and Analysis Dissemination Trying It Out Chapter 3: Ethical Issues Research Ethics in Historical Perspective From Guidelines to Law: Regulations on the Research Process Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) Ethical Codes Some Common Ethical Concerns in Behavioral Research New Areas for Ethical Concern: Cyberspace Informed Consent and Implied Consent Confidentiality and Anonymity Securing the Data Objectivity and Careful Research Design Trying It Out Chapter 4: A Dramaturgical Look at Interviewing Dramaturgy and Interviewing Types of Interviews The Data Collection Instrument Guideline Development Communicating Effectively A Few Common Problems in Question Formulation Pretesting the Schedule Long Versus Short Interviews Telephone Interviews Computer Assisted Interviewing Conducting an Interview: A Natural or an Unnatural Communication? The Dramaturgical Interview The Interviewer's Repertoire Know Your Audience Analyzing Data Obtained from the Dramaturgical Interview Trying It Out Chapter 5: Focus Group Interviewing What are Focus Groups? Working With a Group The Evolution of Focus Group Interviews Facilitating Focus Group Dynamics: How Focus Groups Work The Moderator's Guide Basic Ingredients in Focus Groups Analyzing Focus Group Data Confidentiality and Focus Group Interviews Recent Trends in Focus Groups: Online Focus Groups Trying It Out Chapter 6: Ethnographic Field Strategies Accessing a Field Setting: Getting In Reflectivity and Ethnography Critical Ethnography Becoming Invisible Other Dangers During Ethnographic Research Watching, Listening, and Learning How to Learn: What to Watch and Listen For Computers and Ethnography OnLine Ethnography Analyzing Ethnographic Data Other Analysis Strategies: Typologies, Sociograms, and Metaphors Disengaging: Getting Out Trying It Out Chapter 7: Action Research The Basics of Action Research Identifying the Research Question(s) Gathering the Information to Answer the Question(s) Analyzing and Interpreting the Information Sharing the Results with the Participants When to Use and When Not to Use Action Research The Action Researcher's Role Types of Action Research Photovoice and Action Research Action Research: A Reiteration Trying It Out Chapter 8: Unobtrusive Measures in Research Archival Strategies Physical Erosion and accretion: Human Traces as Data Sources Trying It Out Chapter 9: Social Historical Research and Oral Traditions What Is Historical Research? Life Histories and Social History What Are the Sources of Data for Historical Researchers? Doing Historiography: Tracing Written History as Data What Are Oral Histories? Trying It Out Chapter 10: Case Studies The Nature of Case Studies Theory and Case Studies The Individual Case Study Intrinsic, Instrumental, and Collective Case Studies Case Study Design Types Designing Case Studies The Scientific Benefit of Case Studies Case Studies of Organizations Case Studies of Communities Trying It Out Chapter 11: An Introduction to Content Analysis What is Content Analysis? Analysis of Qualitative Data Content Analysis as a Technique Content Analysis: Quantitative or Qualitative? Communication Components What to Count: Levels and Units of Analysis Category Development: Building Grounded Theory Discourse Analysis and Content Analysis Open Coding Coding Frames Stages in the Content Analysis Process Strengths and Weaknesses of the Content Analysis Process Computers and Qualitative Analysis Qualitative Research at the Speed of Light Trying It Out Chapter 12: Writing Research Papers: Sorting the Noodles from the Soup Plagiarism: What It Is, Why It's Bad, and How to Avoid It Identifying the Purpose of the Writing: Arranging the Noodles Delineating a Supportive Structure: Visual Signals for the Reader Terms and Conditions Presenting Research Material A Word About the Content of Papers and Articles Write It, Rewrite It, Then Write It Again! A Few Writing Hints A Final Note

Essentials of nursing research: Methods, appraisal, and utilization

Abstract: Part I: Overview of Nursing Research Introducing Research and Its Use in Nursing Practice Comprehending Key Concepts in Qualitative and Quantitative Research Understanding the Research Process in Qualitative and Quantitative Research Reading Research Reports Understanding the Ethics of Nursing Research Part II: Preliminary Steps in the Research Process Scrutinizing Research Problems, Research Questions, and Hypotheses Finding and Reviewing Studies in the Literature Examining the Conceptual/Theoretical Basis of a Study Part III: Designs for Nursing Research Scrutinizing Quantitative Research Design Scrutinizing Qualitative Research Design Examining Specific Types of Research Evaluating Sampling Plans Part IV: Data Collection Examining Data Collection Methods Evaluating Data Quality and Measurements Part V: Data Analysis Analyzing Quantitative Data Analyzing Qualitative Data Part VI: Critical Appraisal and Utilization of Nursing Research Critiquing Research Reports Using Research in Evidence-Based Nursing Practice

Research Methods and Organization Studies

Abstract: Glossary of abbreviations Preface The nature of organizational research Measurement in organizational research: questionnaires and structured interviews Experimental research Survey Research Qualitative research Case study and action research Archival research and secondary analysis of survey data Structured observation, simulation, language studies and other methods of Data collection Issues in organizational research Bibliography and author index Subject index

Essential Research Methods for Social Work

Abstract: Part I: AN INTRODUCTION TO SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY IN SOCIAL WORK. 1. Why Study Research? 2. Evidence-Based Practice. 3. Quantitative, Qualitative and Mixed Methods. 4. Factors Influencing the Research Process. Part II: PROBLEM FORMULATION AND MEASUREMENT. 5. Reviewing Literature and Developing Research Questions. 6. Conceptualization in Quantitative and Qualitative Inquiry. 7. Measurement in Quantitative and Qualitative Inquiry. 8. Quantitative and Qualitative Measurement Instruments. Part III: SAMPLING AND SURVEYS. 9. Surveys. 10. Sampling: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches. Part IV: DESIGNS FOR EVALUATING PROGRAMS AND PRACTICE. 11. Experiments and Quasi-Experiments. 12. Single-case Evaluation Designs. 13. Program Evaluation. Part V: ADDITIONAL QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS. 14. Additional Methods in Qualitative Inquiry. 15. Analyzing Available Records: Quantitative and Qualitative Methods. Part VI: ETHICAL AND CULTURAL ISSUES IN SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH. 16. Ethical Issues in Social Work Research. 17. Culturally Competent Research. Part VII: DATA ANALYSIS. 18. Quantitative Data Analysis. 19. Qualitative Data Analysis. Appendix A. Writing Research Proposals. Appendix B. Writing Social Work Research Reports. Appendix C. Table of Random Numbers.

In search of rationality: the purposes behind the use of formal analysis in organizations.

Abstract: This paper describes the results of a study that examines how formal analysis is actually used in practice in three different organizations. Four main groups of purposes for formal analysis--information, communication, direction and control, and symbolic purposes--are identified and related to the nature of the social and hierarchical relationships between those who initiate analysis, those who do it, and those who receive it. It is concluded that, far from being antithetical as often assumed, formal analysis and social interaction are inextricably linked in organizational decision making and that different structural configurations may generate different patterns of use of analysis.

Some ethical implications of qualitative research

Abstract: Traditional values in nursing dictate a high level of concern for the welfare of research participants. Initial attempts at setting minimal ethical standards stemmed from the quantitative approaches. As qualitative modalities are more widely used, nurses must become acutely aware of possible problems in study design and planning, the dangers of coercion and deception, threats to confidentiality and trust, implications of the emergent design, and providing for a new concept of informed consent. The new character of the research relationship is examined in light of possible strategies for protection of research participants while preserving the integrity of qualitative investigation.

Philosophical Ponderings on Qualitative Research Methods in Nursing

Abstract: This article focuses on the philosophical underpinnings of qualitative research methods. The historical context reflects an interpretive turn from envisioning nursing as a natural science to one of a human science. The phenomological paradigm is reflected upon in the questioning of perception, philosophy, nursing philosophy, paradigms, assumptions, and praxis. An invitation to embrace human understanding of experience, meaning of life worlds, the essences of experience, the attentive practice of thoughtfulness, and caring attunements is extended. The aims of discovery and qualitative research methods are presented within social, experiential, linguistic, and cultural contexts. In a fundamental sense, this paper is about the meaning and seriousness of human experience and nursing's efforts to study such experience faithfully, with reverence and wonderment.

The sociology of medicine : a participant observer's view

Abstract: Provides a social, cross-cultural and interdisciplinary perspective on health, illness, and medicine. Analyzes first-hand, participant observer-based, qualitative studies in the field.

Qualitative Research as a Form of Scientific Inquiry in Sport and Physical Education

Abstract: Qualitative research includes a family of loosely related inquiry traditions rooted in psychology, sociology, and anthropology. Each differs in origins, assumptions, central questions, and methods. They are united at a deeper paradigmatic level, however, by a shared view of the nature of the world which distinguishes all qualitative research traditions from the conventional natural science model of inquiry in the domains of education, sport, and exercise. This divergence of world view is illustrated by how scientists using qualitative and conventional designs would respond to the query, “How do you know?” There, qualitative traditions yield distinctly different perspectives on questions about the social world. Despite both heuristic power and great promise for application in sport and physical education, however, unresolved questions and troublesome concerns remain. Active scholars, editors, reviewers, and research consumers will control the future for qualitative research and all must stretch to...

Integrating qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Abstract: Researchers have traditionally worked within either a quantitative or a qualitative paradigm. The quantitative paradigm is dominant in biomedical research. This paper describes the differences between quantitative and qualitative methods and discusses the limitations of research which involves one approach to the exclusion of the other. The possible advantages of the combined use of both types of methods are outlined and highlighted with examples from the medical literature.

The Impact of Teachers’ Personal Lives on Professional Role Enactment: A Qualitative Analysis

Abstract: This article reports data that provide insight into teachers’ perspectives regarding the impact of personal-life factors on their work lives. Open-ended questionnaires were used to collect data from 200 teachers. The data were analyzed according to qualitative methods for grounded theory research. Thirteen categories reflecting positive and negative effects were identified in the data. These categories are discussed in terms of three general classifications: interpersonal personal, and socioeconomic. Finally, conclusions and implications are drawn regarding gender as well as personal and professional development issues.

Qualitative methods in physical therapy research: a form of disciplined inquiry.

Abstract: Qualitative research methods have special relevance for physical therapy. Qualitative methods provide researchers with the tools to examine social settings and human behavior. The methods are well suited to studying the complex, multidimensional environments present in physical therapy practice and education. A thorough understanding of research methodology is a necessary prerequisite for disciplined research. This article presents an overview of the philosophy underlying qualitative research, a discussion of the application of qualitative methods, and a brief analysis of how to address reliability and validity concerns in qualitative research. Increased understanding of what qualitative research is and how it can be done should promote disciplined qualitative research in physical therapy.

Quality and quantity: Reconstructing feminist methodology

Abstract: Many feminist sociologists have rejected quantitative in favor of qualitative methods, a position which might seem justified by feminist critiques of positivism. This paper examines both quantitative and qualitative methods in light of two major themes in radical feminist epistemology, the critique of objectivity and the politics of the research process, and finds both classes of methods vulnerable. We argue that underlying the argument against quantitative methods is a rejection of abstraction and a dichotomization of methodologies, both of which are inconsistent with feminist insights. We call for a reconstruction of methodology that transforms both quantitative and qualitative techniques in ways informed by feminist epistemology and builds research agendas that integrate both approaches.

Qualitative research in action

Abstract: The life history of a qualitative research project an historical perspective group discussions the dynamics of small groups individual interviews projective tests and enabling techniques for use in market research current developments in qualitative research the analysis and interpretation process its not just what you say, its also the way you present it uses and abuses of qualitative research from a marketing viewpoint.

Development of Integrated Preschools: A Qualitative Inquiry into Sources of Resistance Among Parents, Administrators, and Teachers

Abstract: This study investigated sources of resistance to the development of integrated preschool programs expressed in concerns raised during interviews and observations of parents, teachers, and administrators involved in system change. Findings suggest that perceived loss of political control over aspects of programs that have been informally negotiated between parents, teachers, and administrators may underlie concems about new programmatic arrangements. The study illustrates the application of qualitative research methods to questions that are of considerable importance to early childhood educators, but that have received relatively little empirical study to date.

First Principles of Practice Research

Abstract: SUMMARY Critics of applying conventional quantitative research methods to the problems of social work practice research have ignored the considerable progress which has been achieved during the past decade in scientifically documenting the effectiveness of social services. A set of First Principles of Practice Research is outlined for use by researchers in the design and conduct of practice research, and for use by the consumers of research to evaluate the methodological rigour of practice experiments. The advocates of qualitative research are urged to provide the profession with similar positive examples of research on the outcomes of social work practice, and to develop explicit guide-lines for the conduct of qualitative studies. The past decade has been an encouraging one for social work practition ers concerned about the empirical support for the provision of social work services. The early 1970s witnessed the appearance of three independently conducted summative reviews of controlled experimental studies of social work practice (Fischer, 1973; Mullen and Dumpson, 1972; Segal, 1972). Each review concluded that social work practice had yet to demonstrate a positive impact on problems of personal or social importance, and moreover, reported that some evidence indicated a deleterious impact among clients receiving social services. A laudable outcome of the concerns generated by these evaluative reviews was an increasing awareness of the need for the profession of social work to demonstrate its effectiveness, and that such outcome studies required a

Qualitative Research: A Defense of Traditions:

Abstract: I recently published two papers (Jacob, 1987, 1988) that dealt with qualitative research traditions. In one (Jacob, 1988) I argued that confusion has arisen in the educational literature because many scholars have treated the alternatives to traditional positivistic research as a single approach, often called "qualitative research," when, in fact, there are a variety of alternative approaches. I also asserted that the confusion could be clarified by using the concept of tradition. In the other article (Jacob, 1987), I described and compared several American qualitative traditions and discussed how they might contribute to educational research. This article replies to the "British response" by Atkinson, Delamont, and Hammersley (1988) to my discussion of selected qualitative traditions (Jacob, 1987).' They faulted my review article on two main points. First, they argued that the concept of tradition is not useful for understanding social science research. Second, they complained that I should have included British work in my review article. In reply, I explain my use of the concept of tradition, explore various ways in which I find the concept helpful, and show why I did not need to include British work in my article.

Using Qualitative Data Collection Procedures to Investigate Supported Education Issues

Abstract: There is growing interest in the potential contributions of qualitative research to scholarly inquiry, and what was a quiet and perhaps peripheral aspect of educational research has been moving rap...

Interpretive and critical research in sport and physical education.

Abstract: Qualitative research encompasses two distinct approaches, interpretive research and critical research. Locke has provided an excellent review of the assumptions and methods of interpretive research. His article provides an important service to the field by informing the broad range of scholars within physical education about this growing area of research. The one weakness of his review is that it may not emphasize sufficiently the need to ground qualitative research in an understanding of the social sciences so that the researcher can provide an adequate context for the interpretation of data. Locke limits his review primarily to the interpretive approach and mentions critical theory only briefly, a decision that seems appropriate in an introductory tutorial. Most of the qualitative research being done in sport and physical education is interpretive, not critical. However, a few of the researchers in this area seem to be moving toward a critical perspective. Therefore, this article attempted to provide a brief overview of critical qualitative research.

The Use of Qualitative Evaluation Methods to Test Internal Validity: An Example in a Work Site Health Promotion Program

Abstract: Since the late 1970s, qualitative research methods have gained recognition for their potential contribution to the evaluation of health promotion and educationprograms. Today, the issue is no longer whether to use quantitative or qualitative methods, but rather, how they can be combined to provide more complete assessments of the impact of a program. Each method is based on different yet complementary assumptions and each method has certain strengths that can be used to compensate for the limitations of the other. This article illustrates how qualitative and quantitative methods were combined in the evaluation of a health promotion program conducted in 23 rubber-producing plants in the United States. The qualitative case study and monitoring data were used to complement the quantitative study through the testing of threats to internal validity, and through the detection of a Type III error, that is, the inadequate implementation of the primary program intervention. In experimental and quasi-experimental e...

Contributions of Qualitative Research to Adult Education.

Abstract: The choice of a qualitative research methodology to study some of the questions and problems in adult education has resulted in some significant contributions to the knowledge base of adult education. Among other contributions, qualitative inquiry has led to the concepts of marginality, enrollment economy, and perspective transformation, stimulated research in participation, motivation, and self-directed learning, and led to a better understanding of adult illiterates. The potential of this research methodology for extending the knowledge base of adult education in the future is also discussed.

Visual Analysis of Student Evaluation Data: A Qualitative Analysis of Teacher Decision Making.

Abstract: Visual analysis of graphically displayed data typically is used by teachers of persons with severe disabilities to evaluate the effectiveness of educational interventions. Although the use of this ...

Analysing qualitative data: ethnography and the evaluation of medical education.

Abstract: Quantitative methods of evaluating the outcomes of medical education may not always deliver the information which course organizers and teachers most need in order to improve their courses. Qualitative methods of research could provide such information. However, the use of qualitative methods has been limited by the difficulties associated with the analysis of subjective data and by the validity of its results. Qualitative data from an evaluation of the 2-year part-time MSc Course in General Practice at Guy's and St Thomas's Hospitals are presented and a rigorous method of analysis demonstrated. It is argued that for qualitative research validity is progressively achieved through the process of analysis, unlike experimental research where validity is ascribed in the research design. The relationship of research methods and approaches to evaluation is discussed and the potential contribution of qualitative research methods is outlined.