Showing papers on "Qualitative research published in 1999"

Doing Qualitative Research: A Practical Handbook

Abstract: Written in a lively, accessible style, this step-by-step guide provides answers to all the questions students ask when beginning their first research project David Silverman demonstrates how to learn the craft of qualitative research by applying knowledge about different methodologies to actual data He provides practical advice on key issues, such as: defining `originality' and narrowing down a topic; keeping a research diary and writing a research report; and presenting research to different audiences Packed with case studies and examples of students' experiences, the book has many features to aid study, including overviews, summaries of key skills and a glossary of terms Each stage in the research process is grounded in worked examples, with exercises designed both to test students' knowledge and to encourage the development of practical skills

Evolving guidelines for publication of qualitative research studies in psychology and related fields.

Abstract: We present a set of evolving guidelines for reviewing qualitative research, to serve four functions: to contribute to the process of legitimizing qualitative research; to ensure more appropriate and valid scientific reviews of qualitative manuscripts, theses, and dissertations; to encourage better quality control in qualitative research through better self- and other-monitoring; and to encourage further developments in approach and method. Building on a review of existing principles of good practice in qualitative research, we used an iterative process of revision and feedback from colleagues who engage in qualitative research, resulting in a set of seven guidelines common to both qualitative and quantitative research and seven guidelines especially pertinent to qualitative investigations in psychology and related social sciences. The Evolving Guidelines are subject to continuing revision and should not be used in a rigid manner, in order to avoid stifling creativity in this rapidly evolving, rich research tradition.

Qualitative Research in Health Care

Abstract: This fully revised and updated edition of Qualitative Research in Health Care offers a clear and accessible introduction to conducting and interpreting qualitative research, incorporating new examples, references and chapters relevant for a comprehensive introduction to the subject. New chapters and references include: • Synthesising qualitative research • Secondary analysis of primary data • Ethical issues • Mixed research methods and integrating qualitative with quantitative techniques • Consensus and other methods for eliciting public and professional views and preferences • Conversation analysis

Doing Interpretative phenomenological analysis

Abstract: Book synopsis: `This book constitutes a valuable resource for postgraduate students and researchers. Most.... of the chapters succeed in providing a clear and comprehensive introduction to the various approaches and/or methods, thus enabling the reader to make an informed decision about whether or not they wish to pursue the topic further. The book as a whole is also very well referenced and this makes it a source of essential information for students and researchers with an interest in qualitative health psychology' - Health Psychology Update This book explains the role of qualitative research within health psychology. Theories and methods from a qualitative perspective are highly varied but, in general, differ from the positivist approach which is concerned with quantifying the individual risk factors presumed to cause health and illness behaviour. This book shows clearly how a qualitative approach offers a better understanding of the experience of illness while locating it in its broader social context. Providing a detailed examination of these issues, the book is organized into three sections - the first considers some of the main theoretical perspectives underlying qualitative research in health psychology including discourse analysis and narrative as well as the social context and embodiment of health and illness; the second examines some of the practical issues involved in conducting qualitative research with different populations, such as children and the terminally ill; and the final section considers a range of analytic issues and specific analytic approaches such as grounded theory and action research, and the evaluation of qualitative methods.

Quality in Qualitative Research

Abstract: A variety of conceptions of qualitative research exist, with competing claims as to what counts as good quality work. Rather than opting for the criteria promoted by one variety, “paradigm,” “moment,” or school within qualitative research, practicing researchers can learn valuable lessons from each one. This is because social research is a craft skill, relatively autonomous from the need to resolve philosophical disputes. At the same time, methodological awareness is a valuable mental resource in research studies. It can be acquired by exposure to almost any intelligent methodological discussion, whether from positivist, naturalistic, constructivist, or postmodern paradigms, as well as from careful consideration of research studies done by others. Particular techniques developed originally to fulfill the requirements of particular paradigms can often be used for other purposes and from within other paradigms if need be. This is illustrated in a case study of triangulation. A lot of effort has been expended by methodologists over the years, trying to give some guidance to qualitative researchers in improving or judging the quality of qualitative research. You could say that all methodological writing is ultimately directed at such a goal, because the idea of writing about how one can do research is presumably aimed at giving other people some good ideas on how they might proceed with their own studies. Explicit discussions of quality in social research, though, began from concerns designated with words such as validity and reliability, developed within the quantitative or scientific tradition, and then moved on under the pressure of critique from the qualitative research community. At first, this led qualitative methodologists to spawn new terms that either substituted for the scientific language of earlier periods or added new ideas to them. More recently, with postmodernist perspectives in fashion, the whole issue of whether we ought to be trying to generate criteria for judging the quality of research has become controversial. Maybe we should be letting a thousand flowers bloom, people say. The result

Qualitative methods in empirical studies of software engineering

Abstract: While empirical studies in software engineering are beginning to gain recognition in the research community, this subarea is also entering a new level of maturity by beginning to address the human aspects of software development. This added focus has added a new layer of complexity to an already challenging area of research. Along with new research questions, new research methods are needed to study nontechnical aspects of software engineering. In many other disciplines, qualitative research methods have been developed and are commonly used to handle the complexity of issues involving human behaviour. The paper presents several qualitative methods for data collection and analysis and describes them in terms of how they might be incorporated into empirical studies of software engineering, in particular how they might be combined with quantitative methods. To illustrate this use of qualitative methods, examples from real software engineering studies are used throughout.

Qualitative Research Methods: A Health Focus

Abstract: Qualitative Research Methods: A Health Focus is a practical guide to conducting qualitative research with in emphasis on health-related examples.r

Qualitative methods: what are they and why use them?

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of reasons why qualitative methods have been used and can be used in health services and health policy research, to describe a range of specific methods, and to give examples of their application. DATA SOURCES: Classic and contemporary descriptions of the underpinnings and applications of qualitative research methods and studies that have used such methods to examine important health services and health policy issues. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Qualitative research methods are valuable in providing rich descriptions of complex phenomena; tracking unique or unexpected events; illuminating the experience and interpretation of events by actors with widely differing stakes and roles; giving voice to those whose views are rarely heard; conducting initial explorations to develop theories and to generate and even test hypotheses; and moving toward explanations. Qualitative and quantitative methods can be complementary, used in sequence or in tandem. The best qualitative research is systematic and rigorous, and it seeks to reduce bias and error and to identify evidence that disconfirms initial or emergent hypotheses. CONCLUSIONS: Qualitative methods have much to contribute to health services and health policy research, especially as such research deals with rapid change and develops a more fully integrated theory base and research agenda. However, the field must build on the best traditions and techniques of qualitative methods and must recognize that special training and experience are essential to the application of these methods.

Ten Tips for Reflexive Bracketing

Abstract: Despite the realization that total objectivity is neither achievable nor necessarily desirable in qualitative research, researchers often are required to put aside assumptions so that the true experiences of respondents are reflected in the analysis and reporting of research. In many qualitative publications and conference presentations, researchers report that they have attempted this process, but the means by which this attempt was made often are not explicated. In this article, the author provides guidance to help qualitative researchers use reflexivity to identify areas of potential bias and to “bracket” them so their influence on the research process is minimal.

Doing Research with Children

Abstract: PART ONE: THE SPECIAL NATURE OF CHILDREN IN RESEARCH - THEORIES AND APPROACHES Introduction to Research and Children A Special Relationship Theory for Research and Practice with Children Theoretical Frameworks PART TWO: DOING RESEARCH WITH CHILDREN - REVIEWING, DESIGNING AND CONDUCTING RESEARCH WITH CHILDREN Evaluating Research with Children The Importance of Questions Designing and Doing Quantitative Research with Children Designing and Doing Qualitative Research with Children PART THREE: SPECIAL ISSUES Consultation and Participation with Children in Research Ethics for Doing Research with Children Themes and Perspectives

The Focus Group Research Handbook

Abstract: Well-conducted focus group research can determine the course of your company's future. "The Focus Group Research Handbook," a comprehensive, accessible reference tool, provides all the information you'll need in order to implement a focus group research study for your business, department, or small company. The results of a qualitative research study like a focus group can provide your business with powerful insight on the behavior patterns of your targeted "customer." Following author Holly Edmunds's plan, you'll learn how you can turn focus group study results into real profits by redirecting your advertising or marketing strategies to better meet the needs of your customers. "The Focus Group Research Handbook" offers guidelines for designing and conducting focus group studies, including sampling and recruiting, discussion guide development, suggested moderating techniques, and reporting methods. Packed with invaluable advice, "The Focus Group Research Handbook" simplifies and clarifies the entire focus group research process and explores how the results of such a study can bring value to your business or organization. Whether you are researching the advantages of conducting a focus group research study or have already determined that focus groups will benefit your company or organization, this guide will help you make the best choices for your business.

The use of focus group methodology — with selected examples from sexual health research

Abstract: This paper describes in detail the use of the focus group approach in research. The following issues are discussed: when, why and how focus group methods are used, their advantages and disadvantages and how data are analysed. Selected examples from four research studies on sexual health using this methodology are reported together with some of the problems experienced with their use. The importance of using focus groups in qualitative research is addressed and an argument is suggested for their more general use.

Establishing the Credibility of Qualitative Research Findings: The Plot Thickens

Abstract: Qualitative research is increasingly recognized and valued and its unique place in nursing research is highlighted by many. Despite this, some nurse researchers continue to raise epistemological issues about the problems of objectivity and the validity of qualitative research findings. This paper explores the issues relating to the representativeness or credibility of qualitative research findings. It therefore critiques the existing distinct philosophical and methodological positions concerning the trustworthiness of qualitative research findings, which are described as follows: quantitative studies should be judged using the same criteria and terminology as quantitative studies; it is impossible, in a meaningful way, for any criteria to be used to judge qualitative studies; qualitative studies should be judged using criteria that are developed for and fit the qualitative paradigm; and the credibility of qualitative research findings could be established by testing out the emerging theory by means of conducting a deductive quantitative study. The authors conclude by providing some guidelines for establishing the credibility of qualitative research findings.

Phenomenography: A Qualitative Research Approach for Exploring Understanding in Health Care

Abstract: Phenomenography is a little-known qualitative research approach that has potential for health care research, particularly when people’s understanding of their experience is the goal. Phenomenography is explained as a qualitative, nondualistic research approach that identifies and retains the discourse of research participants. This article seeks to present the major assumptions associated with phenomenographic research. An example of the way in which research outcomes are presented is included to emphasize its distinctiveness. It is noted that phenomenography has potential in the area of qualitative health research and will benefit from ongoing development and application.

How will we know "good" qualitative research when we see it? Beginning the dialogue in health services research.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To lay the foundation for an explicit review and dialogue concerning the criteria that should be used to evaluate qualitative health services research. Clear criteria are critical for the discipline because they provide a benchmark against which research can be assessed. DATA SOURCES: Existing literature in the social sciences and health services research, particularly in primary care and medicine. PRINCIPAL FINDING: Traditional criteria for evaluating qualitative research are rooted in the philosophical perspective (positivism) most closely associated with quantitative research and methods. As a result, qualitative research and methods may not be used as frequently as they can be and research results generated from qualitative studies may not be disseminated as widely as possible. However, alternative criteria for evaluating qualitative research have been proposed that reflect a different philosophical perspective (post-positivism). Moreover, these criteria are tailored to the unique purposes for which qualitative research is used and the research designs traditionally employed. While criteria based on these two different philosophical perspectives have much in common, some important differences exist. CONCLUSION: The field of health services research must engage in a collective, "qualitative" process to determine which criteria to adopt (positivist or post-positivist), or whether some combination of the two is most appropriate. Greater clarity about the criteria used to evaluate qualitative research will strengthen the discipline by fostering a more appropriate and improved use of qualitative methods, a greater willingness to fund and publish "good" qualitative research, and the development of more informed consumers of qualitative research results.

A guide to the qualitative research process: evidence from a small firm study

Abstract: Provides a detailed description of the qualitative research process experienced by the author when undertaking doctoral research. Recognising that there are few articles to guide the qualitative small firm researcher, it is the intention to provide a detailed account of the process and decisions involved when undertaking qualitative small firm research. From a discussion of the factors that convinced the author of the appropriateness of a qualitative approach, to a consideration of the outcomes generated, this paper guides the reader through the process of qualitative data collection and inductive analysis experienced by the author. In so doing, it demonstrates the value of using such an approach when undertaking small firms research.

Review of Basics of Qualitative Research Techniques and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory (2nd edition)

Abstract: Review of: Strauss, Anselm; Corbin, Juliet (1998) Basics of Qualitative Research Techniques and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory (2nd edition). Sage Publications: London.

The case for combining qualitative and quantitative approaches in health services research.

Abstract: A judicious combination of qualitative and quantitative methods can play a valuable role in health services research. This paper reviews the main reasons for combining methods: for different stages in a project; to compensate for the shortcomings of individual methods; and for the purpose of 'triangulation'. It examines the potential for qualitative approaches to contribute to quantitative work--by providing insights into the process of data construction, identifying relevant variables to be studied, furnishing explanations for unexpected or anomalous findings, and generating hypotheses or research questions for further investigation. Similarly, qualitative work can be enhanced by using quantitative techniques--albeit often in a modified form--in analysing data, developing sampling strategies, and amalgamating findings from separate qualitative studies. Although there is potential to develop multi-method approaches, there remains an important role for rigorous studies employing either qualitative or quantitative methods.

Consumer research, interpretive paradigms and methodological ambiguities

Abstract: The 1980s and 1990s have witnessed a growing application of qualitative methods, particularly in the study of consumer behaviour. This has led to some division between researchers on the basis of methodological orientation, or a positivist/interpretivist split. Much of the criticism regarding qualitative research centres on issues of clarity, methodological transgressions, and the mixing of methods without clear justification and explication of “why” and “how”. Offers the example of phenomenology and grounded theory, two methods which are often treated as one. Compares and contrasts them in relation to underpinning philosophies, procedures for sampling, data collection and techniques for analysis. Suggests that methods are “personal” and that researcher introspection and the philosophical basis of a given methodology should form the starting‐point for enquiry.

Qualitative methods in sociolinguistics

Abstract: 1. Introduction. 2. Methodology in the Historical Context (field methods in American dialect geography, field methods and "discovery procedure" in descriptive linguistics, analytical methods in historical/comparative linguistics, general themes). 3. Thinking About Methodology (What is research? What is Data? What does "empirical" mean? What makes a good research question? What is "qualitative " 4. Some Legal and Ethical Issues (researchers and the researched, researcher and resources, the uses of results). 5. Standards of Evidence (How do you know when you're right? Reliability and validity in qualitative research. Evaluating competing inerpretations.) 6. Thinking: Introspection and Intuition (What is intuition? What is introspection? Introspective research in sociolinguistics: an example. Roles for intutition in sociolinguistics? Intuitions about competence, intuituve leaps.) 7. Looking: Participant Observation (What is participant observation? What is ehtnography, Ethnography in sociolinguistics. Doing ethnography: some preliminary issues. Starting out: field methods for participant observation. Making sense: focusing on fieldwork and analytical methods.) 8. Reading and Listening: Discourse Analysis (selecting written texts, recording discourse, kinds of conversational data, transcribing, analytical approaches.) 9. Writing (The Article: introduction, literature review, methodology, findings, discussion. Other modes. The grammar of particularity).

How It's Done: An Invitation to Social Research

Abstract: This text provides balanced coverage of quantitative and qualitative methods of social research with a unique "behind the scenes" approach: chapters are built upon focal research pieces and excerpts from real research projects, and present the insights and perspectives of workers conducting real-world research. The text guides students through the many stages of social research--from selecting a researchable question and designing a study to selecting the best method of data analysis for a particular study--and prepares them for the ethical issues and problems that they may face along the way.

Research Methods in Family Therapy

Abstract: Part I: Introduction Sprenkle, Moon, Toward Pluralism in Family Therapy Research. Part II: Qualitative Methods: Naturalistic Research Newfield, Sells, Smith, Newfield and Newfield, Ethnographic Research Methods: Creating a Clinical Science of the Humanities. Rafuls, Moon, Grounded Theory Methodology in Family Therapy. Social Constructionist Research Boss, Dahl, Kaplan, The Use of Phenomenology for Family Therapy Research: The Search for Meaning. Critical Theory Research Rediger, Critical Theory Research: The Emancipatory Interest in Family Therapy. Avis, Turner, Feminist Lenses in Family Therapy Research: Gender, Politics and Science. Focus Group Evaluations Piercy, Nickerson, Focus Groups in Family Therapy Research. Part III Quantitative Methods: Design and Measurement Dickey, Quantitative Design in Family Therapy: Insider Hints on Getting Started. Snyder, Rice, Methodological Issues and Strategies in Scale Development. Experimental Research Lyness, Sprenkle, Experimental Methods in Marital and Family Therapy Research. Dickey, Methods for Single-Case Experiments in Family Therapy. Wampler, Serovich, Meta-Analysis in Family Therapy Research. Relational/Predictive Research Snyder, Mangrum, Approaches to Prediction: Correlation, Regression, and Discriminant Analysis. Volk, Flori, Structural Equation Modeling. Cost Effectiveness Evaluations Pike-Urlacher, MacKinnon, Piercy, Cost-Effectiveness Research in Family Therapy. Intensive Research Moon, Trepper, Case Study Research. Greenberg, Heatherington, Friedlander, The Events-Based Approach to Couple and Family Therapy Research. Bischoff, McKeel, Moon, Sprenkle, Systematically Developing Therapeutic Techniques: Applications of Research and Development. Survey Research Nelson, Survey Research in Marriage and Family Therapy. Fish, Busby, The Delphi Method. Program Evaluations Leber, St Peters, Markman, Program Evaluation Research: Applications to Marital and Family Therapy.

Participant Recruitment for Qualitative Research: A Site-Based Approach to Community Research in Complex Societies

Abstract: The process used to locate and recruit participants in a qualitative study is important for controlling bias and for efficiently obtaining a representative sample. In complex societies without clearly bounded groups from which to sample, participant recruitment requires especially careful consideration. Yet few qualitative researchers discuss their recruitment methods. This paper describes a site-based procedure for locating, selecting, and recruiting participants for qualitative research for communitybased research in contemporary societies. An example of this procedure applied in a study of nutrition and health among older adults of two rural counties in North Carolina is presented. Additional uses for this procedure are discussed.

Development of a professional school counselor identity: A grounded theory.

Abstract: Professional identity formation and development have been studied in numerous professions including teaching (Kuzmic,1994), psychoanalysis (Rosenbloom, 1992), and psychology (Watts, 1987). What appears to be salient across these studies is a process of continual interplay between structural and attitudinal changes that result in a self-conceptualization as a type of professional. This self-conceptualization, which has been termed one's professional identity, serves as a frame of reference from which one carries out a professional role, makes significant professional decisions, and develops as a professional. The literature on professional counselor development has identified similar processes involved in identity formation and development of counselors (Bruss & Kopala, 1993; Hogan, 1964; Loganbill, Hardy, & Delworth,1982; Reising & Daniels,1983; Skovholt & Ronnestad, 1992). The focus of previous research has been on counselors-in-training, with little attention paid to identity development during the working years beyond graduate school. Further, whether counselor identity development is identical for professionals in the various specialities of counseling such as school counseling has not been determined. The counseling literature is saturated with studies and articles that examine the role and functions of school counselors (e.g., Carroll, 1993; Helms & Ibrahim, 1983, 1985; Shertzer & Stone,1963; Stanciak, 1995; Wrenn,1957). In spite of the best efforts of professional associations, accrediting bodies, and training programs to define the profession of school counseling, studies cited in the literature indicate that the actual functions of counselors in the schools do not always reflect what have been identified as the best practices in school counseling (Hutchinson, Barrick, & Groves,1986; Partin, 1993; Peer, 1985; Tennyson, Miller, Skovholt, & Williams, 1989). A major theme that is repeated throughout the literature related to the professionalization of school counseling relates to this dissonance or conflict between school counselor preparation and the realities of the work environment. How decisions are made in this context reflects one's self-conceptualization as a professional-one's professional identity. The development of a professional school counselor identity thus serves as a frame of reference for carrying out work roles, making significant decisions, and developing as a professional. Unfortunately, there is a lack of available information on how this professional identity develops. By understanding the meaning-making framework in professional identity development, school counselors may be in a better position to determine their roles and functions for serving students and the school community. Further, counselor educators will be better able to provide training to students aspiring to become professional school counselors. Because professional identity development is a process rather than an outcome-which begins in training and continues throughout one's career-it is best studied with emerging research paradigms (e.g., qualitative methods). One such research paradigm is grounded theory (Glaser & Strauss, 1967; Strauss & Corbin, 1990). A grounded theory orientation allows theoretical categories to emerge from the data that explain how individuals continually process and respond to a problem. Data are gathered primarily through interviews and are analyzed inductively. The resulting theory is thus grounded in real-world patterns. A judgment can then be made about the adequacy of the research and the credibility of the newly developed theory. A qualitative study was undertaken to propose a grounded theory that will contribute to an understanding of school counselors' professional identity development. Based on a review of the literature, the salient theme related to the professionalization of school counseling seemed to be one of conflict or, more specifically, conflict decisions. …