PRC Qualitative Research Methods Flashcards

A phenomenological study primarily seeks to understand:

Answer: The lived experience of a phenomenon from participants' perspectives

Phenomenology focuses on describing and interpreting the essence of lived experience of a particular phenomenon as understood by those who have experienced it.

In qualitative research, 'reflexivity' requires researchers to:

Answer: Acknowledge and reflect on how their own background influences the research

Reflexivity involves the researcher critically examining how their own identity, assumptions, and positionality may influence data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

Which type of sampling is most commonly used in qualitative research to select information-rich cases?

Answer: Purposive sampling

Purposive (or purposeful) sampling intentionally selects participants who have relevant experience or knowledge of the phenomenon being studied, maximizing information richness.

A focus group is most appropriate when a researcher wants to:

Answer: Generate data through group interaction and discussion

Focus groups leverage group dynamics and interaction to generate rich qualitative data, surfacing shared meanings, disagreements, and social norms around a topic.

What does 'triangulation' in qualitative research involve?

Answer: Applying multiple data sources, methods, or perspectives to enhance credibility

Triangulation strengthens qualitative research credibility by using multiple data sources, methods, investigators, or theories to cross-verify interpretations.

In narrative inquiry, the primary unit of analysis is:

Answer: The stories participants tell about their experiences

Narrative inquiry examines the stories people tell to make sense of their lives, treating narrative as both the method of data collection and the object of analysis.