Libraries: HD Thesis Course Guide: Methodology

Qualitative Techniques

Observations
- Types: Observation can range from concealed observation (where the research fully participates) to observations where the researcher only observes (no participation).
- Advantages
  - Allows the researcher to explore topics which may be uncomfortable for participants to talk about
  - Unusual aspects can be noticed during observation
  - Researchers have firsthand experience with participant
  - Researcher can record information as it is happening
- Disadvantages
  - Researchers may be seen as intrusive
  - Researches may observe private information which they need to conceal
  - Participants may change behavior due to presence of the researcher
Interviews
- Types: Interviews vary both in how the interview is conducted and how the questions are asked.
  - Interviews can be conducted either face-to-face, over the telephone, in a focus groups, or through e-mail
  - Interviews can be either structured (where questions are listed out and strictly adhered to), semi-structured (where the researcher asks a particular list of questions, but may add unplanned follow-ups), or an unstructured interview formatted more like a natural conversation between research and participants.
- Advantages
  - Participants can provide historical and contextual information
  - Allows researcher more control of the line of questioning
- Disadvantages
  - Information filtered through lens of your participants
  - Information is taken out of its natural setting
  - Participants may be hesitant to discuss certain topics with researchers
Documentation
- Types: Documents can be either public (minutes of a meeting or newspapers) or private (journals, diaries, letters)
- Advantages
  - Can be assessed in a time convenient manner
  - Allows the researcher to analyze data which the participants have taken time to write and consider
- Disadvantages
  - May not be authentic or accurate
  - Availably of documentation
  - Materials may be incomplete

Qualitative Research Designs

Recommended Books

Collecting and Interpreting Qualitative Materials by Norman K. Denzin (Editor); Yvonna S. Lincoln (Editor) The second edition of the paperback series of the Handbook of Qualitative Research is virtually all new. Over half of the authors from the first edition have been replaced by new contributors - there are 33 new chapter authors or co-authors. There are six totally new chapter topics, including contributions on: queer theory, performance ethnography, testimonios, focus groups in feminist research, applied ethnography, and anthropological poetics. All returning authors have substantially revised their original contributions, in many cases producing a totally new and different chapter. This third volume, Collecting and Interpreting Qualitative Materials, considers the tasks of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting empirical materials, and comprises the Handbook′s Parts Four (`Methods of Collecting and Analyzing Empirical Materials′) and Five (`The Art of Interpretation, Evaluation, and Presentation′). Collecting and Interpreting Qualitative Materials introduces the researcher to basic methods of gathering, analyzing and interpreting qualitative empirical materials. Part One moves from interviewing to observing, to the use of artifacts, documents and records from the past; to visual, and autoethnographic methods. It then takes up analysis methods, including computer-assisted methodologies, as well as strategies for analyzing talk, and text. Esther Madriz reads focus groups through critical feminist inquiry, and Erve Chambers discusses applied ethnography.
Methodological Thinking by Donileen R. Loseke
Qualitative Research by Sharan B. Merriam Praise for the Third Edition of Qualitative Research: "Sharan B. Merriam synthesizes twenty years of developments in qualitative research with clarity and acumen." ?Michael Quinn Patton, author, Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods "Here is a qualitative research methods book that reinforces the connection between professional experience and qualitative inquiry." ?Robert Stake, author, The Art of Case Study Research and Multiple Case Study Analysis "In this new edition, Sharan Merriam once again presents the world of qualitative research in language engaging and accessible?for new and experienced readers alike. If you can have only one book about qualitative research, this is it!" ?Patricia M. Reeves, associate professor, School of Social Work, University of Georgia "Mystified by qualitative research? You couldn't ask for a better guide than Sharan Merriam, who introduces you to the fundamental concepts of this research method, explains its complex forms, and then shows you exactly how to do a high-quality qualitative study." ?M. Carolyn Clark, coeditor, The International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education
Research Design by John W. Creswell The eagerly anticipated Fourth Edition of the title that pioneered the comparison of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research design is here! For all three approaches, Creswell includes a preliminary consideration of philosophical assumptions, a review of the literature, an assessment of the use of theory in research approaches, and refl ections about the importance of writing and ethics in scholarly inquiry. He also presents the key elements of the research process, giving specifi c attention to each approach. The Fourth Edition includes extensively revised mixed methods coverage, increased coverage of ethical issues in research, and an expanded emphasis on worldview perspectives.
Speed Bumps by Lois Weis; Michelle Fine This unique collection of essays invites readers to trespass the borders of schooling in order to understand the range of spaces within which youth are forming and reforming identities, relations, and, in some cases, social movements amidst the cloudy backlash to feminism, civil rights, welfare rights, and lesbian/gay movements.

HD Thesis Course Guide: Methodology

What is Methodology?

Qualitative Techniques

Qualitative Research Designs

Recommended Books

References