Task 6B - 4 Tools of inquiry

I need to match the collection tool(s) to my research problem(s) I will explore.

Purposive- choosing people who can answer the questions using defined criteria (qualitative) in order to look at particular or situated phenomena (qualitative approach)
Representative- selection of the sample population (quantitative and mixed - i.e. the interviews might follow a survey) more ‘scientific’ - using a version of probability or non-probability sampling (quantitative approach)

OBSERVATION: 

- Watching, recording and analysing events of interest

There are a number of different approaches of observation:

• the events may be recorded, either at the time or subsequently by the researcher
  
• the observations may be structured in terms of a predetermined framework or may be relatively open
  
• the observer may also be a participant in the events being studied or may act solely as a ‘disinterested’ observer 
  
  
  POSITIVES: 
  
  
  - rich source of information
  - can show behavioural  nature of individuals 
  - observation can show reactions/events in natural environment. 
  - read body language 
  
  NEGATIVES:
  
  - time consuming 
  - must plan in advance 
  - have to be present at session being observed 
  - confidentiality problems in filming/taping people
  - requires agreement of 'Gatekeeper' 
  
  - ethical considerations, difficulties when observing minors
  
  
  ANALYSING OBSERVATIONS:
  
  
  Analysing and interpreting data recorded from observations is complex and requires a sound understanding of the context for the event/meeting that was observed. Data is often both qualitative (how and why) and quantitative (how much and when). As such the researcher might need to draw up a coding framework that ensures the data is analysed within the neutral framework recognised in academic practice. Bell’s section in Doing Your Research Project (2005) on analysing observations is a good starting point if this is a tool you are using and it is recommended that you practice developing your analytical skills by observing meetings (or similar events) on television or in the workplace. Any notes about the interactions with interviewees can also be noted in the analysis. READER 6
  
  
  

  Questions to consider: 

  What preparation do you need to do for your pilot observation?
  Are there specific things on which you are focusing?
  How are you recording the data? Why? 
  
  
  
  INTERVIEWS:
  
  Qualitative method where you can use what people say as evidence. Can be carried out in an formal or informal method. 
  
  Can be carried out in a number of different ways:
  
  
  • face to face or over the telephone
    
  • with an individual or a group of people
    
  • using a structured list of questions or a more informal method of
    interaction.
    
    The interview method involves questioning or discussing issues with people. There are a number of different types of interview method (indebted to Bell, 2005).
  • semi-structured interview which includes set questions or themes with the flexibility of following interesting or useful emerging issues is often most appropriate for the work-based researcher because of its inherent flexibility.
    
  • non-directive or open interviews that allow the interviewee to talk about anything they like.
    -narrative inquiry (related to open) where the participants use a storytelling format
  • informal interviews which have an overall data gathering aim using an extremely non-structured approach
    
  • informal/guided interview which provides topic areas to cover but no set questions. Interviews are time-consuming but they can allow the collection of valuable data about motives, expectations and attitudes that are very difficult to collect by any other means. 
    
    
    MUST AVOID USING LEADING QUESTIONS.
    
    
    To conduct interviews you must consider:
    
    
    • What data do you need to collect to answer your research questions that may only be provided by other people?
      
    • Who do you need to interview and why?
      
    • Where would be most appropriate to hold the interview – neutral ground or
      ‘home’ ground?
      
    • At what point in the research process would it be best to interview?
      
    • What questions need to be asked?
      
    • The degree of structure in the interview – structured, semi-structured or
      unstructured?
      
    • Whether all the interviews will include the same questions and follow the
      same structure? If not, why not?
      
    • How are you going to record the interview – whether to make notes during the
      interview or use a tape recorder and transcribe notes afterwards?
      
    • How are you going to access the data from the interview – transcribe tape
      recordings, order and/or reflect on your written notes?
      
    • How will you ensure that you comply with ethical and confidentiality issues
      and relevant legislation such as the Data Protection Act? What is the status of what is said, i.e. is everything on the record? 
      
      
      
      
      
      
      POSITIVES:
      
      
      - Adaptable, can conduct on Skype or phone. 
      - Can get a wide range of interviewees
      
      
      NEGATIVES:
      
      
      - Inverviewer could influence the interviewee 
      - Don't ask leading questions
      - If I am interviewing people in my workplace the answers could vary between colleges depending on how friendly we are
      
      
      
      http://paulanottingham.blogspot.com/2010/03/3rd-campus-session.html