StAT Research Resources
A discussion of important preliminary considerations as researcher embark on designing their projects. Knowing where you fit into the study, and why you are doing the research study provides context for your research pursuits. We discuss the importance of a well-crafted research question, and how a conceptual framework puts the research question and subsequent research design methodologies in focus.
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When designing a research study, especially qualitative or mixed methods studies, researchers will need to consider how to address ethical issues in the design of the study. There are many perspectives, including the participant(s) themselves, the researcher, and the Institutional Review Board, in addition to other ethical or institutional regulatory bodies. By addressing ethical considerations, researchers also increase research integrity in their projects.
Data Collection & Grounded Theory
Deeper dive into various qualitative research methods, such as interviews, focus groups, documents, surveys, and case studies, among others, with a discussion of the benefits and weaknesses of each data collection method, and optimal uses. In addition, a frank discussion about grounded theory, it's uses in research, and when a research study is incorporating the grounded theory qualitative method.
An overview of two unique qualitative methods: observations and photovoice. Observations can range from fully embedding oneself into the setting, such as ethnography, to being a participant observer, to observing interactions and context as an outsider. All provide valuable insight to how individuals, units, and society functions in real-time situations. Photovoice is a powerful research methodology harnessing the perspective of people living in their environment. Often, the research participants are those collecting photovoice data and assisting researchers in explaining the importance of the gathered visual data, which makes it a uniquely community-based participatory research method.
A research study's findings are only as strong as the research design itself. In this video, we discuss how to strengthen your research study by introducing the viewer to validity in qualitative research, research design techniques in addressing threats to validity, and how to use a sampling strategy that will not only support but also enhance your research findings.
How a question is asked, and subsequently answered by participants, is part of the fundamental data a qualitative researcher uses for analysis to generate themes and domains of interest. Well-crafted questions for data collection instruments, such as for interviews, focus groups, and surveys, are vital to understanding participants' perspectives and giving participants a voice in your qualitative study.
Data Collection Logistics
Important tips about the data collection process itself, such as how to actually conduct interviews or what preparations are needed for focus groups. We introduce the viewer to consider how to build rapport with participants, or how to utilize technology during the data collection to avoid pitfalls.
A brief introduction to utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies in your data collection to conduct a mixed methods study. Includes a discussion of the core design elements, examples on how to conduct both data collection as well as mixed methods analysis, and additional thoughts on utilizing mixed methods for recruitment, sampling, or longitudinal research.