* CS806 Research Methods Lecture 2

 Qualitative Research Data Collection

Qualitative
-Research Questions
-Words as data
-Local meaning, patterns divergence & difference
-Values subjectivity

* A good researcher is always systematic

Systematic
-More than a summary or "averaging" of data
-Using recognized methods
-Reporting on how methods used and findings derived
-So you can make claims from your data
-Could another qualitative researcher follow your work? Could they appreciate where your findings come from?
    -need to have necessary details about participants so someone can replicate it and understand the findings better

Where do we use it?
-Evaluation studies
-Understand User Group and Environment
-Analyze the language people use to describe technology

Example Qualitative Research Questions:
1. Whats women's experience on dating sites?
2. How do patients perceive doctors in a hospital setting?
3. What are non-experts ideas and opinions about climate change?

Terminology
Ontology: 
Relates to reality - is there one singular
reality to interrogate or is reality
constructed and inherently multiple
Epistemology:
Refers to the relationship between
knowledge and knowing. The position of
the researcher
Axiology
Pertains to values: can research be
considered free from context and values
and thus truly objective
Paradigm
A collective of shared beliefs /
understandings / definitions or ‘world view’
within a discipline or body of researchers
Methods 
techniques or procedures used to collect and
analyse data
Methodology 
 the strategy, plan of action, process, or
design behind choice of method and linking use of method
to desired outcome
Theoretical perspective 
philosophical stance informing
methodology, thus context for process and support for its
logic and criteria
Epistemology 
theory of knowledge embedded in
theoretical perspective and therefore the methodology

Research/ Perspective Types

Positivism/ Post Positivism:
Post positivism: 
Constructivism: different knowledges. Different perspectives and ways of finding truth
Pragmatism: as a world view we are engaging with the world engaging with our experiences. 

Collecting Data
-Experiments
-Surveys/Questionnaires
-In-depth Interviews/Focus Groups
-Observational
-Case Studies

Group Task Reflection: Questionnaire-Based

Pro
  • can get many answers quickly (Scale and Time)
  • quick to make
  • easy to pass out
  • can use tech for younger sample group and postal for older
  • "self-administered" less intimidating 
  • Cheaper
  • Can get broad perspective about project or perspectives
  • Easy to get Quantitative information
  • Easy to understand the results (fixed options, 20% said...)
  • High amounts of standardized data
  • Support anonymity around sensitive topics (Postal, Self, Web)
    • ex. asking someone "have you cheated on your spouse" -> no interviewer wanted to ask it because it was too awkward
  • Interviewer can clarify questions or ask for clarification for the answers (Interview Surveys)
  • Interviewers can also encourage participation and gauge the truthfulness/seriousness of the interviewers

Con
  • no interview bias 
  • not taken as seriously when answered
  • "self-administered" less motivated to complete
  • Open ended takes time to analyze and understanding users meaning
  • Subjective questions and answers
  • The interpretation of the data doesn't tell the meaning why
  • the questions and answers can be interpreted differently if the design of the questions are not thought out
  • Survey Questionnaire --> "Compliance Documents" You have to pick preset answers that don't alway reflect the users feelings or opinions
  • interviewer bias

Remove ambiguity: In different languages idioms or phrases can be translated or interpreted differently

Ethics: Red Flag is when you ask questions that can be potentially embarrassing
Full Ethical review if you include sensitive topics or questions

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