Read others’ posts and respond in 250-300 words to at least two of your course colleagues. Why do you agree or disagree with their post? What in your experience or research supports your assertions? Remember to cite your sources in APA 7th ed.
Response 1: Gregory Mills
5 minutes ago, at 8:38 AM
Qualitative researchers use various methods to collect data. Some qualitative data collection methods include observations, interviews, open-ended question surveys, and archival data reviews (Creswell, 2018). Mckechine (2018) states that researchers use human senses to collect data. For example, a researcher may use the sense of sight, smell, hearing, taste, or feel to collect data (McKechine, 2018). McKechine (2018) however notes that qualitative researchers rely more hearing and sight during observations.
For example, observers may collect data Laundromats. The research question may surround investigating the interpersonal interactions between laundry users. Researchers may view the washing and drying processes. Researchers may also record the type of detergents, softeners, and drying sheets used. Researchers may record the sounds of the washing machines and dryers, music being played, TV programs being shown, as well as, conversations between the customers. The aromas from the detergents and fabric softeners may also be recorded. The researcher may also feel the clothes after drying to access the effects of different types of laundry agents. Researchers may also sample a chocolate bar from the vending machine to exercise the sense of taste. During observations, investigators take field notes that will be coded and subsequently analyzed (Creswell, 2018). Eventually, researchers will be able to describe whether laundry is seen as a social experience or a chore. Another sub-question may be to explore how the experiences differ across ethnic groups.
Qualitative researchers choose among direct or indirect, covert or versus overt, informed or uninformed, and participant or non-participant observations (Adler & Adler, 1987). In participant observations, researchers actively interact with participants who are aware that the investigator is conducting the observation (Adler & Adler, 1987). Here, participants may or may not be aware that a study is being conducted (Adler & Adler, 1987). Conversely, in non-participant observations, researchers do not interact with participants and the participants are not aware that a study is being down (Adler & Adler, 1987). Covert observations are similar to non-participant observations but the methodology may differ. In covert observations, investigators are not part of the contextual setting as researchers use video and audio recordings to observe behaviors (Adler & Adler, 1987). For example, in non-participant observations, researchers may be in a sports store pretending to be shopping while observing shoppers buy sneakers without the customers knowing that the investigator is observing them. However, in covert observations, researchers may visit the security camera room, to record customer shopping behaviors.
In informed observations, participants, subjects are advised that they are being observed as opposed to being uninformed (Adler & Adler, 1987). Researchers can also use direct or indirect observations (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). In direct observations, researchers observe an active process unfolding (Adler & Adler, 1987). In indirect observations, investigators will observe processes separate but related to the laundry process. For example, how customers dispose of empty laundry detergent containers or do they take them for repurposing of some sort? Another example of indirect observations would be to record how customers at the laundry say farewell when leaving.
References
Adler, P. A., & Adler, P. (1987). Membership roles in field research. Sage Publications.
Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage Publications.
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage Publications.
Response 2:
Kenya Davis
8/24/21, 2:02 PM
Dr. Ballaro and Class Members,
Reminded by Jacob and Furgerson (2012), qualitative research is far reaching. Its ability to transcend areas of focus and reveal new perspectives and phenomenon produces a variety of data collection options. Creswell (2007) was able to condense the data collection list into 4 groups, “observations, interviews, documents, and audiovisual materials” (p. 129). The selection of the data collection method should be driven by the research questions (Jacob & Furgerson, 2012). Since the formulation of the research questions are guided by the literature review, the data collection process literally begins at the beginning of the research process. “Alignment refers to the logical progression of ideas between the structural elements” (Miles, 2019, p. 2). Without this alignment, the research seems disjointed, all research questions may not be addressed, and the selected data collection method may not yield data that lends to the study. This being said, it is important to understand that data collection aligns with the five approaches to qualitative research. Sage (2020) outlines that narrative, phenomenological, and grounded theory studies focus on the individual experiences and gather data through interviews. Narrative studies data collection methods extend to the other forms of data collection. Sage (2020) continues to assert that ethnographical studies use all forms of data collection and gain this information from cultural groups. Lastly, case studies also concentrate on group experiences and uses all forms of data collection (Sage, 2020).
From this week’s readings, I would use the guidance of Table 7.1 Sage (2020) on page 239. I found this tool helpful in considering the data collection type, and other data collection factors. Considerations such as where data should be collected, who should be interviewed, and even how to access rapport, are all variables that must be considered in the data collection process.
The information from the text and additional sources, supported my understanding of data collection and revealed additional actions that I need to think about. One change in perspective is being aware of the data collection process not as an afterthought but throughout the continuum of the study design.
References
Creswell, J. W. (2007). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications
Jacob, S. A., & Furgerson, S. P. (2012). Writing interview protocols and conducting interviews: Tips for students new to the field of qualitative research. The Qualitative Report, 17(42), n/a.
Miles, D.A. & Scott, L., (2017, October 26-29) Workshop: Confessions of a Dissertation Chair Part 1: The Six Mistakes Doctoral Students Make With the Dissertation [Paper presentation]. 5th Annual 2017 Black Doctoral Network Conference, Atlanta, GA, United States.
SAGE Publications, Inc. (2020). Qualitative methods and design (custom electronic ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA; Author.
