Please type all answers in complete sentences (no point form) in the space provided below. Answers may be single-spaced.
Short Answer (3 marks each): Please answer all of the following questions. Answers should be approximately 1-2 full paragraphs in length.
1) Explain in detail any three principles or assumptions of qualitative research.
2) Define the “hierarchy of credibility” and explain how qualitative sociological researchers tend to challenge this assumption in their research.
3) Explain in your own words what the term “thick description” means.
4) Define and explain what both an “insider” and “outsider” are in qualitative research. Be sure to provide an example for each definition.
Explain in detail what a semi-structured interview is and identify one way it is different from an unstructured interview.
Long Answer (5 marks each): Please answer all of the following questions. Answers should be approximately 2-4 full paragraphs in length.
1) In Kevin Haggerty’s (2004) article, “Ethics Creep: Governing Social Science Research in the Name of Ethics”, he discusses how University Research Ethics Boards (REBs) are intensifying in their scope, and thus posing a risk to critical and qualitative scholarship. Outline the main arguments found in this article in two paragraphs and then take a position on the author’s claim in another two paragraphs. Namely, do you think REBs are over-regulating research, or do you believe that researchers need stricter ethical regulations before commencing their study? Why or why not? You may take a position “in between” both camps, but be sure to justify your reasoning.
2) In relation to ethnographic or field research, define what a “gatekeeper” is. Do you believe gatekeepers should have the power to ‘approve’ your analysis and interpretation of the research findings before the results are disseminated or published? Why or why not? Be sure to justify your reasoning.
3) Describe in detail three levels of participation used in field research, and list an advantage for two of them.
4) Drawing on Mark Israel’s (2004) article, “Strictly Confidential? Integrity and the Disclosure of Criminological and Socio-Legal Research”, identify and explain two reasons why a researcher might be pressured to disclose confidential information from their participant(s). Be sure to provide a hypothetical or real example to help explain each reason.
5) Describe in detail what Unobtrusive Research is. Then take a position on whether or not you believe unobtrusive online research should be regulated by University Research Ethics Boards (REBs). Why or why not? Be sure to justify your reasoning.
– USE READINGS INCLUDED TO HELP WRITE ESSAY AND ANY OTHER SOURCES
