Question 1

Covert participants need to keep up "the act" at all times while in the setting under study.

Accepted Answer

Covert participants are those who blend in with the setting and do not reveal their true identity as a researcher. To maintain the covert identity, they need to keep up "the act" at all times while in the setting under study. This means they need to behave and interact with others in a way that is consistent with their assumed identity. Any slip-up could compromise the validity of the research findings.

Question 2

Qualitative research emphasizes variables over cases in causal explanations.

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research emphasizes the importance of understanding cases in their complexity, rather than focusing solely on variables. Qualitative research is often concerned with exploring the context and contributing factors of a phenomenon, rather than identifying the causal relationship between specific variables.

Question 3

Reactive effects tend to be greatest when a researcher takes the role of a complete observer.

Accepted Answer

Reactive effects are the changes in behavior that occur when participants are aware that they are being observed. These effects tend to be greatest when the researcher takes the role of a complete observer, because this role makes the participants more self-conscious and aware of their behavior.

Question 4

What is NOT a consideration a participant observer has when deciding what role to take in the field?

Accepted Answer

All of the options listed (the researcher's own background and personality, the larger sociopolitical context, and ethical concerns) are important considerations for a participant observer when deciding what role to take in the field. Neglecting any one of these factors could impact the research outcomes and potentially harm the participants or the researcher. Therefore, it is important to take all of these factors into account when deciding on a role.

Question 5

Intensive interviewing is designed to find out about people's ______.

Accepted Answer

Intensive interviewing is a comprehensive approach to gathering information about an individual's experiences, thoughts, and emotions. Therefore, the best choice is D, all of these.

Question 6

In participant observation,a researcher can serve as which type of participant?

Accepted Answer

In participant observation, a researcher can serve as any of these types of participants depending on the level of involvement and interaction with the participants being studied. A covert observer observes without being known to the participants, a covert participant participates without revealing their true identity, and an overt observer or participant makes their presence and purpose known to the participants. Therefore, the best choice is D, which includes all options.

Question 7

Intensive interviewing tends to contain highly structured questioning.

Accepted Answer

Intensive interviewing involves open-ended questions and a focus on exploring the participant's experiences and perspectives in-depth, rather than using highly structured questions.

Question 8

The use of ethnographic methods to study online communities is called ______.

Accepted Answer

All of these options are correct and commonly used to refer to the use of ethnographic methods in studying online communities. Cyberethnography, netnography, and digital ethnography all refer to the same practice of using traditional ethnographic methods (such as observation, interviews, and participant observation) to study communities that exist primarily in digital spaces.

Question 9

Qualitative research has strength in its ability to consider context.

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research allows for a deep exploration of the contextual factors that influence experiences and behaviors. This can lead to a more nuanced understanding of the topic being studied.

Question 10

Covert observers and participants cannot take notes openly.

Accepted Answer

Covert observers and participants must be discreet to avoid undermining the authenticity of their observations/data, and openly taking notes can draw attention and potentially compromise their cover.

Question 11

What does the saturation point refer to?

Accepted Answer

The saturation point refers to the point in intensive interviewing where subject selection is ended because enough information has been gathered, and further interviews would not result in significant new information.

Question 12

During data collection in qualitative research,corroboration with new observations strengthens emerging analytic connections.

Accepted Answer

Corroboration with new observations is a key strategy in qualitative research for increasing confidence in emerging analytic connections and findings. It involves seeking out additional evidence or perspectives that support or extend initial observations or interpretations, which can help to refine and deepen understandings of phenomena under study.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a disadvantage of online interviewing?

Accepted Answer

Online platforms often provide anonymity, which can be a disadvantage as it may lead to less accountability and authenticity in responses.

Question 14

Qualitative researchers use extraordinary efforts to make sure objectivity is achieved in research.

Accepted Answer

Qualitative researchers recognize that complete objectivity is impossible and instead strive for reflexivity and transparency in their research process. They acknowledge their own biases and strive to mitigate them, but ultimately their interpretations and findings are influenced by their own subjective perspectives.

Question 15

Qualitative research usually uses deductive reasoning.

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research typically uses inductive reasoning, which involves developing theories or concepts based on observable patterns or data. Deductive reasoning involves testing theories or hypotheses that are already established.

Question 16

When should focus groups be avoided?

Accepted Answer

Focus groups should be avoided when dealing with emotionally charged issues. This is because focus groups involve group discussions, and emotional issues may lead to heated debates and conflicts among the participants, which may bias the results. In such cases, individual interviews may be more appropriate. The other options (A, B, and D) are not necessarily reasons to avoid using focus groups.

Question 17

It is not "natural" in most social situations for someone to be present who will record his or her observations for research and publication purposes,and so individuals may alter their behavior.This phenomenon is referred to as ______.

Accepted Answer

Reactive effects occur when individuals alter their behavior because they are aware that their actions are being observed and recorded for research and publication purposes. This is a common issue in social research, as individuals may not act in their typical manner in the presence of a researcher or observer.

Question 18

Adaptation by the researcher to his or her influence in the research setting is referred to ______.

Accepted Answer

Reflexivity refers to the researcher's ability to recognize and analyze their own influence and biases in the research process. This includes acknowledging their own assumptions, values, and experiences that may impact their interpretation of data and interactions with participants. It is important for researchers to practice reflexivity in order to enhance the validity and reliability of their research findings.

Question 19

Qualitative research has its origins in fieldwork conducted by anthropologists and sociologists in the early 20th century.

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research is rooted in the anthropological and sociological traditions of ethnography and participant observation, which date back to the early 20th century.

Question 20

A description that provides a sense of what it is like to experience that setting from the standpoint of the natural actors in that setting is called a(n)______.

Accepted Answer

A thick description provides a detailed and immersive description of a setting or experience, including the subjective experiences of those within the setting. It is often used in anthropology and ethnography to provide a more nuanced understanding of cultural practices and beliefs.

Quiz 10: Qualitative Methods