Research Methods for Nurses and Midwives: Theory and Practice
Student Resources
Chapter 8: Qualitative Methods
Quizzes give you the chance to test your knowledge through multiple choice questions, short answers, matching activities and other revision tools.
1. When is phenomenology commonly used?
Answer:
When researchers want to gain insight to the ‘lived experiences’ of individuals
2. What is the key difference between descriptive and interpretive phenomenology?
Answer:
The key difference between descriptive and interpretive phenomenology is an ontological difference regarding the nature of reality. In interpretive phenomenology the researcher’s prior knowledge or experience of the phenomena under investigation is integral to the study. In descriptive phenomenology, any prior knowledge the researcher has about the phenomena should not influence the study.
3. What is bracketing?
Answer:
The researcher sets aside any prior knowledge, assumptions, beliefs and prejudices about the topic under investigation.
4. In which type of phenomenology will bracketing be undertaken?
Answer:
Descriptive phenomenology.
5. Hermaneutics is another name for which type of phenomenology?
Answer:
Interpretive phenomenology.
6. Husserl and Heidegger had differing approaches to phenomenology. They were proponents of which types of phenomenology?
Answer:
Husserl – descriptive phenomenology, Heidegger – interpretive phenomenology.
7. Match the following non-probability sampling strategies with the qualitative research method they are most closely associated with:
Sampling strategies: Convenience sampling, theoretical sampling, purposive sampling
Qualitative methods: Phenomenology, Ethnography, Grounded theory
Answer:
Phenomenology purposive sampling
Ethnography convenience sampling
Grounded theory theoretical sampling
8. Match the following data collection methods with the qualitative research method they are most closely associated with:
Data collection methods: Observation, semi-structured interviews, exploration of documentation
Qualitative methods: Phenomenology, Ethnography, Grounded theory
Answer:
Phenomenology semi-structured interviews
Ethnography observation
Grounded theory review of documentation
9. What is thematic analysis?
Answer:
The most commonly used method of qualitative data analysis whereby the data are coded into broad themes each of which usually contain a number of sub-themes.
10. What are the key differences between macroethnography and microethnography?
Answer:
Macroethnography involves large groups such as whole communities whilst microethnography involves smaller, more focused groups.
11. Where does an ethnographic study usually take place?
Answer:
In the environment or setting where the group usually comes together
12. What is the emic perspective?
Answer:
The perspective of an ‘insider,’ someone within the group
13. What is tacit knowledge?
Answer:
Knowledge which has not previously been identified or openly acknowledged but is acknowledged when revealed.
14. Why is it sometimes recommended that a researcher does not undertake a detailed literature search and review at the initial stages of a grounded theory study?
Answer:
The researcher needs to have an open mind about the topic under investigation
15. What is another name for data sources in a grounded theory study?
Answer:
Participants
16. What is constant comparison data analysis?
Answer:
The researcher compares the data collected from different sources and looks for confirmations and contradictions, similarities and differences.