Types of Qualitative Research: A Comprehensive Guide for PhD Students

Question 1

What is a key advantage of qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Exploring complex phenomena in depth

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Generalizing findings to a broader population

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Testing hypotheses

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Collecting data quickly and efficiently

Question 2

Which is a key strength of qualitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

In-depth understanding of individual experiences and perspectives

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High generalizability of findings to a broad population

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Precise quantification and analysis of variables

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Objectivity and elimination of researcher bias

Question 3

Ethnography is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Long-term observation and immersion within a specific cultural setting

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Focus on individual experiences and their psychological underpinnings

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Heavy reliance on statistical analysis to draw conclusions

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Adherence to pre-determined research hypotheses

Question 4

Which qualitative research approach is most appropriate for exploring the subjective experiences of individuals affected by a specific condition or situation?

Accepted Answer

Phenomenology

Answer

Grounded theory

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Comparative case study

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Historical research

Question 5

Which is NOT an advantage of qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Can be used to generalize findings to a wider population

Answer

Provides in-depth insights into complex phenomena

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Allows for flexibility and adaptability in the research process

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Encourages the researcher's personal connection to the research topic

Question 6

The primary objective of comparative analysis in qualitative research is to:

Accepted Answer

Identify similarities and differences between multiple cases

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Develop a theory that explains the research findings

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Evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention or program

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Collect data from a large number of participants

Question 7

A unique ethical consideration in ethnographic research is the need to:

Accepted Answer

Ensure that the research has a positive impact on the community being studied

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Obtain informed consent from all research participants

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Protect the privacy and confidentiality of participants

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Avoid causing harm or distress to the researcher

Question 8

The fundamental distinction between grounded theory and phenomenology is that:

Accepted Answer

Grounded theory begins with a theory and seeks to confirm it, while phenomenology begins with data and seeks to generate a theory

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Phenomenology focuses on the experiences of individuals, while grounded theory focuses on interactions between individuals

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Grounded theory uses inductive reasoning, while phenomenology uses deductive reasoning

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Phenomenology is more structured than grounded theory

Question 9

A key characteristic of interpretivist qualitative research is:

Accepted Answer

Focus on understanding the social and cultural context of human behavior

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Reliance on objective measurement and statistical analysis

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Assumption of a single, objective reality

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Emphasis on hypothesis testing

Question 10

Which characteristic best describes ethnography as a qualitative research method?

Accepted Answer

In-depth study of a culture or group over an extended period

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Focus on understanding individual experiences and subjective interpretations

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Development of a theoretical framework based on empirical findings

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Use of quantitative data analysis techniques to draw conclusions

Question 11

What is the primary aim of phenomenological research?

Accepted Answer

To uncover the lived experiences and subjective perspectives of individuals

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To construct a comprehensive theory grounded in empirical data

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To provide detailed descriptions of cultural practices and social interactions

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To analyze textual data to identify patterns and themes

Question 12

What is a primary advantage of utilizing grounded theory in qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Developing theories based on gathered data

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Extrapolating research results to a wider population

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Gathering data quickly and easily

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Integrating quantitative data to strengthen qualitative findings

Question 13

How does triangulation enhance the credibility of qualitative research findings?

Accepted Answer

Corroborates findings from multiple sources

Answer

Reduces researcher bias

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Increases generalizability of findings

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Speeds up data analysis

Question 14

How does technology impact qualitative research, considering both data collection and analysis?

Accepted Answer

Technology's impact on data collection and analysis in qualitative research depends on the research context.

Answer

Technology always improves data collection and analysis in qualitative research.

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Technology always hinders data collection and analysis in qualitative research.

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Technology helps with data collection but hinders analysis in qualitative research.

Question 15

When selecting a qualitative research method, which factor is of paramount importance?

Accepted Answer

Nature of the research question

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Availability of funding

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Researcher's personal preferences

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Researcher's level of experience

Question 16

Which of the following accurately describes ethnographic research?

Accepted Answer

It focuses on the lived experiences of a specific group of people within their natural setting.

Answer

It aims to generalize findings to a much wider population.

Answer

It relies solely on quantitative data.

Question 17

What is the primary objective of phenomenological research?

Accepted Answer

To describe the lived experiences of individuals as they perceive them.

Answer

To generate a theory based on empirical evidence.

Answer

To identify patterns and relationships within data.

Question 18

Which qualitative research method involves the researcher actively participating in the daily life of a particular group?

Accepted Answer

Participant observation

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Document analysis

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Focus group

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Interview

Question 19

Which of the following is a potential limitation of qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Findings may not be generalizable to a wider population.

Answer

It is not possible to collect objective data.

Answer

It is always more expensive than quantitative research.

Question 20

Which qualitative research method is most appropriate for exploring the subjective experiences of individuals?

Accepted Answer

Phenomenology

Answer

Narrative research

Answer

Ethnography

Answer

Grounded Theory

Question 21

What is the purpose of triangulation in qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

To enhance the credibility of findings by utilizing multiple sources of data.

Answer

To identify patterns within data

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To reduce researcher bias

Question 22

Which of the following is a strength of qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

It provides deep insights into complex phenomena.

Answer

It is possible to collect large amounts of data quickly.

Answer

Findings are always generalizable to a wider population.

Answer

It is always cheaper than quantitative research.

Question 23

What is the fundamental distinction between qualitative and quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research focuses on subjective data, while quantitative research focuses on objective data.

Answer

Qualitative research is always more expensive than quantitative research.

Question 24

Which of the following is an example of a qualitative research method?

Accepted Answer

Interview

Answer

Meta-analysis

Answer

Survey

Answer

Experiment