Qualitative Research Methods: A Comprehensive Guide for PhD Students

Question 1

What is a defining characteristic of qualitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Subjectivity

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Generalizability

Answer

Replication

Question 2

What is a defining characteristic of qualitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Attention to the research context

Answer

Emphasis on numerical data analysis

Answer

Conclusions based on probability sampling

Answer

Generalization of findings to a wider population

Question 3

Which characteristic defines grounded theory, a qualitative research method?

Accepted Answer

Gathering and analyzing data iteratively, allowing the theory to emerge from the data.

Answer

Utilizing a predetermined theory to guide data collection and analysis.

Answer

Employing structured interviews to gather data.

Answer

Aiming to develop a theory applicable to a wide population.

Question 4

Which of these is NOT a typical characteristic of qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Aiming for generalizable findings from a small sample.

Answer

Exploring individual perspectives and experiences.

Answer

Gathering data through observation and interaction.

Answer

Using iterative data collection and analysis.

Question 5

Which characteristic is central to qualitative research methodology?

Accepted Answer

Focus on gaining deep insights into individual experiences and perspectives

Answer

Exclusive reliance on statistical analysis for interpreting data

Answer

Emphasis on quantifying data for generalizations

Answer

Assumption of an objective and directly observable reality

Question 6

What is the defining characteristic that sets qualitative research apart from other research methods?

Accepted Answer

Focus on gathering and interpreting non-numerical data

Answer

Dependence on quantitative data analysis

Answer

Aim to generalize findings to a large population

Answer

Presumption of an objective and quantifiable reality

Question 7

What is a defining characteristic of qualitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Use of inductive reasoning

Answer

Focus on numerical data

Answer

Emphasis on generalization

Answer

Objective and value-free

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a validity check specifically used in qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Statistical significance testing

Answer

Triangulation

Answer

Peer debriefing

Answer

Member checking

Question 9

What is a key feature that sets qualitative research apart from quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

Focus on comprehending personal experiences and meanings

Answer

Emphasis on generalizing findings and statistical significance

Answer

Dependence on large, random samples

Answer

Objectivity in data gathering and analysis

Question 10

What is a defining characteristic of grounded theory?

Accepted Answer

It involves ongoing analysis to identify patterns and develop concepts.

Answer

It relies on existing theories to guide research.

Answer

It assumes researcher biases do not impact the process.

Answer

It is primarily used in quantitative studies with large datasets.

Question 11

What is a defining characteristic that sets qualitative research apart from quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

Exploration of personal experiences and interpretations

Answer

Dependence on statistical analysis

Answer

Prioritization of hypothesis verification

Answer

Application of random sampling methods

Question 12

Which characteristic is distinctive of quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Subjective interpretations

Answer

Iterative data collection

Answer

Naturalistic inquiry

Question 13

Which characteristic sets qualitative research apart?

Accepted Answer

Comprehending participants' subjective experiences

Answer

Generalizing findings to a broader population

Answer

Sole reliance on quantitative data collection methods

Answer

Conducting research exclusively in controlled laboratory settings

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a philosophical foundation for qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Positivism

Answer

Interpretivism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Critical Theory

Question 15

In social science research, which method is NOT considered a primary type of qualitative research approach?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative research

Answer

Ethnography

Answer

Grounded theory

Answer

Content analysis

Question 16

What is a distinguishing feature of qualitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Allowing for flexible and iterative data collection and analysis

Answer

Relying on objective and quantifiable data

Answer

Prioritizing the generalizability of findings

Answer

Utilizing statistical tools for data analysis

Question 17

Which philosophical perspective in qualitative research prioritizes the role of social interactions and personal experiences in shaping knowledge?

Accepted Answer

Interpretivism

Answer

Positivism

Answer

Critical realism

Answer

Pragmatism

Question 18

What is a key characteristic of qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Focus on capturing subjective experiences

Answer

Reliance on large sample sizes

Answer

Emphasis on generalizability

Answer

Primary use of statistical analysis

Question 19

Which characteristic sets quantitative research apart from qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on objective observation

Answer

Reliance on non-numerical data

Answer

Exploration of real-world contexts

Answer

Emphasis on researcher subjectivity

Question 20

Which characteristic is NOT applicable to qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Can be generalized to a broader population.

Answer

Relies on the researcher's interpretation of data.

Answer

Focuses on understanding the research topic in its natural context.

Answer

Employs methods such as interviews and observations.

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT a typical method for collecting qualitative data?

Accepted Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Focus groups

Answer

Document analysis

Answer

Ethnography

Question 22

Which of these is NOT a defining characteristic of qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Analyzing data using statistical methods

Answer

Exploring phenomena in their natural settings

Answer

Focusing on individual perspectives and experiences

Answer

Generating detailed, context-rich data

Question 23

What is a defining feature of qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning and interpretation

Answer

Reliance on statistical analysis

Answer

Extrapolation to a broader population

Answer

Emphasis on hypothesis verification

Question 24

What is a defining feature that sets qualitative research methods apart from quantitative methods?

Accepted Answer

Application of inductive reasoning

Answer

Reliance on numerical data analysis

Answer

Emphasis on hypothesis testing

Answer

Generalizability of findings to a wider population

Question 25

What characteristic distinguishes grounded theory from other qualitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Theories are developed directly from collected data, not from existing literature.

Answer

The researcher's subjectivity is emphasized in data interpretation.

Answer

Data collection is conducted longitudinally.

Answer

Existing research hypotheses are tested and verified.

Question 26

Unlike quantitative research, qualitative research often allows researchers to:

Accepted Answer

Gain a deeper understanding of individuals' experiences and perspectives.

Answer

Make generalizations about a population.

Answer

Collect data more quickly and efficiently.

Answer

Use statistical analysis to test hypotheses.

Question 27

Which philosophical foundation of qualitative research emphasizes objective and measurable aspects of reality, making it incompatible with qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Objectivism

Answer

Interpretivism

Answer

Constructivism

Answer

Phenomenology

Question 28

Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Generalization of findings

Answer

Emphasis on subjective experiences

Answer

Inductive reasoning approach

Answer

Non-numerical data collection

Question 29

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

Accepted Answer

Generalizability

Answer

In-depth exploration of complex phenomena

Answer

Flexibility and adaptability

Answer

Ability to generate new insights and understanding

Question 30

Which qualitative research method involves gathering and examining data from individuals' own words, speech, and actions?

Accepted Answer

Phenomenological research

Answer

Quantitative research

Answer

Mixed methods research

Answer

Historical research

Question 31

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Assumption of an objective and quantifiable reality

Answer

Emphasis on context and meaning

Answer

Inductive approach

Answer

Focus on the experiences of individuals and groups

Question 32

Which characteristic is exclusive to quantitative research methods and not qualitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Dependence on statistical analysis

Answer

Emphasis on subjective experiences

Answer

Data gathering via observation and interviews

Question 33

What is a defining characteristic of qualitative research that sets it apart from quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

Subjective interpretations

Answer

Numerical data analysis

Answer

Predefined hypothesis testing

Answer

Exclusive reliance on statistical methods

Question 34

In qualitative research, what is the PRIMARY purpose of data collection?

Accepted Answer

To gain an in-depth understanding of individual experiences and perspectives

Answer

To quantify data for statistical analysis

Question 35

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental philosophical principle underlying qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Positivism

Answer

Ontology

Answer

Epistemology

Answer

Axiology

Question 36

Which of the following is a **disadvantage** of using qualitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Cannot be generalized to a wider population

Answer

Provides in-depth insights into participants' experiences

Question 37

In qualitative research, which data collection strategy is typically NOT employed?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative Surveys

Answer

Participant Observation

Answer

In-Depth Interviews

Answer

Focus Groups

Question 38

Which aspect distinguishes grounded theory from other qualitative approaches?

Accepted Answer

Inductive theory generation from empirical data

Answer

Exclusive reliance on quantitative data collection

Answer

Hypothesis formulation prior to data collection

Answer

Absence of theoretical sampling and memoing in data analysis

Question 39

Which philosophical perspective underlies qualitative research, emphasizing that reality is shaped by social interactions and shared understandings?

Accepted Answer

Constructionism

Answer

Positivism

Answer

Phenomenology

Answer

Critical Realism

Question 40

What is a defining characteristic of qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Involves the researcher's interpretation of the data.

Answer

Relies primarily on numerical data.

Answer

Aims to generalize findings to a broader population.

Answer

Uses deductive reasoning to test existing theories.

Question 41

Which ethical principle in qualitative research prioritizes protecting the privacy of participants?

Accepted Answer

Anonymity and confidentiality

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Beneficence and non-maleficence

Question 42

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of qualitative research, according to its philosophical foundations?

Accepted Answer

Maintenance of researcher objectivity and distance

Answer

Emphasis on subjective experiences and interpretations

Answer

Use of diverse data collection techniques, such as interviews and observations

Question 43

Which characteristic does NOT apply to grounded theory?

Accepted Answer

Based on prior assumptions

Answer

Inductive approach

Answer

Iterative process

Answer

Focus on new theory discovery

Question 44

Which qualitative interview type is characterized by a standardized format with predetermined questions asked to all participants?

Accepted Answer

Structured interview

Answer

Semi-structured interview

Answer

Unstructured interview

Question 45

Which principle is NOT a cornerstone of qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Objectivism

Answer

Interpretivism

Answer

Holism

Answer

Inductivism

Question 46

Which qualitative data collection method entails the researcher's direct involvement and extended interaction with a limited group of participants to delve into their experiences and viewpoints?

Accepted Answer

Participant Observation

Answer

Structured Interviews

Answer

Secondary Data Analysis

Question 47

Which qualitative data collection method entails observing participants directly in their natural environment?

Accepted Answer

Participant observation

Answer

Focus groups

Answer

Interviews

Question 48

What is the primary objective of qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

To gain in-depth understanding of personal experiences and viewpoints.

Answer

To gather extensive, numerical data for statistical analysis.

Answer

To test assumptions and establish cause-and-effect relationships through experiments.

Answer

To collect data that can be applied to a broader population.

Question 49

In social science research, which of the following is a key advantage of employing qualitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Gaining an in-depth understanding of participants' subjective experiences and perspectives

Answer

Conducting research more affordably and swiftly than with quantitative methods

Answer

Drawing broad generalizations about a population

Answer

Eliminating researcher bias entirely

Question 50

What is the main purpose of qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

To provide detailed descriptions and interpretations of phenomena

Answer

To generalize findings to a broader population

Answer

To test hypotheses or support theories

Answer

To make precise predictions about future events

Question 51

In qualitative research, a researcher's direct involvement can be beneficial. True or False?

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 52

What is a key characteristic of qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Emphasizing context and individual viewpoints

Answer

Generalizing findings to a broader population

Question 53

In qualitative research, how can researchers safeguard participant privacy and confidentiality? Describe strategies for protecting data and upholding ethical standards throughout the research process.

Accepted Answer

Use pseudonyms and remove identifying details from transcripts and data analysis.

Accepted Answer

Obtain written consent from participants prior to data collection.

Accepted Answer

Store data securely using encryption and restrict access to authorized researchers.

Answer

Provide participants with full control over the data collected about them.

Question 54

Which of the following accurately describes qualitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Emphasize the collection and analysis of non-numerical data.

Answer

Primarily involve testing predefined hypotheses.

Answer

Always produce results that can be generalized to the entire population.

Answer

Focus on quantifying observations and experiences.

Question 55

Which of the following is NOT a common type of qualitative data?

Accepted Answer

Numerical survey responses

Answer

Interview transcripts

Answer

Observational field notes

Answer

Written documents

Question 56

Which data collection method involves the direct observation and recording of participants' behavior by the researcher?

Accepted Answer

Observations

Answer

Interviews

Answer

Focus groups

Answer

Document analysis

Question 57

Which of the following techniques is primarily used for identifying and interpreting patterns and themes in qualitative data?

Accepted Answer

Thematic analysis

Answer

Quantitative content analysis

Answer

Statistical hypothesis testing

Answer

Regression analysis

Question 58

What is a significant advantage of employing qualitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Providing in-depth insights into participants' experiences and perspectives

Answer

Ensuring findings are easily generalizable to a broader population

Answer

Requiring minimal time and resources to conduct

Answer

Eliminating the potential for researcher bias

Question 59

Which of the following is NOT a potential limitation of qualitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Strong objectivity and reliability of the results

Answer

Time-consuming and labor-intensive nature

Answer

Difficulty in generalizing findings to a larger population

Answer

Ethical challenges in ensuring participant confidentiality

Question 60

Which of the following actions is considered unethical in qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Purposefully misleading participants about the research

Answer

Obtaining informed consent from participants

Answer

Maintaining participant confidentiality throughout the study

Answer

Treating all participants with respect and sensitivity

Question 61

What is the purpose of reflexivity in qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Encouraging researchers to critically examine their own role and biases in the research process

Answer

Providing a systematic method for analyzing qualitative data

Answer

Ensuring the neutrality and objectivity of the research findings

Answer

It is not a key aspect of qualitative research

Question 62

Which of the following is NOT a technique used to enhance the credibility of qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Statistical analysis of the data

Answer

Triangulation of data sources

Answer

Peer debriefing and review

Answer

Member checking with participants

Question 63

Which of the following is NOT considered qualitative data?

Accepted Answer

Survey responses

Answer

Interview transcripts

Answer

Field notes

Answer

Focus group data

Question 64

What is a significant strength of qualitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Generating in-depth insights into participants' perspectives

Answer

Ensuring generalizability of findings to a wider population

Answer

Providing quantitative, numerical results

Answer

Maintaining strict objectivity throughout the research process