Qualitative Research Methods: A Comprehensive Guide for PhD Students

Question 1

What is the key benefit of employing grounded theory as a research method?

Accepted Answer

Developing original theories

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Following a rigid research structure

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Conducting large-scale studies

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Using quantitative research methods

Question 2

Ethnography primarily involves:

Accepted Answer

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

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Developing a theory from data

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Exploring the lived experiences of individuals

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Analyzing data using statistical methods

Question 3

Which of the following is an essential aspect of phenomenology?

Accepted Answer

Focus on the lived experiences of individuals

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Emphasizes objectivity and detachment from the subject matter

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Relies on quantitative data analysis

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Aims to develop a general theory

Question 4

Qualitative research is particularly valuable when:

Accepted Answer

Exploring complex social phenomena and gaining in-depth understanding

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Testing hypotheses and making causal inferences

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Quantifying variables and conducting statistical analysis

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Examining large populations and drawing generalizations

Question 5

Which advantage is associated with using grounded theory in qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Enables a comprehensive understanding of a phenomenon.

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Provides a framework for hypothesis development.

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Facilitates generalization of findings to a broader population.

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Allows for rapid and efficient data collection.

Question 6

Which of the following is a characteristic of grounded theory?

Accepted Answer

Data collection and analysis occur concurrently.

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The research question is formulated before data collection begins.

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The researcher enters the study with no preconceived notions.

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Data is analyzed using statistical software.

Question 7

Ethnography, as a qualitative research method, involves:

Accepted Answer

Observing a particular culture or social group over time.

Answer

In-depth interviews with a select group of participants.

Answer

Analyzing texts or documents.

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Conducting experiments in controlled settings.

Question 8

What is the primary objective of qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

To gain an in-depth understanding of a phenomenon

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To generalize findings to a broader population

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To test hypotheses and theories

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To gather purely numerical data

Question 9

What is the purpose of reflexivity in qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledges the researcher's influence on the research process

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Guarantees objectivity and neutrality

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Provides a detailed record of the research

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Complies with ethical guidelines

Question 10

Ethnographic research involves:

Accepted Answer

Immersive observation and detailed field notes.

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In-depth interviews with a limited number of participants.

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Analysis of written documents or artifacts.

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Focus groups with diverse participants.

Question 11

Phenomenology, as a qualitative research method, aims to:

Accepted Answer

Describe the lived experiences of individuals from their perspectives.

Answer

Develop a theory based on the researcher's observations.

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Understand the social and cultural context of a phenomenon.

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Evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention.

Question 12

A key strength of qualitative research methods lies in their ability to:

Accepted Answer

Generate rich and in-depth data.

Answer

Test hypotheses statistically.

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Provide generalizable results to a wider population.

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Measure outcomes with precision.

Question 13

Reflexivity in qualitative research refers to:

Accepted Answer

The researcher's recognition of their own biases and assumptions.

Answer

The use of multiple data collection methods.

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The triangulation of data sources.

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The involvement of participants in the research process.

Question 14

Which of the following is a characteristic of grounded theory research?

Accepted Answer

The research design emerges from the data and is not fixed beforehand.

Answer

It only utilizes quantitative data.

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It heavily relies on predetermined research questions.

Question 15

What is the primary purpose of ethnography in qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

To provide a detailed examination and analysis of a specific cultural group.

Answer

To test hypotheses and draw general conclusions.

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To focus on individual experiences and meanings.

Question 16

Which of the following could be a limitation of phenomenological research?

Accepted Answer

The findings cannot be generalized to other contexts or populations.

Answer

It is quick and cost-effective.

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It provides only superficial information.

Question 17

When considering the selection of a qualitative research method, which factors should be taken into account?

Accepted Answer

The research question, nature of data, participant characteristics, and available resources.

Answer

The researcher's personal preference.

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The weather conditions.

Question 18

Which of the following is a commonly used technique for analyzing qualitative data?

Accepted Answer

Coding and thematic analysis.

Answer

Regression analysis.

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Predictive modeling.

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Systematic literature review.

Question 19

What is a key ethical consideration in qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Respecting the well-being and dignity of research participants.

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Advancing the researcher's career.

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Ensuring only positive outcomes.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using qualitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Providing numerical data for statistical analysis.

Answer

Providing rich and detailed data.

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Allowing for in-depth exploration and understanding.

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Facilitating close interaction with participants.

Question 21

What is the role of the researcher in qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

To be an active observer and participant in the research process.

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To provide direct instructions to participants.

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To maintain complete objectivity and distance.

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To control and influence the research participants.

Question 22

Which of the following is a criterion for trustworthiness in qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability.

Answer

Validity, accuracy, precision, and reliability.

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Ethics, consent, privacy, and confidentiality.

Question 23

What does bracketing refer to in phenomenological research?

Accepted Answer

Temporarily setting aside personal assumptions and beliefs.

Answer

Collecting data through multiple methods.

Answer

Interpreting data from a holistic viewpoint.