Qualitative Data Collection

https://www.le.ac.uk/oerresources/lill/fdmvco/module9/page_52.
htm
Methods of collecting qualitative data

Data collection approaches for qualitative research usually involves:
1. Direct interaction with individuals on a one to one basis

2. Or direct interaction with individuals in a group setting
Qualitative research data collection methods are time consuming; therefore data is usually collected from a
smaller sample than would be the case for quantitative approaches
The benefits of the qualitative approach is that the information is richer and has a deeper insight into the
phenomenon under study
The main methods for collecting qualitative data are:
1. Individual interviews
2. Focus groups
3. Observations
4. Action Research
Interviews
Interviews can be
1. Unstructured
a. Can be referred to as 'depth' or 'in depth' interviews
b. They have very little structure at all
c. The interviewer may just go with the aim of discussing a limited number of topics, sometimes
as few as just one or two
d. The interviewer may frame the interview questions based on the interviewee and his/her
previous response
e. This allows the discussion to cover areas in great detail
f. They involve the researcher wanting to know or find out more about a specific topic without
there being a structure or a preconceived plan or expectation as to how they will deal with the
topic
2. Semi structured
a.Semi structured interviews are sometimes also called focused interviews

b.A series of open ended questions based on the topic areas the researcher wants to cover
c.A series of broad questions to ask and may have some prompts to help the interviewee
d.'The open ended nature of the question defines the topic under investigation but provides
opportunities for both interviewer and interviewee to discuss some topics in more detail'
e. Semi structured interviews allow the researcher to promt or encourage the interviewee if they
are looking for more information or find what they are saying interesting
f. This method gives the researcher the freedom to probe the interviewee to elaborate or to
follow a new line of inquiry introduced by what the interviewee is saying
g. Work best when the interviewed has a number of areas he/she wants to be sure to be
addressing
2. Structured
a. The interviewed asks the respondent the same questions in the same way
b. A tightly structured schedule is used
c. The questions may be phrased in order that a limited range of responses may be given - i.e.
'Do you rate our services as very good, good or poor'
d. A researcher needs to consider whether a questionnaire or structured interview is more
appropriate
e. 'If the interview schedule is too tightly structured this may not enable the phenomena under
investigation to be explored in terms of either breadth or depth.'
Qualitative interviews should be fairly informal and participants feel they are taking part in a conversation or
discussion rather than in a formal question and answer situation.
There is skill required and involved in successful qualitative research approaches - which requires careful
consideration and planning
Good quality qualitative research involves:
1. Thought
2. Preparation
3. The development of the interview schedule
4. Conducting and analysing the interview data with care and consideration
Focus groups
The use of focus groups is sometimes used when it is better to obtain information from a group rather than
individuals.
Group interviews can be used when:
1. Limited resources (time, manpower, finances)

2. The phenomena being researched requires a collective discussion in order to understand the
circumstances, behaviour or opinions
3. Greater insights may be developed of the group dynamic - or cause and consequence
Characteristics of a focus group:
1. Recommended size of the sample group is 6 - 10 people as smaller groups may limit the potential on
the amount of information collected, and more may make it difficult for all participants to participate
and interact and for the interviewer to be able to make sense of the information given
2. Several focus groups should be used in order to get a more objective and macro view of the
investigation. i.e. focussing on one group may give you idiosyncratic results. The use of several groups
will add to the breadth and depth of information. A minimum of three focus groups is recommended
for best practice approaches
3. Members of the focus group should have something in common which is important to the investigation
4. Groups can either be put together or existing groups - it is always useful to be mindful of the group
dynamics of both situations
The aim of the focus group is to make use of participants' feelings, perceptions and opinions
This method requires the researcher to use a range of skills:
1. group skills
2. facilitating
3. moderating
4. listening/observing
5. analysis
Observation
Observation involves may take place in natural settings and involve the researcher taking lengthy and
descriptive notes of what is happening.
It is argued that there are limits to the situations that can be observed in their 'natural' settings and that the
presence of the research may lead to problems with validity.
Limitations with observation include:
1. Change in people's behaviour when they know they are being observed
2. A 'snap shot' view of a whole situation
3. Think Big Brother...
4. The researcher may miss something while they are watching and taking notes
5. The researcher may make judgements of make value statements or misunderstand what has been
observed
Strengths of observation
1. Can offer a flavour for what is happening

2. Can give an insight into the bigger picture
3. Can demonstrate sub-groups
4. Can be used to assist in the design of the rest of the research
Sometimes, the researcher becomes or needs to become a participant observer, where they are taking part in
the situation in order to be accepted and further understand the workings of the social phenomenon.
Observation can sometimes obtain more reliable information about certain things - for example, how people
actually behave (although it may not find out the reasons for why they behave in a particular way).
Observation can also serve as a technique for verifying of nullifying information provided in face to face
encounters.'
People or environment can be observed.
Techniques for collecting data through observation
1. Written descriptions
a. The researcher makes written descriptions of the people, situations or environment
b. Limitations include
i. Researcher might miss out on an observation as they are taking notes
ii. The researcher may be focussed on a particular event or situation
iii. There is room for subjective interpretation of what is happening
2. Video recording
a. Allows the researcher to also record notes

b. Limitations may include people acting unnaturally towards the camera or others avoiding the
camera
c. The camera may not always see everything
2. Photographs and artefacts
a. Useful when there is a need to collect observable information or phenomena such as buildings,
neighbourhoods, dress and appearance
b. Artefacts include objects of significance - memorabilia, instruments, tools etc
Documentation
1. Any and all kinds of documentation may be used to provide information - a local paper, information on
a notice board, administrative policies and procedures...etc previous research, even

Qualitative Data Collection

Uploaded by

Qualitative Data Collection

Uploaded by

https://www.le.ac.uk/oerresources/lill/fdmvco/module9/page_52.

Methods of collecting qualitative data

1. Direct interaction with individuals on a one to one basis

The main methods for collecting qualitative data are:

a.Semi structured interviews are sometimes also called focused interviews

Good quality qualitative research involves:

Group interviews can be used when:

1. Limited resources (time, manpower, finances)

Characteristics of a focus group:

This method requires the researcher to use a range of skills:

Limitations with observation include:

1. Can offer a flavour for what is happening

People or environment can be observed.

Techniques for collecting data through observation

a. Allows the researcher to also record notes

You might also like