paradigms
Scientific paradigm
A way of understanding the world that relies on evidence and testing, Knowledge is only accepted if it meets a high standard of proof, claims must hold up over time
Functions of a theory
explanation and prediction
paradigm
a worldview, or framework of beliefs, values and methods, this affects how we interpret and understand data from research
data saturation
occurs when no new information is obtained fro interviews and/or observations
interpretive/constructivist
A way of understanding the world that focuses on meaning and interpretation, not just hard data, people understand the world differently based on their experiences, reality is socially constructed
broad range theories
theories that say one main cause explains a social problem, Boudon thinks they're bad because society is complex, this ignores other factors and its based on assumption (not enough evidence)
two types of sampling
random and non-random
justification
-happens in every step
-authors of qualitative studies must convince the reader that the sample was appropriate and sufficient to justify the findings
Critical paradigm
A way of studying society by focusing on power, inequality, and control, looks at language and comm and how that shapes what counts as knowledge, language is not neutral it can reinforce power or cause harm
middle range theory
Trying to explain everything with one theory is pointless, we must find patterns and focus on testable explanations
convenience (volunteer) sampling method
-potential participants volunteer to participate in the research study
-pros: easy, efficient, economical
-cons: may not provide participants who can supply the best information
when we conduct research we are most likely
Testing a theory, expanding a theory, or writing a theory
Post-structuralist
multiple competing views of science and many truths
Reference Group Theory (example of middle range theory)
People form their beliefs and attitudes by looking to certain people or groups as examples, we are influenced by people we look up to or compare ourselves to
snowball (chain) sampling method
-current participants recommend persons who might be willing to participate in the study
-pros: practical, cost-efficient, persons appropriate for study, less time to gain trust
-cons: quality of referrals may be problematic and/or limited
Goal in qualitative research
understand social processes and life (not predicting how society works)
name the four paradigms
scientific, interpretive/constructivist, critical, post-structuralist
purposive/purposeful/judgemental/selective sampling method
-researcher intentionally selects participants who are knowledgeable about the phenomenon being studied
-pros: ability to select participants most beneficial to the study, cost efficient, variety off strategies
-cons: may be challenging to locate information-rich participants