Primary Sources of Data: Qualitative Methods (AQA A Level Sociology): Flashcards
Exam code: 7192
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- FrontInformal Interviews
Define unstructured interview.
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Define unstructured interview.
An unstructured interview is a flexible, open-ended conversation that allows the interviewer and participant to explore topics in depth.
When are unstructured interviews particularly useful?
Unstructured interviews are particularly useful when the topic is new or not well understood.
Interpretivists favour unstructured interviews because they seek ......................, a deep understanding of meaning and context.
Interpretivists favour unstructured interviews because they seek verstehen, a deep understanding of meaning and context.
True or False?
Unstructured interviews are high in reliability.
False.
Unstructured interviews have low reliability because the lack of standardisation makes responses hard to replicate.
Why are unstructured interviews high in validity?
Unstructured interviews are high in validity because open-ended responses allow a deeper understanding of complex behaviours, attitudes and emotions.
How does rapport help in unstructured interviews?
Rapport helps because strong interviewer-interviewee relationships help uncover sensitive or personal topics.
Define focus group.
A focus group is a type of group interview in which participants are encouraged to discuss a set topic in detail.
What is the researcher's role in a focus group?
In a focus group, the researcher acts as a facilitator, prompting discussion rather than following a set of fixed questions.
Why do feminists favour unstructured interviews?
Feminists favour unstructured interviews because they see them as a more equal, empathetic method that values respondents' voices.
Why are unstructured interviews often low in representativeness?
Unstructured interviews are often low in representativeness because they usually involve small samples, so findings are hard to generalise to the wider population.
True or False?
Group interviews are more expensive than individual interviews.
False.
Interviewing several people at once saves time and reduces costs compared to individual interviews.
How can dominant participants affect a group interview?
Dominant participants may take over the discussion, silencing quieter group members.
Group interviews raise ethical issues because ...................... cannot be guaranteed when participants hear each other's contributions.
Group interviews raise ethical issues because confidentiality cannot be guaranteed when participants hear each other's contributions.
Why do unstructured interviews need highly skilled interviewers?
Unstructured interviews need highly skilled interviewers because they rely on good interpersonal and interpretive skills, which increases costs.
True or False?
Participants in group interviews may conform to the group's opinions.
True.
Group dynamics mean participants may influence each other's responses, which can reduce the validity of the data.
How can interaction between participants benefit a focus group?
Interaction between participants can reveal shared norms and values and spark ideas the researcher had not considered.
Define participant observation.
In participant observation, the researcher joins the group and participates in its daily activities, either overtly or covertly.
Observations are favoured by interpretivist sociologists who seek .......................
Observations are favoured by interpretivist sociologists who seek verstehen.
Define non-participant observation.
In non-participant observation, the researcher observes from a distance without getting involved with the group.
What is the main ethical advantage of overt participant observation?
The main ethical advantage of overt participant observation is that informed consent can be obtained from participants.
Define Hawthorne effect.
The Hawthorne effect (or observer effect) is when people change their behaviour because they know they are being studied.
Why can covert participant observation produce more valid data than overt?
Covert participant observation can produce more valid data because the group does not know it is being studied, so the observer effect is avoided.
True or False?
Covert observation may be the only way to study groups engaged in illegal activity.
True.
Such groups may refuse to be interviewed, so covert observation may be the only way to study them.
Why is participant observation high in validity?
Participant observation is high in validity because the researcher sees behaviour in its natural, everyday setting.
Define going native.
Going native is when a participant observer becomes too involved with the group, losing objectivity and becoming biased.
True or False?
Participant observation is high in reliability.
False.
Participant observation has low reliability because each study is unique and impossible to replicate.
Why is participant observation often low in representativeness?
Participant observation is often low in representativeness because it is usually small-scale, which limits generalisability.
Why can access be a problem in participant observation?
Access can be a problem because it is hard to gain entry to closed or deviant groups, and building trust is hard once inside.
A non-participant observer may use an observation ...................... to record behaviour as it unfolds.
A non-participant observer may use an observation schedule to record behaviour as it unfolds.
Why does non-participant observation allow systematic data collection?
Non-participant observation allows systematic data collection because observers can maintain a clear focus and record behaviour without the distractions of participation.
Why does non-participant observation have reduced validity?
Non-participant observation has reduced validity because not participating limits the researcher's ability to understand participants' experiences and social meanings in depth.
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