Chapter 3 Qualitative Research for the Information Professional.

Qualitative Research Process
May appear to be haphazard but they do adopt a research strategy using a set of theoretical assumptions that provide a general framework for their work.

Qualitative researchers allow their plans to evolve (AL: an open framework does have advantages) following a cyclical process (or overlapping plan) as opposed to quantitative research which tends to follow a more rigid linear process.

Methods of describing this method; (1) cyclical, (2) non-linear, (3) 3-stage pyramid approach.

3-stage pyramid:
Base- preliminary preparation (topic choice, problem statement, literature review and theoretical framework)
Broad exploration (general casting about for subjects and locations, tests for suitability for case studies, preliminary data collection)
Focused activity ([amended] broad plan followed (AL: How much flexibility is allowed? Could the researcher be ‘lead’ in a wrong direction), narrowing of topics and a concentration of data).

First Questions:
What is the focus?
What events are important?
How should we approach this subject?

How:
Use four methods: Observation- in a natural setting, Interviewing – open ended questions ( AL: how do we stop the tendency for people to wander?), Group discussion ( AL: what about group dynamics- how does it affect the study?), Historical Study(AL: What about recall bias?) (AL: has some components of a decision support team meeting)

Ethics:
Subjects know or no know (AL: recording, how does HIPPA play a part?)
Informed and implied consent:
Confidentiality and anonymity (AL: With small samples can others determine who was involved?).