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A Ridiculously short introduction to the world of qualitative research and how it can connect to the field of library science, especially academic libraries.
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Qualitative Research(the ridiculously short introduction)
Heather Moorefield-LangVirginia Tech
If you want to trly understand something, try to change it.
- Kurt Lewin
Question
What do you know about qualitative research?
Handout
Our Assumptions About Research
Truth Is Absolute. Truth Is Relative.
VOCABULARY
LINGO
JARGON
Our view of research is often shaped by language which
can be familiar or foreign to us
Based on NCLB, the school didn’t make
AYP according to SOLs. GRE has a weak
correlation to GPA
IMHO, my BFF is not LOL about the 411 on
her BF. 911!
My HokieSPA PID is not working in Scholar
VOCABULARY
LINGO
JARGON Familiar or Foreign?
What to Know About Qualitative Research
The goal of qualitative research is to achieve, as best as possible, understanding – a deep knowledge of a social setting or phenomenon. Understanding requires time in the field. -Creswell, 1998
Qualitative Research requires a desire to understand
Time makes more converts than reason.-Thomas Paine
Qualitative Research Requires Time in the Field
The creative person is willing to live with ambiguity.-Abe Tannenbaum
Qualitative Research Requires a Tolerance for Ambiguity
We were born to unite with our fellow men, andto join in community with the human race.
-Cicero
Qualitative Research requires community with those we research
Qualitative Methods
Interviews
• Conversation with a purpose• Participants views are valuable and useful• There to listen, not to talk• There to yield data in quantity quickly• Cooperation is necessary• Interviewer is involved with participants
Example for Libraries
• Interviewing instructional librarians in how they incorporate technology into their teaching.
Ideas?
Focus Groups
• Also interview based but with groups• Usually range from 4-12 in number• Large amounts of data• Can be very useful• Method is socially oriented• Have to be careful of Groupthink. Everyone of
agreeing, or overpowering others in thought
Example for Libraries
• Focus group of students on ideas in how to use empty classroom space in library
Ideas?
Questionnaires
• Standardized format• Very similar to surveys• Typically contain open ended content• Useful in gaining a sample• Useful in narrowing a large group down to a small
(for interviews, focus groups, etc)• Rapid data• Poor return rates unless you are aggressive in
collection
Example for Libraries
• How librarians use social media in their professional practice.
Ideas?
Case Studies
• Usually looking at groups of people or an organization
• Typically involves multiple qualitative methods (interviews, questionnaires, observations, document analysis, etc)
• Time consuming• Very involved• Small numbers of groups or orgs. Sometimes
only one
Examples for Libraries
• Case Study of the administrative practices of minority female deans of libraries.
Ideas?
Observations
• Popular Qualitative Method• Noting and recording events and behaviors • Commonly referred to as “Field Notes”• Observer is meant to blend in, not to be a part
of the environment• Observer is looking for recurring behaviors,
patterns. • Have to be in the moment, always
Example for Libraries
• Observing student use of learning commons areas.
Ideas?
Ethnography
• Looking at cultural data• Culture through the participant’s perspective• Rich narrative descriptions• Interviewer has to build rapport. Very
important in a cultural study• These types of study can be done with
photography and video as well. Very expressive
Example for Libraries
• Libraries in Appalachian Culture• Building of libraries in other countries
Ideas?
Phenomenology
• Study of lived experiences. A phenomenon!• Study a concept or phenomenon that a group
of people share• Focus on deep, lived situations• Very labor intensive• Can be highly emotional• Highly reflective• Connection and relationships commonly built
Example for Libraries
• Experiences of librarians who built the 4/16 collection or a similar collection in Archives
Ideas?
Narrative Inquiry/Text Analysis
• Sometimes spoken, sometimes written• Analysis of text• Participants can write or tell stories• Takes in depth listening skills• Can rely on journals, photos, autobiographical
writing, messages, and more• More story based
Example for Libraries
• Storyteller experiences• Stories of storytellers• Career choice of librarians
Ideas?
Qualitative Involves
• Good listening skills• Multiple devices for recording• Patience• Time• Desire to learn • Interest to be involved (What makes data
weak in some researchers opinion)
Proposal for Study Should Include
• Plan for Entry and Ethical Considerations• Data Collection Techniques• Data Recording Techniques• Strategies for Data Analysis• Management Plan/Timeline for final reporting
of study• IRB for University will have other items to
consider as well (Interview protocols, consent forms, email formats, etc)
Data Analysis
Data Can be Analyzed Multiple Ways
• By hand• Word Processing• Data Analysis Software
• No matter how you analyze your data you are always looking for themes or codes
By Hand
Word Processing
Software/Nvivo
Image courtesy of www.qsrinternational.com
Software/Atlas.ti
Image courtesy of www.atlasti.com/
Good Reads for Qualitative Research
Designing Qualitative Research: By Marshall and Rossman
Very down to earth, easy to use, user friendly. A great introduction.
Interviewing as Qualitative Research by Seidman.
If you are planning to interview this is a great short read. Some love it, some hate it but it’s a good one for interviews.
John Creswell
Denzin and Lincoln
Writing Literature Reviews by Galvan
Probably the best book I have encountered for writing literature reviews regardless of Qual or Quan. Incredibly User Friendly!
Decide you Want to go Qual?
Contact me• Heather Moorefield-Lang• hmlang@vt.edu• Happy to talk anytime about research,
methods, questions, plan, and more
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