CMN 3103 Midterm: CMN3103 Midterm: Qualitative Research Methods: Lecture Notes & Review
15 Oct 2017
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Document Summary
Research: process of asking questions and finding answers through the application of scientific and systematic procedures and assumes that patterns can be uncovered using empirically based methods. Social science method: look for patterns of communication behaviors. Mixed-methods: collects both forms of data in order to compliment each method"s weaknesses. Designing qualitative research: varying methodologies: interviews, focus groups, observations, contact analysis etc, researcher is primary data collection instrument, participation and observation are integrated, focuses on specific interactants in specific communication contexts and events. Researcher role: integrated within the context of individuals being observed and requires rapport and mutual trust with participants. Researcher impact: own demographic characteristics or personal bias can interfere with data retrieval and interpretation. Qualitative data: field notes, recordings (audio or film), written or electronic documents, photographs or maps, artifacts (symbol or relic of something and what it can tell you about a person, i. e. family photo album, fossil, participant"s guitar etc. )
