PSYC 311 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Qualitative Research, Grounded Theory, Intersubjectivity

• School: Concordia University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 311
• Professor: Walter Marcantoni

Document Summary

Qualitative research useful to discover important variables and relationships, to generate theory and models, particularly to uncover possible causes and causal mechanisms. Grounded theory theory-generating aspect of qualitative research. Qualitative research = various kinds of non-numerical data like interviews, focus groups, written texts/documents, visual images, observations of behavior, case studies, etc. Making sense of the data = interpreting their meaning (language provides a unique window into the thoughts, experiences and motivations of others & allows for intersubjectivity the ability to stand in someone"s else shoes) Quantitative research uses instruments that produce quantitative measurements/numerical data. Difference btwn qualitative and quantitative = the nature of the data and methods of analysis. Qualitative research focuses on cases (individuals, groups or institutions) Qualitative research aims to come up with a unique configuration of diverse influences or causes at work in a particular setting. Ideographic explanation (pays attention to distinctive set of circumstances)