Qualitative Field Research Methods

Qualitative research is mainly focused on considering as well as understanding individual’s social background by accessing their familiarities. Qualitative field research is divided in for major strategies. To begin with, direct observation refers to the approach where information is mainly acquired via a thorough examination of a real social background (Khan, 2011). Contrary to direct qualitative examination this method does not involve the sample directly in interrogations or conversation but the observer mainly strives to be discreet and disconnected from the given background. In a qualitative study, this method is not a needed option as other field strategies are more appropriate but it is usually the actual approach that is useful in gaining better comprehension of the setting (Khan, 2011).

Participant Observation

This is a field research strategy in which the researcher is involved in developing an actual understanding of the arrangement of the given background by acquiring an actual experience with the respondents (Khan, 2011). The method is usually utilized when investigating several issues simultaneously that required actual experiences. The technique has been utilized for decades in understanding life’s complexity (Khan, 2011).

Qualitative Interviews

This refers to the kind of field research approach that produces information and responses directly by asking queries to the selected populace. Qualitative interviews might be in form of conversation, informal interrogation, and questionnaires which can be open-ended, organized or partially organized (Khan, 2011). This is usually conducted after direct observation and is most suitable in instances when the investigator is in search of flexibility in following certain thoughts as they develop.

Focus Group

This is the strategy where the investigator incorporates smaller participant’s sets in dialogue that are mainly created to produce suitable research queries. The group normally incorporates less than 15 participants and are normally utilized in order to assess trends that happen within societies as well as in the economic community (Bachman & Schutt, 2017).

Why Participant Observation Is Considered Archetypal

Participant Observation is mainly involved in the examination of anthropology investigation. It is referred as archetypal because it is more typical and involves the examination of the various aspects of life (Bachman & Schutt, 2017). In addition, the method works beyond environmentalist observation given that the observer is also a participant who attempts to acquire real experience. It is through this approach that the quality of existence is improved given that it mainly investigates sociological issues which affect wellness and the observer attempts to acquire actual familiarity (Bachman & Schutt, 2017).

Strengths and Limitations of Participant Observation

Participant observation is associated with validity, flexibility and practical benefits. In that, the methods normally generate wealthy qualitative information which demonstrates how individuals exist. In addition, through the actual participation, the researcher is able to acquire empathy via personal familiarity (Fogel, 2007). The flexibility of the technique creates open-mindedness and even the sensitive individuals can begin to gain trust which helps in generating accuracy. However, the technique is advantageous because it generates a smaller representation, biases and creates severe ethical challenges.  In that, the researcher is forced to deceive others which is not ethical in order to acquire real responses (Fogel, 2007). In addition, it takes so much time in generating minimal information which might create delays. Being involved creates bias issues given that the observer begins to sympathize with the group in general where one might focus only on generating positive responses while ignoring the actual issues which create inaccuracy due to judgment involvement (Fogel, 2007).

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Bachman, R., & Schutt, R. K. (2017). The Practice of Research in Criminology and Criminal Justice (6th Ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Khan, J. A. (2011). Research methodology. New Delhi: APH Publishing Corporation. APH Publishing Corportaion.

Fogel, C. (2007). Ethical issues in field-based criminological research in Canada. International Journal of Criminal Justice Sciences, 2(2), 109–118.