DB #3 Student Posts

Gerald Steckmeister

Qualitative Data Collection

                The collection of qualitative data is different from quantitative data. In a qualitative study, the researcher is usually the instrument and must carefully extract the data from the participants. In many cases, this is conducted through some type of interview. This essay examined the importance and usefulness of focus groups, and also compared and contrasted ethnographies and case studies as applied to data collection.

Focus Groups

                While interviewing individuals can be extremely effective, sometimes it is useful to interview a carefully selected set of people, called a focus group. According to Vito and Higgins (2015) focus group interviewing is a specialized method designed to gather complex date from participants, particularly information related to opinions, behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs. The authors noted that focus groups are a preferred method of marketing research firms. They also suggested that the technique is particularly useful in a needs evaluation for determining reactions of groups to changes in a program or the development of new programs.

                Glesne (2016) noted that focus groups have been around for a long time and can be very versatile. For example, she pointed out that they were used during World War II to help develop effective training for military personnel and, more recently, they have proven useful in determining the effectiveness of public education campaigns regarding communicable diseases. While focus groups can save a considerable amount of time, Glesne discussed some limitations. Specifically, focus groups do not allow for strict confidentiality or anonymity.

Maxfield and Babbie (2018) suggested that focus group interviews can be more effective at eliciting dynamic and complex information. Similarly, Guest et al. (2017) found that focus groups were better at obtaining sensitive information from participants. It seems that in a group setting, once one person starts discussing a sensitive topic, others feel more inclined to do so. This is consistent with my work in officer resilience and peer support. In one-on-one peer support, it is often difficult to get someone to open up. In group crisis intervention settings, however, once one person shares a sensitive story, others are more likely to join in.

Ethnography and Case Studies

                According to Glesne (2016), ethnographic studies involve  studying the patterns and behaviors of a particular culture through observation and interviewing. She noted that ethnographic studies can often involve 30 to 50 interviews, though some of these may be repeat interviews of the same person or people. O’Leary (2005) added that ethnographic studies are designed to develop deep understanding and often continue until the researchers feel that they can no longer develop useful information. As a result, ethnographic studies are often time consuming.

                While ethnographic studies are a deep dive into a particular culture, case studies are a deep dive into a particular case (Glesne, 2016). However, there is a wide range of conditions that can be considered a case. It can mean a particular condition or phenomenon from the perspective of one person or small group of people, to a program affecting a town or city. It can also include comprehensive research of a specific event (O’Leary, 2005). As with ethnographic studies, case studies provide detailed and comprehensive information. The main difference is in scope. Ethnographic studies focus on an entire culture, while case studies are limited to a particular issue or phenomenon defined as the case.

Christian Worldview

                All of the techniques discussed in this essay involve interviewing. The primary skill needed for the interviewer is listening, which is a common topic in the  English Standard Bible (2016) . For example, Proverbs 22:17 states “Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise.” The wise interviewer would do well to heed the advice of the Bible, which teaches us to focus more on listening than speaking (James 1:19).

Conclusion

                Qualitative research often involves developing deep meaning through the lived experiences of others. There are numerous techniques for developing this, such as focus groups, ethnographic research and case studies. Each one has strengths and limitations that make it more applicable in some circumstances than others. The one thing they have in common is obtaining information from others. As such, listening appears to be a critical skill for qualitative researchers.