Communication Research: Asking Questions, Finding Answers, 5e (Keyton)
Chapter 15 Designing Qualitative Research
1) In qualitative research, the researcher:
A) is the primary data collector.
B) is likely to be in the research context for extended periods of time.
C) observes the communication firsthand.
D) takes on some form of participant observation.
E) all of the above.
2) Using a qualitative methodology and collecting data in the field, a researcher:
A) will not have control over what happens.
B) will have a great deal of control over what happens.
C) should be objective.
D) must refrain from developing additional questions or modifying the initial research question.
E) has no opportunity to ask interactants what communication events mean.
3) Gaining access is a critical step in qualitative research.
A) Gaining access is always easy.
B) Interactants in all interaction environments would welcome the observations of researcher.
C) Observing some interaction events may not be practical, or is difficult—even denied.
D) If a gatekeeper or sponsor is used, no ethical issues will be raised.
E) Once granted access, the researcher will be more effective if he or she maintains his or her
typical communication style and demeanor.
4) Maximum variation sampling is:
A) the number of times a researcher will ask an individual to participate in a research project.
B) based on informational redundancy; a researcher seeks participants until the data received are
the same as previously collected data.
C) a form of probability sampling.
D) the degree to which the sample varies from the population on important characteristics.
E) the number of variables included in the research design.
5) Respondent validation occurs when the researcher:
A) directs their questions to interactants who should know the answers.
B) works with at least two other researchers in collecting and interpreting the data.
C) asks participants to review the researcher’s notes or interpretations.
D) makes observations and collects data at several different times.
E) uses several different forms of qualitative data.
6) In qualitative research, snowball and network sampling are similar in that:
A) both are random sampling strategies.
B) both are nonprobability sampling strategies.
C) both rely on random assignment to conditions.
D) participants are actively sought.
E) B and D.
7) Choose the research term that describes “the researcher does not reveal to others that he/she is
simultaneously observing and assessing their actions.”
A) Complete observer
B) Complete participant
C) Observer-as-participant
D) Participant-as-observer
8) Choose the research term that describes “the researcher openly acknowledges the research
purpose, but at the same time takes an active role in the interaction.”
A) Complete observer
B) Complete participant
C) Observer-as-participant
D) Participant-as-observer
9) Choose the research term that describes “the researcher takes on a secondary role within the
interaction environment.”
A) Complete observer
B) Complete participant
C) Observer-as-participant
D) Participant-as-observer
10) Choose the research term that describes “the researcher does not engage interactants in any
fashion.”
A) Complete observer
B) Complete participant
C) Observer-as-participant
D) Participant-as-observer
11) Choose the research term that describes “the researcher views the interaction as someone
inside the system while others know and accept that research is being conducted.”
A) Complete observer
B) Complete participant
C) Observer-as-participant
D) Participant-as-observer
12) Choose the research term that describes “the permission to observe is legitimated through the
researcher’s role as participating fully in the interaction.”
A) Complete observer
B) Complete participant
C) Observer-as-participant
D) Participant-as-observer
13) Choose the research term that describes “the researcher is limited to what can be seen or
heard.”
A) Complete observer
B) Complete participant
C) Observer-as-participant
D) Participant-as-observer
14) Choose the research term that describes “the researcher interacts with other participants, but
the interaction is not driven by being an actor within the interaction scene.”
A) Complete observer
B) Complete participant
C) Observer-as-participant
D) Participant-as-observer
15) Someone within the group who can validate and legitimize your presence
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16) The person who seems to be more central to the interaction than others
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17) Person who has the authority to allow you access
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18) Qualitative methodologies are more subjective and initially less structured than quantitative
methodologies. Thus, the researcher does not need to design the research process before collecting
data.
19) The primary advantage of using qualitative methodologies is that it is easier to distance
yourself from the interaction and the interactants enabling you to draw more objective
conclusions.
20) A researcher using qualitative methods should rely on his or her first impressions of the
interaction.
21) A researcher using qualitative methodologies may find that their initial research question may
change as evidence of the problem is observed (or not observed).
22) Qualitative research is contextually bound to specific interaction and specific interactants.
23) The reflexive nature of qualitative research is what distinguishes it from quantitative
approaches.
24) In preparing for observing in the field, a researcher using qualitative methods would restrict
the literature review to only studies that also report qualitative methods.
25) When using some form of participant observation, a researcher looks for interdependence
among the people observed, the social situation, and the context in which the interaction occurs.
26) Counting the number of times a theme appears in your field notes is sufficient for analyzing
field notes.
27) Explain how qualitative research is both subjective and objective.
28) Explain the problems that can occur when a researcher using qualitative methods develops
social and emotional relationships with research participants.
29) Explain how being familiar with the interaction environment or the interactants can be both a
strength and a liability when using qualitative methodologies.
30) Describe ways in which sampling issues can be addressed when using qualitative
methodologies.
31) Describe how the seamless container can be used as a method for structuring your
observations.
32) Describe note-taking procedures researchers can employ when the interaction environment
they are observing makes it difficult to generate notes on the spot.