Part A: Observation and the Role of Context, Bias, and the Researcher

Introduction

Maintaining integrity of research data is a goal of every researcher. To that end, as a researcher conducting a qualitative study, you must always remain aware of how outside factors-namely the context and environment, your personal bias, and your role as the researcher-may affect the integrity of your data.

For this week's assignments, you will begin developing your observation skills, a common qualitative data collection technique, by observing a photograph as well as a public setting. You will then consider the roles of bias, context, and the researcher in the results of each observation.

Part B:

In Part A, you began to practice your skills in gathering data by completing two observations. This week, you will continue to practice those skills by observing a video segment. You will also be introduced to the concept of qualitative sampling, which is quite different from sampling in quantitative research.

ASSIGNMENT:

Application- Sampling Strategy and Sample Size for a Qualitative Research Plan

As you continue to work on your qualitative research plan, you will have to address the size and diversity of your sample population. Different kinds of studies require different sample sizes, and you should select a size that will be most appropriate for your topic and approach.

To prepare for this Application:

• Review the Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods for this assignment.

• Consider the following questions:

? From which sampling strategy would your study benefit? What factors contribute to this decision?

? What sample size would you use for the study that you are planning? What factors contribute to this decision?

? How would you justify using that particular sampling strategy and sample size? What Resources can you cite to support your justification?