Observational Methods and Qualitative Data Analysis

Mike Stadler, PhD

This is primarily aimed at first- and second-year undergraduates interested in psychology, data analysis, and qualtitative research methods along with high school students and professionals with similar interests.

What's inside

Syllabus

Learn With PsycLearn Essentials

This module introduces you to your PsycLearn Essentials course. Find out what’s included in this course and how to navigate the modules and lessons. You’ll also learn valuable study tips for successful learning.

Introduction

This course explores two research traditions—ethnographic inquiry and case study—with focus on their use of a tool known as participation observation, which can complement or stand apart from interviewing. You’ll compare purpose and focus, data gathering and analysis, unique practices, and ways the researcher is involved in the process. We will also explore analytic techniques that apply not just to ethnography and case study, but also to the research traditions earlier explored.

Observation in Qualitative Research

Observation, a naturalistic qualitative inquiry technique, serves as a complement to the individual or group research interview. In observational research, the researcher witnesses, participates in, and/or experiences the phenomenon under investigation. Again, we will discuss the role of researcher as an instrument of data collection, underscoring pertinent skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Ethnographic Inquiry

Ethnography explores culture—the values, beliefs, daily lives, patterns, rituals, symbols, and behaviors shared by a group of people. Note that we are not limiting our exploration of culture to nations or ethnic groups. Culture also exists in workplaces, student organizations, schools, and more. In qualitative research, exploration of culture involves researcher immersion and prolonged observation.

Case Studies

A case study involves the examination of a specific, bounded case (or cases), with focus on the case as a unit of analysis, versus the exploration of an overarching phenomenon, lived experience, or culture. Cases can be many things: people, sites, groups, classrooms, organizations, and more.

Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA)

Qualitative research is iterative. Often, researchers cycle through collection and analysis, applying strategies like researcher positioning, the constant comparative method (CCM), and theoretical sampling. The content that follows provides an elementary introduction to common qualitative data analysis (QDA) techniques. By no means are these techniques exhaustive of all QDA methods; thus, readers will gain broad insight and will practice applying common coding, analysis, and integration strategies. Many qualitative researchers pursue advanced studies of QDA, often through an apprenticeship model focused on a specific tradition (e.g., phenomenology), in graduate programs.

Cumulative Quiz

Complete the final course assessment.

PsycLearn Essentials APA Student Resources

This module provides a variety of information and tools from the American Psychological Association (APA) that will help inspire you as you complete your coursework and plan your career goals. Get discounted access to Academic Writer, APA’s online tool for writing effectively, as well as valuable advice that will help you develop and strengthen your skillset for learning success and future employment. Additionally, explore resources on various psychological issues. This module also includes APA resources on scholarly research and writing; a list of sites providing valuable resources on diversity, equity, and inclusion in psychology education and in the professional community; resources on a career in psychology; and links to career opportunities at the APA. You can also view videos that offer tips on dealing with stress.

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Observational Methods and Qualitative Data Analysis with these activities:

Read "The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research"

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Reading this comprehensive handbook will provide you with an in-depth understanding of qualitative research methods and prepare you for the course content.

View Interpretive Autoethnography on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book "The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research".
Read the book thoroughly, paying attention to the different qualitative research approaches, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques.
Take notes and highlight important passages.
Discuss the book's key concepts with your classmates or peers.

Review Social Sciences knowledge

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Reviewing knowledge in the Social Sciences will help you prepare for the course by providing a strong foundation in the field.

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Review course notes or textbooks from prior Social Sciences classes.
Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your knowledge.

Coding Drills

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Completing coding drills will improve your data analysis skills and prepare you for the more complex coding tasks you will encounter in this course.

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Use online coding platforms to practice coding drills.
Solve coding puzzles or challenges.

Four other activities

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Practice qualitative methods

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Practicing qualitative methods will help you develop the skills necessary for conducting research in this field.

Browse courses on Qualitative Research

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Read articles or books on qualitative methods.
Conduct mock interviews or observations.

Join a study group

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Joining a study group will provide you with an opportunity to discuss the course material with your peers and reinforce your understanding.

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Find a study group or create your own with classmates.
Meet regularly to discuss course material, work on assignments, and prepare for exams.

Create a research proposal

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Creating a research proposal will allow you to synthesize your knowledge of qualitative research methods and develop a plan for conducting your own research.

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Identify a research topic and develop a research question.
Review relevant literature to support your research proposal.
Design a research methodology that outlines your research methods, data collection techniques, and data analysis plan.
Write a research proposal that clearly articulates your research plan.

Volunteer in a related field

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Volunteering in a related field will allow you to gain practical experience and apply your knowledge in a real-world setting.

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Identify organizations or institutions that are conducting research in qualitative methods or related fields.
Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend volunteer training and orientation sessions.
Assist researchers with data collection, analysis, or other research-related tasks.
Reflect on your experience and identify ways to apply what you have learned in your coursework.