Qualitative data analysis

Question 1

In analytic induction, what happens if the researcher finds a deviant case?

a) They ignore it and carry on

b) They must either redefine or reformulate the hypothesis

c) They conduct a parametric statistical test

d) They give up and decide to be quantitative researchers instead

Question 2

Which of the following is not a tool of grounded theory?

a) Theoretical sampling

b) Coding

c) External validity

d) Constant comparison

Question 3

What do Strauss & Corbin mean by "open coding"?

a) Breaking data down and examining it to identify themes and concepts

b) Coding without the intention of building a theory

c) Drawing open brackets alongside key words and phrases

d) Telling everybody about the way you have coded the data

Question 4

What is a "substantive theory" in Strauss & Corbin's view?

a) One that operates at the highest level of abstraction

b) One that is highly controversial and provokes a critical response

c) One that relates to an empirical instance or substantive topic area

d) One that is amenable to statistical analysis

Question 5

What are memos?

a) Notes that researchers write to themselves

b) Reminders of what is meant by key terms or phrases

c) Building blocks for theorizing

d) All of the above

Question 6

Why should you start coding your data as soon as possible?

a) To sharpen your focus and help with theoretical sampling

b) Because researchers always run out of time at the end of a project

c) Because it is the easiest task to do

d) To make sure that your initial theoretical ideas are imposed on the data

Question 7

Why are Coffey & Atkinson critical of the way coding fragments qualitative data?

a) Because this is incompatible with the principles of feminist research

b) Because it results in a loss of context and narrative flow

c) Because they think it should fragment quantitative data instead

d) Because they invented the life history interview and want to promote it

Question 8

What do advocates of narrative analysis prefer to study?

a) The extent to which analytic induction can be value-free

b) The iterative process of grounded

c) The ethical implications of conducting a secondary analysis of qualitative data

d) The ways in which people use stories to make sense of events in their lives

Question 9

Which of the following is not one of the four models of narrative analysis identified by Riessman?

a) Thematic analysis

b) Performative analysis

c) Content analysis

d) Interactional analysis

Question 10

What is one of the main ethical problems associated with conducting a secondary analysis of qualitative data?

a) The participants may not have given informed consent to the reuse of their data

b) It involves deceiving respondents about the nature of the research

c) The secondary analyst must adopt a covert role and is at risk of "going native"

d) Respondents are likely to experience physical harm as a result of the process