IB Psychology/Research Methodology/Qualitative Research Methodology

 IB Psychology 

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Levels of Analysis — Options — Research Methodology — Internal Assessment — External Assessment

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Qualitative research methodology focuses on the observational area of psychological research.

Qualitative Research Methodology

Theory and Practice in Qualitative Research

TPQR1: Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative data.

TPQR2: Explain strengths and limitations of a qualitative approach to research.

TPQR3: To what extent can findings be generalised from qualitative studies?

TPQR4: Discuss ethical considerations in qualitative research.

TPQR5: Discuss sampling techniques appropriate to qualitative research.

TPQR6: Explain effects of participant expectations and researcher bias in qualitative research.

TPQR7: Explain the importance of credibility in qualitative research.

TPQR8: Explain the effect of triangulation on the credibility/trustworthiness of qualitative research.

TPQR9: Explain reflexivity in qualitative research.

Interviews

I1: Evaluate semi-structured, focus group and narrative interviews.

I2: Discuss considerations involved before, during and after an interview.

I3: Explain how researchers use inductive content analysis (thematic analysis) on interview transcripts.

Observations

O1: Evaluate participant, non-participant, naturalistic, overt and covert observations.

O2: Discuss considerations involved in setting up and carrying out an observation.

O3: Discuss how researchers analyse data obtained in observational research.

Case Studies

CS1: Evaluate the use of case studies in research.

CS2: Explain how a case study could be used to investigate a problem in an organisation or group

CS3: Discuss the extent to which findings can be generalised from a single case study.

 

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Research Methodology 

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Introduction — Ethics — Quantitative Research Methodology — Qualitative Research Methodology