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Data collection techniques and Conceptual Framework

Modular Overview

Developing a Conceptual Framework In Qualitative Research:

In quantitative research there is a well defined process for developing a study framework.

Most study frameworks are based on a conceptual model as well as a theory. The framework is constructed from the constructs which were developed and defined in the conceptual model. The constructs are linked by statements and the operational definitions for the constructs are then developed.

"A conceptual framework explains, either graphically or in narrative form, the main things to be studied—the key factors, constructs or variables—and the presumed relationships among them. Frameworks can be rudimentary or elaborate, theory-driven or commonsensical, descriptive or causal" (Miles & Huberman, 1994).

Every qualitative study has a framework and the framework is eventually expressed as the study's methodology.

In qualitative studies, the framework relates to the study's theories and outcomes. This means that qualitative study frameworks are not as tightly designed as those in quantitative research studies. This is further supported by the fact that qualitative research can be, and usually is, highly inductive.

Although the qualitative researcher brings to the study certain ideas, only experienced researchers can usually operate successfully in an open, unstructured setting and only the experienced researchers can operate successfully with highly inductive reasoning (the skill of the researcher is so important in qualitative studies). Therefore, a tight well constructed research design is not always that important. However, for inexperienced researchers or experienced researchers exploring an unfamiliar area, a well designed structured methodology would be an asset if not a necessity.

The question that confronts all qualitative researchers is:

"How pre-structured and tightly designed should a qualitative research be for a typical study?"

The answer is that it depends on the researcher's approach. Influential factors are:

time available or allowed to conduct the study,
the amount of information available about the area of interest, and
the type of analysis that must be completed by the researcher or research team.

Defining the Case

In qualitative studies the case is your unit of analysis. A case may be defined as an individual, a small group, a role, an organization, a community or a nation. A case can also be defined as events occurring over a period of time. A case also refers to and is the study site.

A case for a qualitative study is usually defined by it's social size, conceptual nature, physical location and temporal characteristics. In fact, when you define a case you are actually defining the study's boundaries.

Module learning objectives:

By the completion of this module, you should be able to:

Identify the research problem and the research questions of a study; (case assignment)
Identify the study population of a study and the study variables and discuss the sampling technique(s); (case assignment)
Discuss the conceptual framework of a qualitative study; ( case assignment)
Develop a protocol for a semi-structured interview (case assignment)
Analyze the application of a mixed methods approach in a TUI education dissertation in Proquest (SLP)