Module 3 Assignment 1

Design

Key Points

Phenomenology

• Used to describe the experiences the participants have lived.

• The researcher should look for participants who are willing to share their experiences and feelings related to their experience.

• Can use direct observation or in-depth interviews.

• The researcher will identify themes and describe the phenomenon from the subject's points of view.

Grounded theory

• Used for theory development.

• Data is collected by interview, review of records, observation, or a combination.

• The researchers will produce a theory that is supported by examples from the data collection.

Ethnography

• Used to describe the characteristics of a culture.

• Researcher should either become immersed into the culture and/or develop a relationship with informants from within the culture.

• Data is collected by interaction with the subjects and through direct observation.

• The researcher will develop a description and understanding of the culture.

Historical

• Used to examine and describe events from the past that will lead to a better understanding of the present as well as being able to predict or anticipate future events.

• The researcher will need to use a number of different sources such as: archival documents, libraries, papers, personal accounts for which they are able to show authenticity.

• The researcher will produce outcome documents such as issue papers, biographies, chronology, etc.

Case study

• Used to develop an in-depth description of the experiences of one person, a family, a group, a community, or an institution.

• The researcher will use interactions with the subject(s), observations, interviews, and archival data.

• The researcher will produce an in-depth description of the experiences of the very specific sample.