CASIE WorkshopPsychology

Session 6: Higher Level Paper 3

What are qualitative research methods?

• They include: case studies, observations, and interviews. (other methods exists, but Paper 3 is limited to these three methods)

• Random sampling is normally not used.• Purposive sampling is preferable since you

may select subjects for their salient features.• The number of participants is generally small,

and may be limited to one (case studies).

IMPORTANT!!

• Students should realize that qualitative and quantitative research complement each other.

• Each is suited to investigating different aspects of behavior and should be used appropriately.

Learning Outcomes

For Qualitative Research(HL only!)

Theory and Practice

• Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative data

• Explain strengths and limitations of a qualitative approach to research

• To what extent can findings be generalized from qualitative studies?

• Discuss ethical considerations in qualitative research.

• Discuss appropriate sampling techniques

Theory and Practice

• Explain the effects of participant expectations and researcher bias in qualitative research

• Explain the importance of credibility in qualitative research

• Explain the effect of triangulation on the credibility/trustworthiness of qualitative research

• Explain reflexivity in qualitative research

Interviews

• Evaluate semi-structured, focus group and narrative interviews

• Discuss considerations involved before, during and after an interview

• Explain how researchers use inductive content analysis

Observations

• Evaluate participant, non-participant, naturalistic, overt and covert observations

• Discuss considerations involved in setting up and carrying out an observation

• Discuss how researchers analyze data obtained in observational research

Case Studies

• Evaluate the use of case studies in research• Explain how a case study could be used to

investigate a problem in an organization or group

• Discuss the extent to which findings can be generalized from a case study

Paper 3 Exam

• This is a one-hour exam• It is made up of three compulsory questions

based on an unseen text, covering part 3 of the syllabus

• 30 marks are available for Paper 3• The weighting for Paper 3 is 20% of the total

score for Psychology