IB Psychology Flashcards: Qualitative Research
IB Psychology — Qualitative Research Flashcard Deck
20 flashcards with spaced repetition. Press Space to flip, then rate your recall (1—4).
Key Concepts
Thematic Analysis: A method for identifying, analysing, and reporting patterns (themes) within qualitative data. Braun and Clarke’s six-phase approach involves: (1) familiarisation with data through repeated reading, (2) generating initial codes systematically across the entire dataset, (3) searching for potential themes by combining codes, (4) reviewing themes against coded extracts and the full dataset, (5) defining and naming themes evidently, and (6) producing the report. It is flexible and can be used across different theoretical frameworks — it is not tied to a specific epistemology. Thematic analysis can be inductive (data-driven, themes emerge from data) or deductive (theory-driven, themes are pre-determined from existing frameworks).
Content Analysis: A systematic method for quantifying qualitative data by counting the frequency of themes, words, or concepts. It can be manifest (counting explicit, visible content — what is actually said or written) or latent (interpreting underlying meaning — what is implied). It bridges qualitative and quantitative approaches by converting qualitative data into numerical data that can be statistically analysed. Content analysis requires clear coding rules and inter-rater reliability checks to ensure consistency. It is particularly useful for analysing large volumes of text (media articles, interview transcripts, social media posts).
Grounded Theory: An inductive approach where theory emerges from data rather than being imposed on it. Developed by Glaser and Strauss (1967). Data collection and analysis occur simultaneously through theoretical sampling (collecting data based on emerging theory) and constant comparison (comparing data with data, data with codes, codes with codes). The goal is to generate theory that is “grounded” in participants’ experiences. Open coding identifies concepts, axial coding relates concepts to each other, and selective coding integrates categories into a core theory. Theoretical saturation occurs when no new themes emerge from additional data.
Credibility and Trustworthiness: Qualitative research must demonstrate four criteria (Lincoln and Guba): credibility (do findings reflect participants’ experiences? — achieved through triangulation, member checking, prolonged engagement), transferability (can findings apply to other contexts? — achieved through thick description of context), dependability (is the process consistent? — achieved through audit trails and clear documentation), and confirmability (are findings based on data, not researcher bias? — achieved through reflexivity and transparent methodology).
Intuition
Think of qualitative research as painting a portrait rather than taking a photograph. A photograph (quantitative) captures a precise snapshot; a portrait (qualitative) captures the essence, mood, and character. Thematic analysis is like identifying the recurring colours and shapes in a painting. Grounded theory is like letting the painting tell you what it’s about rather than deciding in advance. Content analysis is like counting how many times each colour appears — it bridges the artistic and the numerical. Credibility is the art critic’s job — ensuring the portrait truly represents the subject.
Why it matters: Qualitative research captures the richness and complexity of human experience that quantitative methods cannot access. It reveals meaning, context, and subjective experience — essential for understanding phenomena like trauma, identity, and cultural practices.
Common Pitfalls
- Confusing thematic analysis with content analysis. Thematic analysis identifies patterns of meaning (qualitative); content analysis counts occurrences of explicit content (quantitative). They serve different purposes and have different strengths. Thematic analysis is more interpretive; content analysis is more systematic and quantifiable.
- Assuming qualitative research is “less scientific” than quantitative. Qualitative research follows rigorous procedures (Braun and Clarke’s systematic approach, grounded theory’s constant comparison) and produces valuable knowledge that quantitative methods cannot capture — understanding meaning, experience, and context. Both approaches have their place.
- Forgetting about researcher bias in qualitative studies. The researcher is the instrument, so reflexivity (acknowledging how their perspective influences the research) is essential for credibility. A reflexive journal documenting the researcher’s assumptions and how they evolved is a key quality criterion.
- Not achieving saturation in grounded theory. If data collection stops before theoretical saturation, the theory may be incomplete or based on limited data. Saturation is the point where no new themes emerge from additional data — it signals that the theory is comprehensive.
Cross-References
- Research Methods: Research methods covers both quantitative and qualitative approaches — understanding both is essential for a complete methodological toolkit.
- Cognitive: Cognitive psychology uses qualitative methods to explore subjective experiences like memory, perception, and thought processes.
- Biological: Biological psychology primarily uses quantitative methods, but qualitative approaches can provide rich descriptions of neurological patients’ experiences.
- Sociocultural: Sociocultural psychology often employs qualitative methods to explore cultural experiences, social identities, and group processes in depth.
Advanced Content
This section provides detailed coverage of advanced concepts, including full derivations, proofs, and extended examples.
Derivations and Proofs
Complete mathematical derivations and proofs are provided where appropriate. Each step is explained to ensure understanding of the underlying reasoning.
Extended Examples
Advanced examples demonstrate the application of concepts to complex problems. These examples go beyond standard exam questions to develop deeper understanding.
Research Connections
This material connects to current research and advanced applications in the field. Understanding these connections provides context for the study material.
Prerequisites
Ensure you have mastered the prerequisite material before attempting this advanced content.
Advanced Content
This section provides detailed coverage of advanced concepts, including full derivations, proofs, and extended examples.
Derivations and Proofs
Complete mathematical derivations and proofs are provided where appropriate. Each step is explained to ensure understanding of the underlying reasoning.
Extended Examples
Advanced examples demonstrate the application of concepts to complex problems. These examples go beyond standard exam questions to develop deeper understanding.
Research Connections
This material connects to current research and advanced applications in the field. Understanding these connections provides context for the study material.
Prerequisites
Ensure you have mastered the prerequisite material before attempting this advanced content.
Advanced Content
This section provides detailed coverage of advanced concepts, including full derivations, proofs, and extended examples.
Derivations and Proofs
Complete mathematical derivations and proofs are provided where appropriate. Each step is explained to ensure understanding of the underlying reasoning.
Extended Examples
Advanced examples demonstrate the application of concepts to complex problems. These examples go beyond standard exam questions to develop deeper understanding.
Research Connections
This material connects to current research and advanced applications in the field. Understanding these connections provides context for the study material.
Prerequisites
Ensure you have mastered the prerequisite material before attempting this advanced content.
Advanced Content
This section provides detailed coverage of advanced concepts, including full derivations, proofs, and extended examples.
Derivations and Proofs
Complete mathematical derivations and proofs are provided where appropriate. Each step is explained to ensure understanding of the underlying reasoning.
Extended Examples
Advanced examples demonstrate the application of concepts to complex problems. These examples go beyond standard exam questions to develop deeper understanding.
Research Connections
This material connects to current research and advanced applications in the field. Understanding these connections provides context for the study material.
Prerequisites
Ensure you have mastered the prerequisite material before attempting this advanced content.
Advanced Content
This section provides detailed coverage of advanced concepts, including full derivations, proofs, and extended examples.
Derivations and Proofs
Complete mathematical derivations and proofs are provided where appropriate. Each step is explained to ensure understanding of the underlying reasoning.
Extended Examples
Advanced examples demonstrate the application of concepts to complex problems. These examples go beyond standard exam questions to develop deeper understanding.
Research Connections
This material connects to current research and advanced applications in the field. Understanding these connections provides context for the study material.
Prerequisites
Ensure you have mastered the prerequisite material before attempting this advanced content.
Advanced Content
This section provides detailed coverage of advanced concepts, including full derivations, proofs, and extended examples.
Derivations and Proofs
Complete mathematical derivations and proofs are provided where appropriate. Each step is explained to ensure understanding of the underlying reasoning.
Extended Examples
Advanced examples demonstrate the application of concepts to complex problems. These examples go beyond standard exam questions to develop deeper understanding.
Research Connections
This material connects to current research and advanced applications in the field. Understanding these connections provides context for the study material.
Prerequisites
Ensure you have mastered the prerequisite material before attempting this advanced content.
Advanced Content
This section provides detailed coverage of advanced concepts, including full derivations, proofs, and extended examples.
Derivations and Proofs
Complete mathematical derivations and proofs are provided where appropriate. Each step is explained to ensure understanding of the underlying reasoning.
Extended Examples
Advanced examples demonstrate the application of concepts to complex problems. These examples go beyond standard exam questions to develop deeper understanding.
Research Connections
This material connects to current research and advanced applications in the field. Understanding these connections provides context for the study material.
Prerequisites
Ensure you have mastered the prerequisite material before attempting this advanced content.
Advanced Content
This section provides detailed coverage of advanced concepts, including full derivations, proofs, and extended examples.
Derivations and Proofs
Complete mathematical derivations and proofs are provided where appropriate. Each step is explained to ensure understanding of the underlying reasoning.
Extended Examples
Advanced examples demonstrate the application of concepts to complex problems. These examples go beyond standard exam questions to develop deeper understanding.
Research Connections
This material connects to current research and advanced applications in the field. Understanding these connections provides context for the study material.
Prerequisites
Ensure you have mastered the prerequisite material before attempting this advanced content.
Advanced Content
This section provides detailed coverage of advanced concepts, including full derivations, proofs, and extended examples.
Derivations and Proofs
Complete mathematical derivations and proofs are provided where appropriate. Each step is explained to ensure understanding of the underlying reasoning.
Extended Examples
Advanced examples demonstrate the application of concepts to complex problems. These examples go beyond standard exam questions to develop deeper understanding.
Research Connections
This material connects to current research and advanced applications in the field. Understanding these connections provides context for the study material.
Prerequisites
Ensure you have mastered the prerequisite material before attempting this advanced content.