The Qualitative Research Web Page

Traditional role for a quantitative researcher is to be nonexistent - ideal is that participant act exactly as they would if you weren't present.

Qualitative research says document such differences, explicate them. Difficult to get their views without interacting.

(Non-role can be threatening - kid asked me if I was a spy for FBI, because he had no idea why I was there.)

Researcher is an instrument in qualitative research - I gather the data. Those reading report need to know about the instrument, so you need to describe relevant aspects of self, your biases and assumptions, expectations, relevant history. Also keep track of personal reactions, insights into self and past, in a separate journal - personal notes.

emic = an insider, become full participant in activity, helps minimize distinction/difference between researcher and participants.

etic = an outside view, A fly on the wall. Lots of variations in between, can vary role within a study - start as outsider and move to membership. Or change to outsider role at end to verify hypothesis generated as a participant.

Again, this can vary from phase to phase (friend role and student role - good for interview).

You negotiate roles - ongoing, not once for all time. You either conform to role expectations, or you don't - if don't conform, participants tend to make a different role.

You don't always get the role you want. I asked students after study nearly complete - they saw me as friend and teacher (worked hard to avoid latter role- but I asked questions).

Initial entry is via gatekeepers - those that control access. But that may make it difficult to assume positive role - they can see you as spy for powerful people (and powerful gatekeepers can expectreports - easy to compromise role).

Often access to site is very different than access to participants - some aren't very verbal or trusting. May need a key informant - able to speak for many people. Sometimes people most willing to participate don't represent many others. They are ostracized and looking for friend, but can hinder you if goal is to study group as a whole.

Often early in study you "muck around" - just hang around. Sometimes called "mapping" phase - study environment instead of people (until they get used to you). May literally map environment - study physical situation in great detail. Video helps [try this here and now].