Application: Qualitative Field Research Methods, writing homework help

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Application: Qualitative Field Research Methods

One
of the most famous examples of qualitative field research is that
conducted by cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead. In the 1920s, Mead
lived amongst a group of Samoans on the island Ta’u and studied that
culture’s rites of passage, transitions, and attitudes concerning the
transition to adulthood. This work is an example of one type of
qualitative field research called participant observation.

There are four main types of qualitative field research, each of which
has strengths and limitations and situations for which each would be
more or less appropriate. These types include participant observation,
systematic observation, intensive interviewing, and focus groups. What
they all have in common is the goal of understanding the thoughts,
feelings, and experiences of individuals in a given setting. They all
position researchers as close as possible to the subjects, in order to
gain access and collect personal experiences. Researchers collect data
in the form of texts and descriptions of behaviors and actions or
practices, which may subsequently be coded and analyzed for meaningful
interpretation.

For this Application Assignment, explore the
four main methods of qualitative field research and consider why
participant observation is archetypal. Then consider the strengths and
limitations of each type of qualitative field research method.

The assignment (2–3 pages):

  • Describe the four main methods of qualitative field research.
  • Explain why participant observation is considered archetypal.
  • Lastly,
    explain strengths and limitations of participant observation compared
    to the other types of qualitative field research methods.

Support
your Application Assignment with specific references to all resources
used in its preparation. You are to provide a reference list for all
resources, including those in the Learning Resources for this course.