Module 9: Qualitative Data Collection

Field Research Challenges and Ethics Evaluation

1. Read Speckhard’s article “Research challenges involved in field research and interviews regarding the militant jihad, extremism, and suicide terrorism.” In 300-500 words, outline at least three research challenges that she identifies, and the solutions that she suggests. Which challenges would you find most problematic and why? What ethical issues do you feel are raised by this type of research? In your response, use at least two terms covered in the module (readings and/or videos) and be sure that all terminology is used correctly. Proofread carefully.
2. Post your response in your Learning Activity Discussion Board.
3. Provide a constructive response to at least one of your fellow group members’ posts. A constructive response is one that (a) uses supportive language to (b) identify for the author an area in which the work can be strengthened. For example, it may identify an issue where the wording is unclear or a point where terminology is used incorrectly, or suggest ideas for examples or ways to strengthen the argument, or let the author know of questions that the work raised for them. A constructive response goes beyond ‘I agree’ or ‘that is interesting’ to assist the author in improving the work. It should provide feedback that is intended to assist the author of the learning activity in improving their work.

Speckhard, A. 2009. “Research challenges involved in field research and interviews regarding the militant jihad, extremism, and suicide terrorism.” Democracy and Security 5: 199–222.

Reminder: At the end of Module 12, you are required to select one learning activity for submission from Modules 9-12. You can use the feedback that you receive in the group forum to revise your selected learning activity prior to submission.

data saturation the point at which interviews no longer provide a researcher with new relevant information.

discourse analysis a qualitative approach to analyzing texts that focuses on the meanings reflected in and created by discourses.

discourses sets of ideas, images, symbols, and messages that, taken together, articulate a particular version of events.

field notes detailed descriptions of events observed during observation research.

frames patterns of selection, emphasis, and presentation that draw on familiar myths, themes, or cultural values to organize discourses.

hard-to-reach population a population that is difficult for researchers to identify and/or that is less likely to participate in research studies than others.

Hawthorne effect a phenomenon that occurs when subjects under observation alter their behaviour because of the researcher’s presence.

interview framework a written list of questions that the interviewer intends to ask the respondent.

observation research a research design in which the researcher observes actual behaviour; also known as field research or ethnography.

observation schedule a checklist for recording behaviour in observation research.

obtrusive observation research observation research in which the subjects are aware that they are being observed.

participant observation an unobtrusive observation research design in which the researcher becomes part of the community under observation.

unobtrusive observation research observation research in which the subjects are unaware that they are being observed.

Note: Unless otherwise stated, glossary source is Berdahl, Loleen and Keith Archer. 2015. Explorations: Conducting Empirical Research in Canadian Political Science (Third Edition). Oxford University Press.