QIKJS-Part.III.F Qualitative Inquiry of Korean Judicial System Kiyoung Kim Professor of Law and Public Policy Dept. of Law, Chosun University Gawng-ju South Korea Hello Esayas, I have enjoyed reading your post. Your description between unstructured and structured approaches emanates the impression between a clown and giant. A clown perhaps would be more productive with the convivial development of the fields and emerging ideas. They could be flat that would highly be advantageous to observe closely and convivially. They are small that they biologically could be vigorous to receive. They could be more attributed to appreciate the emerging ideas given their standard only could be fulfilled if to become a giant, yet to be completed. They would not begin with the works of giant or theory, but are hoped to become a giant in the end. It seems likely be same as a tunnel vision, and I suppose that it is one characteristic that the researchers have to be a chameleon with the dual faces, who must be switched among another in the event. It is ironic, but interesting on the other hand, that such personality is gauged by the audience often on the medical standard. You mentioned that you did not use the GT approach. Given the GT approach is ultimately for the generation of theory, how will your point of aesthetics be emerged other than generation of theory? Respectfully. Author: Esayas Araya Date: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 3:24:12 PM EST Subject: RE: Discussion Week 5 Debating Structured vs. Unstructured Methods It seems that many aspect of qualitative research approach gives discretion to the researchers. The searcher designs are not limited and they are dependent of the context and personals preference of the researchers (Maxwell, 2005; Patton, 2015). The same is true to the issue of structured and unstructured research design. The debate between structured and unstructured approaches presupposed the importance and existence ad importance of design in qualitative research. Structured approach means havening pre structured design before starting the research, while unstructured approach means starting the research without having restructured design and waiting for the emergence of structure form the process. If a 2 researcher has a structured design, he will be able to work within a limited time and foreseen setting. The disadvantage of restructured design is the researcher might be bounded by his design and could lost emerging ideas. On the other hand, unstructured approach gives the researcher an opportunity to be flexible and adoptable. However, the researcher could be against schedule and resources by trying to adopt every emerging idea (Maxwell, 2005; Huberman and Saldana, 2014). Miles, Huberman and Saldana (2014), advised in most cases the pre-structured approach and Maxwell (2005) agreed with them. However, they advocated the unstructured approach when the following threes conditions are there. These are: if the study is fully inductive (grounded theory), if the researcher is experienced and if the researcher has enough time (Miles, Huberman and Saldana (2014). Thus, because my design is not grounded theory; I am not experienced researchers and my time is limited I opt for structured approach. However, I will make my design somehow flexible and open to emerging vital ideas. References Maxwell, J. A. (2005). Applied Social Research Methods Series: Vol. 41. Qualitative research design: An interactive approach (2nd ed.), pp. 53 & 92. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldana, J.(2014). Qualitative data analysis: A Methods sourcebook (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative research & evaluation methods (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Hi Esayas, Nice posting. Briefly, a structured method will give you greater control as well as reliability however, is there any concern that you may not be able to capture specific details considering the limited responses that the participants will provide? The closed questions will provide you with quantitative data and not a great deal of text. How will you incorporate this into your study? Regard, Roberta Hi Roberta, 3 Thank your comment and your questions. Having in my mind my work load, time limit and limited experiences on the qualitative research, I will use the structured approach. However, as you mentioned it, the structured approach might limit my ability to get enough data and to make a more valid concussion. Therefore, I have to give some chance to the flexibility and opens, which means I will use the structured approach in flexible way. Thank you Hi Esayas, A well-developed understanding of a topic allows researchers to create a highly structured interview guide or questionnaire that provides respondents with relevant, meaningful and appropriate response categories to choose from for each question. Structured interviews are, therefore, best used when the literature in a topical area is highly developed or following the use of observational and other less structured interviewing approaches that provide the researcher with adequate understanding of a topic to construct meaningful and relevant closeended questions.Thank you for your post. It was informative, you pointed out your intent to use the structured approach, which you deemed more suitable for your study.You mentioned you plan to make you study flexible is that to say you're considering a mixed methods approach? Hello Fields, I have enjoyed reading your post. Your citing seems best describing what the interviewers actually do through his or her interview plan, "people are interviewed when observation actions were not directly viewed." The interviews well prepared and successfully conducted can produce a good empirical data, which allows the researcher to come palpable and be duly exposed to the field. This seems very vital part to evidence the research work on the social basis, hence, called social science. Actually the most desired way of data collection is to go back into the time and place of observation actions by means of time machine, which is practically impossible, however. The only way feasible would be to interview the knowledgeable or experienced person to collect the needed information. In this purview, we learn that the general issues of interviewing, such as validity and integrity or ethics, would pose challenges, and that e-mail interview, videotaped evidence or other types of data can have strengths and weaknesses respectively. If you are a researcher dealing with the second world war, how do you prefer between the interviewing of senior veterans and photos or even old documentary films? Do you consider the interviewing of senior veterans still is indispensable although the photos or films are most precise, since you need to construct the story with such oral evidence? Respectfully. 4 Author: Rarkimm Fields Date: Wednesday, January 6, 2016 10:52:45 PM EST Subject: Rarkimm Fields Initial Discussion Post Post by day 3 A response of 3 paragraphs assessing the strengths and weaknesses of different interviewing situations. When investigators put together their qualitative research design data collection methods that includes qualitative interviewing must be consistent with strategy of inquiry applied. Therefore, assessing the strengths and weaknesses of different interview situations is imperative for a qualitative researcher. That is to say, variations in qualitative interviewing must be examined to ensure the validity and integrity of research being conducted. Patton (2002) states that " people are interviewed when observation actions were not directly viewed" (Patton, 2002). Under those circumstances, establishing and formatting interview questions to support interview approach is highly recommended. According to Patton (2002) there are three basic approaches to collecting qualitative data through open-ended interviews (Patton, 2002, p.342). These approaches include but are not limited to the general interview, standardized open-ended interview, and the informal conversational interview. With this in mind, the researcher must understand that each approach has different conceptulalization, preparation, and instrumentation to attain the desired feedback. Providing that, a strength of the informal conversational approach is its supports unstructured qualitative methods because it is the most open-ended approach in qualitative interviewing. Yet, a key weakness of the approach is the amount of time required to collect information systematically (Patton, 2002). An experienced researcher is more likely to utilize this interview method. Whereas, a strength of the general interview (guide) focuses on the how to best utilize interview situation that can be limited. Which is consistent with my epistemology and ethnography research inquiry while supporting my structured approach and highlighting my individual experiences and perspectives. Reference Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative research and evaluation methods (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc. Hello Wissam Thank you for the informative post. I suppose that the interview data would be valuable to ground the qualitative research by means of participants, uniquely tangible through so-called society or social science. As you noted, technological advancement allows a variety of 5 interviews, which would expose different interview situations with a different effect. I consider if the factors to select any one alternative would be many, such as expense, number of interviewees, technical availability, quality of interview questions and so. Unless the issues investigated are less known or entirely new area without prior research, it seems not inadequate to use mail or e-mail interviews since the interviewees may be more personally composed or well articulated with the questions or issues. In this case, the body language or social signal available with the face-to-face or updated phone arrangement would less be consequential in terms of extracting pertinent or useful information. In some cases, the interview result can be redundant within the public website or other open sources if the research topic of prior researchers would be same or similar with that of researcher. Often research ethics advises that the already made data has to be preferred and new data collection shall be discouraged. What type of interview will be used in your qualitative research? How do you consider if the already made interview data differs fundamentally from the quantitative data so that the advice of research ethics or IRB is not adequate to in-depth interview other than statistical or quantitative data? Respectfully. Author: Wissam El-Haybi Date: Wednesday, January 6, 2016 4:48:45 PM EST Subject: RE: Discussion Week 6 Main Post Question Main Post Question Interviewing Situations Wissam A. El-Haybi Walden University An interview is a gathering of two or more people to exchange data and thoughts through questions and responses, ensuing in a discussion about a specific topic (Janesick, 2011). Interviewing intends to invite the participants to supply as much data as possible that support in developing and leading the study further. According to Patton (2015) an interview is an interaction, a relationship between the interviewer and the interviewee. The interviewer plays a vital role in carrying out the interview. The interviewer's skills and experiences affect the quality of the interviewee's responses (Patton, 2015). Diverse interviewing techniques include face-to-face, telephone, video conference, mail interviews... Face-to-face interviews provide many advantages over other data collection methods. Face-to-face interviews enable the interviewee to gather accurate responses through examining the interviewee body language, behaviors, and emotion. Furthermore, the interviewer keeps the interviewee focused and on track to completion. The interviewee may obtain more thorough response or information through providing further clarifications to interviewee. The researcher will be certain about who is responding to the questions. 6 Mann and Stewart (2000) consider that telephone interviews have advantages in extending access to interviewees. Through telephone interviewing, people from all over the world can be interviewed whereas face to face interviews are limited. Telephone interviews help in reaching participants that cannot be reached through face to face interviews. Telephone interviews reduce the social signals. The interviewer is enabled to see the interviewee body language and behaviors as in face to face interviews. In addition through telephone interviews, the interviewer does not perceive the situation in which the interviewee is situated. On the other hand, the interviewer can make more use of the standardization of the situation. E-mail interviews as telephone interviews are vital in interviewing participants that could not be easily accessed. Unlike face-to –face interviews, e-mail interviews provide a limited register for communication and interaction. E-mail interviews reduce the social cues, interaction, and communication between the interviewers and the interviewees. Using the email interviews technique permit the interviewee to take his or her time in formulating the responses accurately. In addition, the interviewers can answer the questions at their convenience. References Janesick, V. J. (2011). "Stretching" Exercises for Qualitative Researchers. Sage Publications. Mann, C. & Stewart, F. (2000). Internet communication and qualitative research. London: Sage Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative research and evaluation methods (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc. Hello Greta, Thank you for the informative post. In-person, video conference and phone interview seem to have strengths especially for the body language or circumstantial senses from the interviewee. It would be very strong if the researcher is skillful with the markers or other ways to register and develop the field data, such as journal writing or use of researcher identity memos and the kind. It is, however, to be noted that the interview data is not information themselves, but needs to be translated or interpreted into such that will be incorporated into the story. In this context, I suppose that the use of e-mail interview can also have a competitive advantage depending on the circumstances the researcher faces with. One advantage would be more time generous and ways flexible from the possibly strained face to face interview. In other words, a wise use of e-mail interview with enthusiastic participants can allow reaping rich and dense data, no bias through the transcription process, and on. The 7 weaknesses might arise if it is an insipid process with the written exchange, no ritualistic moment with the participants or when involved with the interviewees of illiteracy. The validity may be challenging if the response can possibly be more artificial, hypocrite and even feigned in case of complicated or personally affected issues. If there is no way to ensure its authenticity as differs from the court procedure, I suppose that its use may need a serious consideration in terms of its service and effect. How do you plan to use it or synchronous chat in your qualitative research? Respectfully. Author: Greta Holmstrom Date: Wednesday, January 6, 2016 9:14:34 PM EST Subject: RE: Discussion Week 6 Main Discussion Post – Greta Holmstrom Beyond in-person interviews, alternative ways of collecting data can include interviews over the phone, by video conference, via email, and by synchronous chat. Each has strengths and weaknesses. A strength of each would be the potential ability to collect data from a larger group. Interview techniques that include spoken word can help the researcher to pick up on clues for follow-up questions. Patton (2015) calls these markers. The interviewee may make a side comment or other verbal clue that can be noted by the researcher for follow-up. Interviews conducted over the phone and by video conference would allow for this. Patton (2015) notes that it is important to pay attention to process feedback during the interview. Based on reactions from the interviewee, the interviewer can adjust the interview accordingly to maintain flow of communication. Interviews conducted over the phone would be limited to verbal feedback. Interviews by video conference may provide more opportunity for feedback. Interviews conducted by email or by synchronous chat might be limited in feedback. High-quality and relevant responses are obtained when the interviewer provides support and reinforcement to the interviewee (Patton, 2015). For example, thanking the interviewee or encouraging their continued participation. During phone, video conference and synchronous chat interviews, this support and reinforcement could be provided. It would be difficult to provide via email. The interviewer needs to maintain control of the interview – preventing irrelevant responses, digressions, etc. (Patton, 2015). This requires asking follow-up questions when the interviewee does not provide the response needed. Interviews over the phone, video conference and synchronous chat could maintain control. Control over email would be difficult, requiring the commitment of the interviewee to continued participation once the email response was sent. 8 Despite the limitations of email interviews highlighted above, some research encourages its use. McCoyd and Kerson (2006) indicate that email empowers the interviewee to tell their story by allowing them to reflect and edit responses. This could also take place in a synchronous chat if no time limit were placed on the interview. References McCoyd, J. L. M. and Kerson, T., S. (2006). Conducting intensive interviews using email: a serendipitous comparative opportunity. Qualitative Social Work 5(389). doi: 10.1177/1473325006067367 Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative research and evaluation methods (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc. Hello Iberkis, Thank you for the great post. Through your ways to deal with the research purpose, I realized that the qualitative researcher should be constantly immersed into the kind of work process on data, analysis, literature review, and emerging ideas. It is surprising that you do audio books during the commuting hours. It is lesson-some to use a small pad where the researcher can write important words or pages. I once felt that the important data just passed away without a due recording. I may have lately hurried to take a memo relying on feeble memory, which would not be complete or inaccurate to alert me. Many computer software programs seem helpful to perfect the qualitative research. Given you began on your topic, you likely look if your soon write the chapters or something to be incorporated into a write-up. You seem an avid proponent of software program for the qualitative studies. Especially in your final write-up stage, in what ways the NVivo or EndNotes will be advantageous than the simple hand-on dissertators? Respectfully. Author: Iberkis Faltas Date: Thursday, January 14, 2016 9:49:07 PM EST Subject: RE: Discussion Week 7 Main Post: Rudestam and Newton (2015) recommended to develop a system of indexing your job and cataloging your readings accordingly to your topic. I don't have an specific citation for the following statements, however, throughout my Walden's course work, some of the recommendations I remember provided by the instructor and the many materials in class was to let your literature guide your research and organize it as you found the gaps related to your topic. 9 Some of the organizing techniques that I am currently using include two software: EndNotes and NVivo. EndNotes is a great software because EndNotes not only allow me to organize my literature, it organize my references, it is linked to my word documents, and I can organized as I write. In addition, EndNotes transfer your notes, highlights, and references directly into NVivo. I also have a word document where I write my literature review accordingly to the literature review rubric. There, I write notes, citations, and questions that I would like to answer on my dissertation study depending on the literature. In addition, I am also using the HAT to document all the changes, new ideas, and the reason why I am adding the changes. I also take notes as I read. I do audio books because I commute. So, I carry an small pad where I write important words or pages, or chapter that I would like to review in a later time. One strategy that I started (yesterday) was to write the topic that I want to include in my dissertation study; under the topic, I am writing the reference authors and annotating the years and specific notes in reference to that particular topic. I am thinking it will be easier to go back to that specific author when I have to reference or clarify some information during literature review or the actual analysis of my dissertation process. Rudestam and Newton (2015) also recommends to "Use an ample number of subheadings in your review of the literature to maintain organization and flow" (p-93). Iberkis Rudestam, K. E., & Newton, R. R. (2015). Surviving Your Dissertation. (4th Ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications. Author: Russell Granderson Date: Wednesday, January 13, 2016 10:25:39 PM EST Subject: RE: Discussion Week 7 Hello Russell, Thank you for the informative post. Your view about the proper use of more capable software besides the fundamental ability of Microsoft Word or Excel seems very recommendable that the project actually yields a variety type of data and myriad number of field notes, transcripts, and jottings. I have once exploited my e-mail account for the purpose of storing the data and journal writings. It is indeed one of safe places to keep them so as not to be lost or damaged. The social website for the researchers, such as Researchgate.net, SSRN, or Academia.edu also is some good place to keep the writing intact, but generally required of some complete form of working paper. That would be my hunch to recommend if the data or writing can be qualified to communicate with peer researchers. Such websites can even be useful to share the information and exchange the ideas or receive suggestions. Nevertheless, they could not allow such function to facilitate or develop the qualitative inquiries in progress, which would be uniquely serviced by CAQDAS. MAXQDA, one software program for the qualitative 10 inquirers, has a utility that offers service to share the research progress with the teams or advisors. How do you plan to collaborate with the experts or advisors in completing your dissertation? Do you solely work to the end of your dissertation? Respectfully. Russell Granderson Week 7 Initial Discussion A successful endeavor in qualitative analysis is strongly dependent upon how data is organized during the research process (Miles et al., 2014, p. 46). Since researchers commonly use multiple forms of documentation during the course of inquiry the ability to store, retrieve, and analyze data when necessary is essential. Even the organization of memos can play a significant role in the overall outcome of an inquiry when information is stored properly. In qualitative inquiry, the ability to store, retrieve, and subsequently analyze data is imperative. Miles, Huberman, and Saldana (2014) highly recommend products that surpass the fundamental ability of Microsoft Word and Excel to more capable software such as computer assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS). CAQDAS allows users to assign chunks of data through graphics, record operations for documentation, and test hypothesis and hunches (p. 48). Even the management of memos can play a significant role in the overall outcome of a study when information is stored properly. Creswell (2012, p. 3376) espoused the use of computers to store the myriad number of field notes, transcripts, and jottings. Creswell (p. 3384) further suggested to maintain a backup copy of computer files, use high quality tape during interviews, keep a master list of information gathered, and develop a data collection matrix. References: Creswell, J. W. (2013). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five Approaches (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc. Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldana, J.(2014). Qualitative data analysis: A Methods Sourcebook (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Pp. 45-52, 124-128 Hello Curt, 11 I have enjoyed reading your post. Data overload and data loss certainly would be the major problems by which the qualitative researcher was challenged (Kim, 2015a,b,c,d,e). We likely seem generally agreed on the use of software programs as highly recommendable. As Dr. Birdsall commented, however, the skills of researcher to use them competently also have to be stressed, such as development of matrices and networks. I suppose that an organized endeavor on those two strategies could well guarantee the successful completion of research. Importantly, the data and records can be tracked later for further development of subsequent studies. As Esayas viewed, the software programs could not be a replacement or representation of researcher in sense, but would be quite a bit good secretary even without incurring an interpersonal lapse. What skills or strategies will you advise of the ethnographers, who successfully generate millions of words into a book or article that thrust scholarly meanings? In other way, what point do you think most important to deal with data overload? Respectfully. Author: CURT BROWN Date: Friday, January 8, 2016 5:17:52 PM EST Subject: RE: Discussion Week 7 BROWN CURT MAIN POST Organizing and Documenting the Qualitative Research Process According to Margarian (2014) many organizations and researchers do not like the practice of large scale storage of research data. A common scenario exists when it becomes difficult for the researcher to trace research data previously collected which consequently leads to inefficiencies within the research process (Margarian, 2014). This scenario at times can be attributed to improper organizing and storage of research data. According to Johnson Dunlap and Benoit (2010) qualitative research leads to the creation of mountains of words, Johnson et al. make the point that the smallest of qualitative inquiries generates thousands of words. For example major ethnographic inquiries (Johnson et al., 2010) generate millions of words. Johnson et al. reveal that recent improvements in the field of computer technology and software has made the process of organizing and tracking data much easier. A challenge posed by qualitative inquiries is that data collected for analysis is not most times structured (Johnson et al., 2010). Miles, Huberman and Saldana (2014) recommend some strategies for organizing and documenting qualitative research process as well as tracking data collected and analyzed. Two strategies recommended by Miles et al. are the use of matrices and networks. The matrices must have defined rows and columns. The networks are illustrated by a series of nodes with links (lines and arrows between them). Janestick (1998) also suggests that researchers keep a journal to monitors their actions and thought during the qualitative 12 research process. In my view these strategies represent useful ideas for researchers to ensure that they successfully complete qualitative studies. References Janestick, V.J. (1998). Journal Writing as a Qualitative Research Technique. Retrieved from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED420702.pdf Johnson, B.D., Dunlap E. & Benoit, E. (2010). Structured Qualitative Research: Organizing "Mountains of Words" for Data Analysis, both Qualitative and Quantitative Vol 45. Issue No. (5): 648–670. Doi: 10.3109/10826081003594757 Kim, Kiyoung, An Attempt on the Methodological Composure: Between the Number and Understanding, Nature and Construction (December 12, 2015a). K. Kim, An Attempt on the Methodological Composure: Between the Number and Understanding, Nature and Construction, Chosun University, 2015. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2702701 Kim, Kiyoung and Ju, Hyun-Meong and Khatun, Marium, A Reflection on the Research Method and Exemplary Application to the College and University Rankings (October 23, 2015b). Kiyoung Kim, Hyun-Meong Ju, Marium Khatun. A Reflection on the Research Method and Exemplary Application to the College and University Rankings. Education Journal. Vol. 4, No. 5, 2015, pp. 250-262. doi: 10.11648/j.edu.20150405.23. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2686045 Kim, Kiyoung, Concerning the Research and Science (April 10, 2015c). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2592858 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2592858 Kim, Kiyoung, On the Method: Quantitative Reasonsing and Social Science (April 17, 2015d). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2595633 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2595633 Kim, Kiyoung, The Research Design and Methodologidal Deliberation (December 23, 2015e). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3305760 Margarian, A. (2014). One Bird in the Hand. The Local Organization of Surveys and Qualitative Data. Volume 15, No. 3, Art. 13. Retrieved from http://www.qualitativeresearch.net/index.php/fqs/article/download/2160/3707. Miles, M.B., A. M. Huberman & Saldana, J. (2014). Qualitative Data Analysis: A Methods Sourcebook. Third edition. Retrieved from http://www.theculturelab.umd.edu/uploads/1/4/2/2/14225661/miles-hubermansaldana-designing-matrix-and-network-displays.pdf 13 RE: Discussion Week 7 BROWN CURT MAIN POST You and Greta make an excellent point below. Software is just a tool. It takes someone skilled in using that tool to complete the analysis. RE: Discussion Week 7 BROWN CURT MAIN POST Hello Curt, Thank you for your post. Some of the problems in relation to qualitative data as you mentioned are related to bulkiness of data, data structure (Creswell, 2013). Basically, the threats a qualitative research might face related to data overload and data lose (Creswell, 2013). Thus, software packages are there not to represent the researcher but to help him to avoid or minimizes the problems. Some software packages such as Nnivo are capable even to store data (Bazeley, & Jackson, 2013); so do you have is any software of your preference so far? If yes why? Thank you, References Bazeley, P. & Jackson, K (2013), Qualitative Data Analysis with NVivo( 2nd Ed.). London: Sage Publications, Ltd Creswell, J. W. (2012). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. Washington: D.C., Sage.