Theory and Methods Topic 2
Questions answered below:
Outline and explain two ethical problems often associated with qualitative methods. (10
mark)
Evaluate the interpretivist claim that qualitative research methods are the most appropriate
ones for the study of science (20 marks)
Teaser:
Outline and explain two ethical problems often associated with qualitative methods. (10
mark)
One ethical problem associated with qualitative research methods is privacy.
Qualitative research methods such as unstructured interviews often involve probing the
client for more information and details to gain an insight into the full meaning of the situation.
This idea of probing can cause ‘psychological harm’ to an individual where sensitive topics
(for example domestic abuse) may arise causing a client to relive trauma. This idea is
potentially harmful because if the interviewer is not trained sufficiently to discuss certain
topics it can cause long-term harm to the client as well as produce invalid data if the
interviewee feels overwhelmed and pressured. Feminist such as Oakley claim that taking
such a personal approach and developing a rapport can prevent difficult issues that arise
where the client feels safe and comfortable to express their thoughts. Pawson argues there
is nothing distinctive about her approach.
Another ethical problem associated…
Questions answered below:
Outline and explain two ethical problems often associated with qualitative methods. (10
mark)
Evaluate the interpretivist claim that qualitative research methods are the most appropriate
ones for the study of science (20 marks)
Teaser:
Outline and explain two ethical problems often associated with qualitative methods. (10
mark)
One ethical problem associated with qualitative research methods is privacy.
Qualitative research methods such as unstructured interviews often involve probing the
client for more information and details to gain an insight into the full meaning of the situation.
This idea of probing can cause ‘psychological harm’ to an individual where sensitive topics
(for example domestic abuse) may arise causing a client to relive trauma. This idea is
potentially harmful because if the interviewer is not trained sufficiently to discuss certain
topics it can cause long-term harm to the client as well as produce invalid data if the
interviewee feels overwhelmed and pressured. Feminist such as Oakley claim that taking
such a personal approach and developing a rapport can prevent difficult issues that arise
where the client feels safe and comfortable to express their thoughts. Pawson argues there
is nothing distinctive about her approach.
Another ethical problem associated…
