Collecting Data
There are three main sources of data in qualitative research: (1) in-depth in-
terviews, (2) direct observation, and (3) artifacts such as written documents,
photographs, and physical objects. Each of these sources of data provides rich
information for researchers. The data come from fieldwork, which is a term used
to describe the time researchers spend interacting with participants through
interviews, observations, and sessions during which detailed records are cre-
ated. These records include field notes, methodological logs, and reflective
journals. Field notes include notations made before, during, and after contacts
with participants to record observations about such details as the participant’s
mood, environment, and others in the setting. Methodological logs are used
to document the researcher’s decisions about the study, such as changing an
interview question or coding data. Researchers also use a reflective journal
to record personal feelings and insights as studies progress. These records
are important mechanisms for keeping the researcher true to the data. The
researcher must continually refer back to the data in these records as analysis
and interpretation progress.
The interview is often the key source of data in qualitative research. Gener-
ally, interview questions are open ended, allowing the participant to respond
freely and provide the most information possible. The researcher may use an
unstructured interview and then follow up with questions as the informant
leads. However, most researchers compile a set of questions that arise from the
literature review or previous interviews, and these questions guide the discus-
sion with interview participants. The skill of the researcher as an interviewer is
important in qualitative research. A common saying is “in qualitative inquiry
the researcher is the instrument” (Patton, 1990, p. 14). This means that the
qualitative researcher should be skilled in the art of communication and be
able to pick up on key words, phrases, thoughts, or ideas informants mention
during the interview. Researchers use themselves as tools to solicit information
from key informants to obtain the most accurate and useful data for the study.
Researchers should avoid common pitfalls of qualitative research (Easton,
McComish, & Greenberg, 2000). They should pay attention to seemingly simple
details such as bringing backup batteries for the tape recorder, having plenty
of space on the video recorder to complete an interview that runs longer than
expected, being sure there is a power source available if using electricity, and
the like. A quiet place where the interview can be conducted without inter-
ruption is essential. The investigators must anticipate every problem and have
a plan in place. The normal interruptions of daily life make it difficult enough
to conduct an interview, even without common problems interfering.
Recruiting volunteers who are willing to be interviewed can present a chal-
lenge. Nurse scientists may find participants by advertising in newspapers orKEY TERM
fieldwork: The
time researchers
spend interacting
with participants
through interviews,
observations, and
detailed records224 CHAPTER 9 Qualitative Designs: Using Words to Provide Evidence