Qualitative Research : In-Dept Interviews, Focus Group Discussion and Observation Approach Method

 Chapter 1

Introduction

Qualitative research is a method in focus, involving an interpretative, naturalistic approach to its subject matter. In this paper we will explain the similarities and the differences of In-Depth Interviews, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), and Observation approach method.

Key words: Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research, In-Dept Interviews, Focus Group Discussion, Observation

Chapter 2

Qualitative Research versus Quantitative

We know two research methods that can be used in research specifically in researches in the social sciences, namely quantitative research methods and qualitative research methods. These two research methods have some differences, (Basri, 2014) quoted Tailor in the journal to explain several things that distinguish the two as follows:

 

Figure 2.1

No	Quantitative	Qualitative
01	Adequate sample, based on the theory of "central limit theorem" (data is considered normal).	The sample is small, not representative of the population and idiosyncratic, i.e. unique and individual.
02	Literature review at the beginning of the study	Literature review at the end of the study
03	Data is collected through instruments based on predetermined variables.	Emphasizes organizing, coordinating, and synthesizing large amounts of data.
04	Objective control over replication and reliable biases.	It is subjective on individual data and value content.
05	Deductive	Inductive
06	Testing the theory	Developing a theory
07	Draw conclusions based on data output orientation	Develop value and data-driven conclusions, process-oriented
08	Explanation obtained from the interpretation of numerical data	Complex and rich experience (contained), regardless of numerical data
09	Reliability and validity are known	Reliability and validity are unknown
10	Standard measurement devices	Non-standard measurement devices
11	Intervention, no participant involvement	Participant engagement
12	Follow the scientific method by using HO+ HA to accept, reject, prove, or not accept hypotheses.	Do not follow the steps of the scientific method, looking for meaning and substance.
13	Numeric data	Narrative data – words to describe complexity
14	Using a wide variety of instrument variations	In principle, using observation and interview
15	Assuming a stable (static) reality	Assuming dynamic reality
16	Verification-oriented	Discovery-oriented
17	Analyzing social reality through variables	Carry out holistic observations of total context in social events
18	Using statistical methods to analyze data	Use induction analysis to analyze data
19	Study the population or sample that represents the population	Case studies

While from several other sources the author gets the difference between the two as follows:

Figure 2.2

Source: Qualitative vs Quantitative Data: Analysis, Definitions, Examples (intellspot.com)

The determination of the research method used in a research basically depends on the paradigm underlying the study. (Positivist, Interpretive, Classical). But some of the explanations above can help more detail how the nature of our research, objective (what is the research question) etc., related to what research methods are used.

Chapter 3

Qualitative Research

Qualitative Researchers study “things” (people and their thoughts) in their natural settings, attempting to make sense of, or interpret, phenomena in terms of the meanings people bring to them (Nurhajati, 2022)

Specifically, for qualitative research, there are some characteristic to do qualitative research. (Creswell, 2007) mentioned several characteristics of good qualitative research, including:

a. Researchers use the procedure of obtaining the right data.

b. Researchers limit research within the assumptions and characteristics of qualitative approaches.

c. Researchers use qualitative approaches in their research.

d. Researchers begin the study with one focus.

e. Research contains detailed methods, appropriate approaches in data collection, data analysis, and report writing.

f. Researchers analyze data using separation analysis in several levels.

g. Researchers write persuasively, so that readers can feel the same experience.

E. Research process with qualitative approach

Data collection in qualitative research can be done through observation, visual analysis, literature studies, and interviews (individual or group) (Gill, Stewart, Treasure, & Chadwick, 2008). (Nurhajati, 2022) define in communication research subject, there are 3 types of qualitative research methods, namely deep interview, focus group discussion and observation.

Focus Group Discussion

Focus group discussion is a technique that researchers use to get needed information or that will support the purpose of research by collecting several individuals as a source of information in a group. Information or conclusions are obtained through a group discussion process led by a discussion leader (researcher) in the group by discussing a predetermined topic and within a mutually agreed time. Focus group discussion activities usually consist of 8-12 people who generally have similar backgrounds and experiences related to the research subject. In this discussion forum activity, each discussion participant can freely express opinions, ideas. Therefore, this forum is used by researchers to get views, perceptions, beliefs in something related to research that is delivered with an objective of each individual without restriction, without pressure and is an honest output of each person.

Picture 3.1

Source: www.google.com

In-Depth Interview 

It is the way to collect the information in qualitative research method by interviewing the individual personally (one by one) conducted by researchers in order to get information that supports the research. This interview process allows researchers to deeply explore information from individuals about a particular subject related to the research to get their perspective, experience, belief in something related to the research subject.

Picture 3.2

Source: www.google.com

The key characteristics of in-depth interviews are the following, According to (Guion, Diehl, & McDonald, 2011) :

 • Open-ended Questions. Questions need to be worded so that respondents expound on the topic, not just answer “yes” or “no.” Many open-ended questions begin with “why” or “how,” which gives respondents freedom to answer the questions using their own words.

• Semi-structured Format. Although it is important to pre-plan the key questions, the interview should also be conversational, with questions flowing from previous responses when possible. For example, if an interviewee remarks that “The elections are approaching,” an appropriate response would be, “How do you feel about the candidates involved?”

 • Seek Understanding and Interpretation. It is important to use active listening skills to reflect upon what the speaker is saying. The interviewer should try to interpret what is being said and should seek clarity and understanding throughout the interview. 

• Recording Responses. The responses are typically audio-recorded and complemented with written notes (i.e., field notes) by the interviewer. Written notes include observations of both verbal and non-verbal behaviors as they occur, and immediate personal reflections about the interview. In sum, in-depth interviews involve not only asking questions, but systematically recording and documenting the responses to probe for deeper meaning and understanding.

Focus Group Discussion vs In-Depth Interview

These two methods of data collection although both in the form of direct interaction between the researcher and the object of the study, both have some distinguishing characteristics as follows: 

Figure 3.3

Focus Group Discussion	In-Depth Interview
Real-world response Observe commonalities and differences between participants Fluid discovery Brainstorming Showing visuals (logos, etc.) Best when participants are in the same geographic location	Explore more sensitive topics Granular understanding of product being testing Reach a broader audience More detailed answers per question Great when participants are dispersed geographically

Source: https://interq-research.com/focus-groups-vs-in-depth-interviews/

Observation

A way to gather data by watching people, events, or noting physical characteristics in their natural setting. Observations can be overt (subjects know they are being observed) or covert (do not know they are being watched) (Duke University Library, 2022). As the name implies, data collection in this research process is carried out through observation activities on research objects by researchers. Because in the process the researcher as an observer must be among the objects observed then the researcher must be part of the object being examined, the researcher must build a relationship with the respondent. This way the researcher can make more in-depth observations. That is why research with observation is referred to as a participatory study. We can categorize observation activity into some type of observation based on perspective and research involvement as follow:

Picture 3.4

Source: www.Slideshare.com

Chapter 4

Conclusion

Qualitative research method is the most appropriate research method considered as a solution in answering the research question "Why?"  and for the research with the orientation of the research is to determine motivation, perception or belief.  Focus group discussion, in-dept interview and observation is the main method for this research to get the knowledge. These three methods have different ways of obtaining knowledge with different technicalities as described in chapter 4 but have similarities on the epistemological side for example, namely how researchers put themselves against the object of research. As the method is carried out in the qualitative research method of the researcher and the object of research there is no distance, there is a form of interaction, and there is a form of intervention.

References

Basri, H. (2014). Using Qualitative Research in Accounting and Management Studies: Not a New Agenda. Journal of US-China Public Administration. October Vol. 11, 831-838.

Creswell, J. (2007). Qualitative Inquiry & Research Design Choosing Among Five Approaches. California: Sage Publication. 2nd Edition.

Duke University Library. (2022, April 18). Duke University Library. Retrieved from guides.library.duke.edu: https://guides.library.duke.edu/c.php?g=289813&p=1934020

Gill, P., Stewart, K., Treasure, E., & Chadwick, B. (2008). Methods of Data Collection in Qualitative Research:Interviews and Focus Groups. British Dental Journal Volume 204 No.6, DOI:10.1038/bgj/2008.192.

Guion, L. A., Diehl, D. C., & McDonald, D. (2011). Conducting an In-Depth Interview. f the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Florida Cooperative Extension Service.

Nurhajati, L. (2022). Methodlogy of Communication Research. Jakarta: LSPR.