Qualitative Methods in Geography

2.

Designing Qualitative Research

2.1.

Formulating Research Questions

2.1.1.

Identifying Research Problems

2.1.1.1.

Gap Analysis in Literature

2.1.1.2.

Real-world Issues

2.1.1.3.

Theoretical Puzzles

2.1.2.

Moving from Broad Topics to Specific Questions

2.1.2.1.

Narrowing Focus

2.1.2.2.

2.1.2.3.

Setting Boundaries

2.1.3.

Characteristics of Good Qualitative Questions

2.1.3.1.

Open-ended Nature

2.1.3.2.

Process-oriented

2.1.3.3.

Context-sensitive

2.1.4.

2.1.4.1.

Descriptive Questions

2.1.4.2.

Interpretive Questions

2.1.4.3.

Theoretical Questions

2.1.5.

Iterative Question Development

2.1.5.1.

Refining Through Literature Review

2.1.5.2.

Pilot Study Insights

2.1.5.3.

Ongoing Revision

2.2.

Research Design and Planning

2.2.1.

The Research Proposal

2.2.1.1.

Statement of Purpose

2.2.1.2.

Research Aims and Objectives

2.2.1.3.

Justifying Qualitative Approach

2.2.1.4.

Methodology Overview

2.2.1.5.

Timeline and Feasibility

2.2.1.6.

Budget Considerations

2.2.2.

Conceptual Framework Development

2.2.2.1.

Theoretical Foundations

2.2.2.2.

Key Concepts and Definitions

2.2.2.3.

Relationships Between Concepts

2.2.3.

Anticipating Challenges

2.2.3.1.

2.2.3.2.

Ethical Concerns

2.2.3.3.

Resource Limitations

2.2.3.4.

Methodological Challenges

2.3.

Site Selection and Case Study Design

2.3.1.

Criteria for Site Selection

2.3.1.1.

Relevance to Research Questions

2.3.1.2.

Accessibility and Feasibility

2.3.1.3.

Information-rich Cases

2.3.1.4.

Practical Considerations

2.3.2.

Single vs Multiple Case Studies

2.3.2.1.

In-depth Single Case Analysis

2.3.2.2.

Comparative Case Study Design

2.3.2.3.

Cross-case Analysis

2.3.3.

Bounding the Study

2.3.3.1.

Spatial Boundaries

2.3.3.2.

Temporal Boundaries

2.3.3.3.

Thematic Boundaries

2.3.4.

Gaining Access to Sites

2.3.4.1.

Formal Permissions

2.3.4.2.

2.3.4.3.

Building Relationships

2.4.

Sampling Strategies

2.4.1.

Purposeful Sampling

2.4.1.1.

Maximum Variation Sampling

2.4.1.2.

Homogeneous Sampling

2.4.1.3.

Critical Case Sampling

2.4.1.4.

Extreme Case Sampling

2.4.1.5.

Typical Case Sampling

2.4.2.

Snowball Sampling

2.4.2.1.

Initial Contact Identification

2.4.2.2.

Chain Referral Process

2.4.2.3.

Limitations and Biases

2.4.3.

Theoretical Sampling

2.4.3.1.

Grounded Theory Approach

2.4.3.2.

Iterative Sampling Process

2.4.3.3.

Saturation Concept

2.4.4.

Convenience Sampling

2.4.4.1.

Practical Considerations

2.4.4.2.

Accessibility Issues

2.4.4.3.

Limitations and Biases

2.4.5.

Sample Size Considerations

2.4.5.1.

Saturation Principle

2.4.5.2.

Resource Constraints

2.4.5.3.

2.5.

Researcher Role and Positionality

2.5.1.

Positionality and Reflexivity

2.5.1.1.

Self-awareness in Research

2.5.1.2.

Personal Background Influence

2.5.1.3.

Ongoing Reflection Process

2.5.2.

Insider vs Outsider Perspectives

2.5.2.1.

Advantages of Insider Status

2.5.2.2.

Challenges of Insider Research

2.5.2.3.

Outsider Objectivity

2.5.2.4.

Navigating Multiple Positions

2.5.3.

Building Rapport and Trust

2.5.3.1.

Establishing Credibility

2.5.3.2.

Relationship Management

2.5.3.3.

Maintaining Professional Boundaries

2.5.3.4.

Long-term Engagement

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1. Foundations of Qualitative Geography

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3. Methods of Data Collection