Summary
Contents
What is qualitative secondary analysis? How can it be most effectively applied in social research? This timely and accomplished book offers readers a well informed, reliable guide to all aspects of qualitative secondary analysis. The book: Defines secondary analysis. Distinguishes between quantitative and qualitative secondary analysis. Maps the main types of qualitative secondary analysis. Covers the key ethical and legal issues. Offers a practical guide to effective research. Sets the agenda for future developments in the subject. Written by an experienced researcher and teacher with a background in sociology, the book is a comprehensive and invaluable introduction to this growing field of social research.
Bias
Bias
Bias is a systematic error in data collection or analysis, caused by inadequate technical procedures (for instance in sampling, interviewing or coding).
Section Outline: Bias and objectivity. Bias as errors of procedure. Sample bias: representative samples and setting. Interviewer bias: data distortion. Selectivity bias: analytic failings. Transparency and reflexivity. Lack of objectivity leads to bias.
Bias is a concept that is often linked to lack of objectivity (Objectivity). At first sight, bias and objectivity seem like opposite ends of the same principle. Bias suggests that personal judgements particular to the observer have been involved, favouritism displayed, distortions in the evidence introduced. Objectivity suggests a lack of involvement, a scrupulousness in reporting and interpreting, an independence and neutrality of judgement. Bias in research makes it invalid, objectivity produces ...
