1. Research Methods
 The 2 main methodologies are quantitative and
Qualitative.
 Operational Definition: what you are measuring.
 Sample: Target group you are studying.
Ex-Domestic violence counselors.


2. Qualitative Methodology
 Qualitative Methodology is used to uncover patterns
within text.
 Qualitative Methods look at social patterns and
social settings.
 Instead of numbers, qualitative methodology takes a
look at a personal experiences. For example:

3. Examples of Qualitative Data
 Debbie (blog): I'm glad to visit with people experiencing compassion
fatigue. I first had this thought as a child about my mother, who was
usually having some physical complaint. Looking back, I think I just got
tired of hearing about it all the time, and frustrated because there was
nothing I could do to fix her. And I chastised myself then, and over the
years since then, for not being more compassionate. Now I notice that I was
doing the best I could, and so was my Mother. And I now question my
belief that I should be more compassionate, when I'm not! It has given me
some peace to honor my reality.
 frozenfaerie: I am going to be starting a position as a court appointed
advocate, and I am very nervouse [nervous] about not having anywhere to
vent. I mean You can't share any details with anyone, and I know that this
could really bring a person down, so I have been in search of resources.

4. Examples of Qualitative Data continued…
 Counselor #7: Ummm…a little bit, it got kind of tiring if I
talked to the same person over and over again and they just
didn’t get it. I felt a little less compassion for them if they
continued to put themselves and their children in harm’s way.
 Counselor #9: No. Well let’s see. Do you mean towards people
who weren’t abused or clients? (Interviewer-It [people who
weren’t abused or clients] can mean anything you want it to
mean). As you know the women goes back 5 to 7 times to the
abuser before she leaves. Maybe a little callousness toward the
abuser, but not towards people in society. Not everyone is
going to be an abuser. I would like to believe the abuser will
change. I am more hopeful than callous I think. It’s not my
choice. I have to have faith in her choice. Hopeful that we gave
her the tools to make a good choice.

5. Participant Observation
 One way to collect qualitative data is Participant
Observation.
 This is a method where the researcher is a part
of, and participates in, the activities of the group.

6. Secondary Research Analysis
 Another way to collect qualitative data is through
Secondary Research Analysis.
SRA is analyzing documents that already exist, such

as:
Political Speeches

Agency Reports

Insurance Claims


7. Why Research is a Valuable Skill to Have
 Builds critical thinking skills.
 Companies love it.
 Looks good on a resume or for a grad school
application.

8. Know Your Ethics
 Make sure you have approval from the company(and
school if needed) that you are working for BEFORE
you begin your study.
 Make sure your participants have informed consent.
 Know participants rights.

9. Example of a Consent Statement
Dear Participant,

My name is Terra Ryan. I am a Graduate student at the University of Northern Colorado. I am currently working on a thesis for my Masters degree in Social

Science with an emphasis in Clinical Sociology. The topic for my thesis is the role that virtual communities might play in providing social support and reducing
compassion fatigue among domestic violence counselors.

For this project, I am partnering with the a nonprofit called the HealthBridge Alliance, whose mission is to improve the effectiveness of helping professions by

providing training, tools and support to those at risk of or experiencing secondary trauma.

If you choose to be a part of this study, you will a create screen name (or alias), one that does not reveal anything about you personally. You will also need to

create a fictitious email address. No attempt will be made to send email to you. Only screen names will appear in the study. Please know that participation in the
board implies consent. I will do my best to protect the confidentiality of statements made, but I cannot guarantee full anonymity given the nature of today’s
internet transmissions.

Please know that clarifying questions may be asked by the Interviewer (i.e. what a technical term means).


Your real name will never appear in any section of the final paper. Please be aware that the HealthBridge Alliance will use the results of the study to promote

new programs to their funders and the public.

Your participation will probably not result in any direct benefits to you as an individual; however, your participation will contribute to uncovering factors that

cause a domestic violence counselor to experience compassion fatigue as well as to see if virtual communities may benefit counselors by alleviating compassion
fatigue and offering social support. Your participation will not affect your position, job status, or employment in any way.

Due to the restrictions of federal research guidelines, if you are pregnant please DO NOT participate in the blog.


Authorization: I have read the above and understand the nature of the study and agree to participate. I understand that by agreeing to participate in this study, I

have not waived any legal or human rights. I also understand that I have the right to refuse to participate and that I have the right to withdraw from the study at
any time and I understand that my decision to withdraw will be respected with no coercion or prejudice.

If you have any concerns about your selection or treatment as a research participant, please contact the Sponsored Programs and Academic Research Center,

Kepner Hall, University of Northern Colorado Greeley, CO 80639; 970-351-1907

Thank you so much for your time.

Sincerely,

Terra Ryan


10. What To Expect…
 Go with the flow.
 Expect changes.
• Expect to make changes to methodology, theories
etc.
• Be as clear as you can with your instructions or be
ready to change them if need be.
Know that it is OK to let projects go if they don’t
work.
Think publication.