A note on the topic of "rich description" in qualitative research: note 2

A note on the topic of "rich description" in qualitative research [information from perplexity.ai]

My question 1: "What is the academic concept of rich description all about, with reference to its origin and subsequent conceptional development?"

The reply: "In social science, "rich description" refers to a detailed account of social actions that includes not only observable behaviors but also their context as interpreted by the actors involved10. It incorporates subjective explanations and meanings provided by the people engaging in the behaviors, enhancing the data's value for social scientists10.

Origin

The term "thick description" was initially introduced by philosopher Gilbert Ryle in 196810. Ryle distinguished between:

• : Surface-level observations of behavior10.

• : Adding context to behavior10.
  To comprehend the context, it's essential to understand the motivations of individuals and how their behaviors are understood by others in their community10.

Conceptual Development

Clifford Geertz popularized the term "thick description" in his 1973 book, The Interpretation of Cultures, to describe his ethnographic method10. The ethnographic approach emphasizes the importance of everyday events, which may convey significant insights that could be missed upon initial observation10. Similarly, Bronisław Malinowski introduced the concept of a "native point of view" in his 1922 work, Argonauts of the Western Pacific, suggesting that anthropologists should strive to understand the perspectives of their subjects in relation to their own world10".

My question 2: "What are the main research methods to produce rich description findings with reference to the fields of (1) business management, (2) housing studies, and (3) accounting and finance?"

The reply: "To produce rich description findings, various research methods are employed across different fields. Here’s an overview of the main methods used in business management, housing studies, and accounting and finance.

1. : This includes methods such as interviews, focus groups, and participant observation. These techniques allow researchers to gather in-depth insights into organizational behaviors and employee experiences, emphasizing the "why" behind actions and decisions13.

2. : Detailed case studies provide contextualized insights into specific business phenomena, allowing for the exploration of complex issues within real-life settings. This method can reveal underlying processes and relationships that quantitative data may overlook1.

3. : Involves immersive observation within organizations to understand cultures and practices from an insider perspective. This method is particularly effective in capturing the nuances of workplace dynamics1.

1. : This method assesses how well housing meets the needs of its occupants after they have moved in. Surveys and structured interviews are commonly used to gather feedback on satisfaction and usability2.

2. : Similar to business management, case studies in housing research focus on specific housing projects or communities to explore user experiences and satisfaction levels, providing rich contextual data26.

3. : Utilizing both closed-ended and open-ended questions, surveys can capture a wide range of occupant feedback regarding their living conditions, preferences, and satisfaction levels with housing designs2.

1. : In-depth interviews with stakeholders (e.g., managers, accountants) help uncover the motivations behind financial decisions and practices, providing a richer understanding of organizational financial behavior3.

2. : These are used to analyze specific financial events or decisions within organizations, allowing researchers to explore the implications of accounting choices in detail5.

3. : Reviewing financial reports, memos, and other relevant documents can yield insights into the historical context of financial practices and decision-making processes within organizations5.

Each of these methods contributes to a deeper understanding of the respective fields by providing rich descriptions that highlight the complexities and contextual factors influencing behaviors and outcomes."

My question 3: "What are the main elements usually captured in a rich description findings with regard to the fields of (1) business management, (2) housing studies and (3) accounting and findings? And how are these main elements related for qualitative data analysis?"

The reply: "The main elements captured in rich description findings vary across fields but share a common goal of providing deep, contextual understanding. Here's a breakdown for business management, housing studies, and accounting and finance, followed by how these elements relate to qualitative data analysis.

• : Capturing the overarching goals and principles that guide the business is essential. This provides context for understanding strategic decisions and organizational culture5.

• : Understanding the competitive landscape, industry trends, and the company’s position within it helps to contextualize business strategies and performance1.

• : Detailed descriptions of workplace interactions, employee experiences, and power dynamics offer insights into how the company functions beyond formal structures2.

• : Understanding how decisions are made, who is involved, and the factors influencing choices provides a richer understanding of management practices3.

• : Descriptions of daily routines, supply chain management, and customer interactions help to reveal efficiencies and areas for improvement7.

• : Capturing detailed feedback from residents about their living conditions, preferences, and satisfaction levels is crucial2.

• : Descriptions of how housing designs impact residents' daily lives and overall satisfaction, including the functionality and adaptability of spaces2.

• : Understanding the social dynamics within housing communities and how they affect residents' well-being and sense of belonging6.

• : Descriptions of how housing policies and regulations shape the availability, affordability, and quality of housing7.

• : Uncovering the reasons and influences behind financial choices, providing context beyond the numbers4.

• : Detailed accounts of how financial operations are conducted within organizations, including budgeting, reporting, and auditing7.

• : Capturing the views of different stakeholders (e.g., managers, accountants, investors) on financial matters, revealing potential conflicts or alignments of interest5.

• : Understanding the background and evolution of financial practices, helping to explain current approaches and decisions6.

• : Descriptions of how ethical considerations influence financial behavior and decision-making within organizations2.

These elements are integral to qualitative data analysis because they provide the depth and context needed for meaningful interpretation2. Qualitative data analysis methods such as thematic analysis, narrative analysis, and discourse analysis rely on these rich descriptions to uncover patterns, themes, and underlying meanings4.

• : Essential for exploring the nuances within qualitative data, uncovering underlying meanings, and understanding context2.

• : Identifying recurring themes in the data helps to reveal key insights and patterns across different cases or contexts6.

• : Focuses on the stories and language used by participants to make sense of their experiences, providing a deeper understanding of their perspectives6.

• : Ensures that each piece of data is viewed through a multifaceted lens, considering the broader social, cultural, and organizational factors at play2.

• : Ensuring interpretations align with the data and reflecting on the implications for wider context or future research4."

My question 4: "What are the sociological perspectives and research philosophy perspectives more compatible to guide rich description practices?"

The reply: "Sociological perspectives that align well with rich description practices emphasize the influence of social contexts, structures, and interactions on human behavior and experiences5. Research philosophies that support rich description tend to be those that value in-depth understanding and the subjective experiences of individuals2.

Here's a breakdown of compatible perspectives:

• : This micro-level perspective focuses on how individuals create meaning through interaction and how these meanings shape their behavior3. It's highly compatible with rich description because it emphasizes understanding the subjective interpretations of actors within a specific context.

• : This approach looks at how social conditions, social roles, and cultural systems of meaning affect states of mind5. It is compatible with rich description because it emphasizes the importance of the social circumstances on mental health and illness5.

• : emphasizes that our social backgrounds influence our attitudes, behaviors, and life chances3.

• : This philosophy focuses on understanding the subjective meanings people give to their experiences2. Interpretivism values qualitative methods that allow researchers to explore the complexities of social phenomena from the participants' perspectives, making it ideal for rich description.

• : A research philosophy combining elements of both, recognizing an objective reality but acknowledging subjective interpretations2.

• : Researchers assume that there is no social world apart from that which is inside the individual’s mind4."

** also study note 1.

Reference: a collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.