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A short class with Sarah and her students. The other ways are under More.
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Today we will explore two key sampling methods: purposive and snowball sampling. Can anyone tell me what purposive sampling might involve?
Is it when you choose participants based on specific characteristics?
Exactly! Purposive sampling targets individuals who meet certain criteria. And what about snowball sampling?
Maybe it's when one participant refers others?
Right! Snowball sampling is useful in reaching populations that may be difficult to sample otherwise. Remember to use the acronym SP for Sampling Purposes: P for Purposive and S for Snowball.
That helps me remember them better!
Great! Let's summarize: purposive targets specific characteristics, while snowball relies on referrals. These methods ensure we collect relevant data.
Next, let's look at the three main types of interviews: structured, semi-structured, and unstructured. Can someone tell me how a structured interview is set up?
It has a set list of questions that don't change.
Yes! Structured interviews ensure that we gather comparable data. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this method?
Advantages include consistency, but it limits the depth of responses.
Exactly! Remember, we can also think of interviews as having a food menu. Structured is like choosing a dish off a set menu, while unstructured is like a buffet where you get to explore various options!
That makes sense! It helps me visualize how flexible the interviews can be.
Wonderful! To summarize: structured for consistency, semi-structured for balance, and unstructured for depth.
Now, let's discuss analyzing interview data with techniques like thematic coding and affinity diagrams. Why do we code data?
To find patterns and themes in the responses?
Spot on! Thematic coding allows us to categorize responses to identify key themes. What about affinity diagrams?
They help visualize and organize information by grouping similar ideas together.
Yes! Affinity diagrams are great for seeing the bigger picture. Remember the acronym CODING: C for Categorize, O for Organize, D for Display, I for Identify, N for Note, and G for Group!
That's a useful acronym!
Let's conclude by remembering that both coding and diagrams help us simplify complex data.
Finally, let’s talk about KPIs and OKRs. What do KPIs stand for?
Key Performance Indicators!
Correct! KPIs are measurable values that demonstrate how effectively we are achieving objectives. What about OKRs?
Objectives and Key Results?
Exactly! Think of KPIs as mile markers on the road and OKRs as your destination. Can anyone summarize how they relate to user research?
KPIs track progress, while OKRs set broader goals for improvement!
Excellent! In conclusion, KPIs and OKRs help us measure success and drive strategic decisions.
A sampling method that targets specific individuals based on their characteristics.
A method where participants refer other potential subjects.
An interview format with a fixed set of questions.
Includes both fixed questions and the opportunity for follow-up.
An open format with no predefined questions.
Categorization of themes from qualitative data.
A tool for organizing ideas visually.
A tool to represent user feelings and thoughts.
A diagram showing user actions and service processes.
A technique for root cause analysis by asking 'why' repeatedly.
Metrics to measure success.
A framework for setting objectives and measuring outcomes.
A visualization of the user experience emotions through a process.
Purposive Sampling: Selecting a group of users that are frequent app users to gain insights on app improvements.
Snowball Sampling: Asking a participant who is a teacher to refer their student peers for an educational app study.
Structured Interview: Asking a participant if they find the navigation of an app easy in the same order for every interview.
Semi-Structured Interview: Starting with the question 'How do you typically use this app?' and allowing the participant to elaborate.
Unstructured Interview: Engaging a participant in an open conversation about their experiences with various apps without set questions.
Thematic Coding: Reviewing interviews and identifying common threads like 'ease of use' and 'features needed'.
Affinity Diagram: Creating a visual layout of user feedback from post-it notes and arranging them into common themes.
KPIs: Tracking how many users completed an onboarding process in an app.
OKRs: Setting a goal to increase user engagement by 20% in the next quarter, with key results to measure active users weekly.
Purposive means pick with care, snowball refers to referrals we share.
A researcher wanted to learn about app users. She chose participants who used the app purposively. Then, one participant referred her friend, creating a snowball effect that helped her gather rich data.
Remember 'SIMPLE' for interviews: S structured, I in-depth (semi-structured), M means many forms (unstructured), P for psychological insights (thematic coding), L for layering ideas (affinity diagrams), E for emotions (emotional journey).
For KPIs and OKRs, remember 'GOALS': G for Goals, O for Objective, A for Analysis, L for Linked (to outcomes), S for Success.
Term
Purposive Sampling
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Snowball Sampling
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Structured Interview
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Thematic Coding
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Affinity Diagram
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A sampling method where participants are selected based on specific characteristics relevant to the study.
A sampling technique where existing study subjects recruit additional subjects from among their acquaintances.
An interview format that involves asking pre-defined questions in a fixed order.
An interview approach that combines fixed questions with the flexibility to explore topics further.
A free-flowing, open-ended interview format that allows participants to discuss topics at length.
A qualitative analysis method used to identify and categorize themes within qualitative data.
A visual tool used to organize ideas and insights into groups for better understanding.
A collaborative visualization used to articulate what a user says, thinks, does, and feels.
A diagram that visualizes the relationship between different service components, highlighting user actions and service processes.
A problem-solving technique that involves asking 'why' five times to drill down to the root cause of an issue.
Key Performance Indicators that measure the effectiveness of a company in reaching its goals.
Objectives and Key Results, a framework for defining and tracking objectives and their outcomes.
A visual representation of the user’s emotional experience over the course of a process or interaction.
This section presents essential terminology relevant to user research and problem definition.
Key terms related to user research and problem definition are defined, including sampling methods, interview types, data analysis techniques, and more. These terms form the foundational vocabulary necessary for understanding and engaging with user-centered design processes.
In this section, a comprehensive list of key terms is provided that are essential for conducting user research and defining problems in design. These terms include various sampling methods such as purposive and snowball sampling, alongside interview types like structured, semi-structured, and unstructured interviews. Concepts regarding data analysis techniques such as thematic coding and affinity diagrams are covered, along with empathy mapping, service blueprints, and root cause analysis using the 5 Whys method. Additionally, important metrics like Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) are defined, as are critical techniques like the emotional journey curve. Familiarity with these terms is crucial for effective communication and application in user-centered design.