Tempestt J. Neal

Tempestt J. Neal

Associate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of South Florida. Cybersecurity, biometrics, and applied mobile-based sensing researcher.

Qualitative Methods for Biometrics Research: Exploring User Behavior and System Design

Date:

Tutorial Presented at the 2024 IEEE International Joint Conference on Biometrics (IJCB 2024)
September 15, 2024, Buffalo, NY USA
—

Abstract

Qualitative research is a method of inquiry aimed at gaining a deep understanding of social phenomena by relying on individuals’ direct experiences. Unlike quantitative research, which seeks to quantify variables and analyze numerical data, qualitative research emphasizes the exploration of complex, subjective experiences, meanings, and social dynamics.

Qualitative exploration can greatly enhance the field of biometrics by offering deep insights into complex issues like bias in biometric systems and user acceptability. These methods allow for a more detailed understanding of how these systems are perceived and experienced, which is crucial for addressing ethical concerns and improving overall effectiveness. However, qualitative research design involves more than simply talking to people; it requires established strategies for systematically collecting, organizing, and interpreting data to understand people’s perspectives and experiences. This process demands proper researcher training and practice.

This tutorial aims to provide biometrics researchers with a foundational understanding of qualitative research methods and their applicability to the field. This proposed half-day tutorial will cover foundational qualitative research concepts and their specific applications to biometrics. We will review qualitative research methodologies such as interviews, focus groups, case studies, and ethnographic studies.

The tutorial will address qualitative research design, including formulating research questions and hypotheses, selecting appropriate qualitative methods, sampling strategies for participant recruitment, and data collection techniques such as conducting and recording interviews, managing focus groups, and employing observational methods. Additionally, we will cover data analysis methods, including coding qualitative data, thematic analysis for identifying patterns and themes, and grounded theory for theory development. Ethical considerations in qualitative research, particularly regarding informed consent, confidentiality, and privacy in the context of biometric data, will also be discussed. We will explore how qualitative methods can enhance the understanding of user experiences related to biometric research, examine the social and cultural implications of biometric technologies, and investigate usability and acceptance across various contexts.

Targeted Audience

The expected target audience includes individuals (i.e., faculty, students, system and UX designers, industry professionals, etc.) engaged in biometric research or related fields who are interested in:

  1. Understanding the application of qualitative research techniques within biometric studies.
  2. Gathering user perspectives and experiences.
  3. Improving biometric systems based on user feedback and qualitative insights.

Prerequisites for the Participants

No prerequisites are required for attendees. However, a general understanding of biometric technologies and their applications, along with a genuine interest in the intersection of biometrics and user experience, as well as the ethical and social implications of biometric technologies, will help participants engage more deeply with the content.

List of Topics

Topics include the following:

  1. What is Qualitative Research?
    • Definition and key characteristics of qualitative research
    • Differences between qualitative and quantitative research
    • Applications and relevance in various fields, with a focus on biometrics
  2. Qualitative Research Methods
    • Interviews
      • Types of interviews (structured, semi-structured)
      • Designing interview questions
      • Conducting and recording interviews
    • Focus Groups
      • Planning and facilitating focus group discussions
      • Roles and dynamics within focus groups
    • Case Studies
      • Selecting and defining case studies
      • Data collection methods for case studies
    • Ethnographic Studies
      • Participant observation and fieldwork
      • Developing ethnographic research questions
      • Documenting and interpreting field notes
  3. Qualitative Data Analysis Techniques
    • Coding Qualitative Data
      • Types of coding (open, axial, selective)
      • Developing a coding framework
    • Thematic Analysis
      • Identifying and developing themes
      • Conducting thematic analysis
      • Reporting and interpreting themes
  4. Applying Qualitative Research in Biometrics
    • Social and Cultural Implications
      • Investigating cultural attitudes towards biometrics
      • Addressing social implications and concerns
    • Usability and Acceptance
      • Assessing the usability of biometric systems through qualitative methods
      • Exploring factors influencing acceptance and resistance
    • Ethical Considerations and IRB
      • Addressing ethical issues related to informed consent, confidentiality, and privacy
      • Importance of IRB approval in biometric research

Materials and Resources

  • Mack, N., Woodsong, C., Macqueen, K., Guest, G., Namey, E. Qualitative research methods: A data collector’s field guide. Family Health International (2005).
  • Krueger, R. Designing and Conducting Focus Group Interviews. Available online.
  • Krueger, R. A., Casey, M. A., Donner, J., Kirsch, S., and Maack, J. N. (2001). Social analysis: selected tools and techniques. World Dev, 36, 4-23.
  • Allison Tong, Peter Sainsbury, Jonathan Craig, Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ): a 32-item checklist for interviews and focus groups, International Journal for Quality in Health Care, Volume 19, Issue 6, December 2007, Pages 349–357. Available online.
  • Eddie T. Accomando. Qualitative Research Design Handbook. The Big Picture: Working with Qualitative Data. Qualtrics E-book.
  • DeVaney, S.A. (2016), Yin, R.K. (2016). Qualitative Research from Start to Finish, Second Edition. New York: The Guilford Press. ISBN: 978-1-4625-1797-8. 386 pp. Fam Consum Sci Res J, 44: 324-325. Available online.
  • Wong L. Data analysis in qualitative research: a brief guide to using nvivo. Malays Fam Physician. 2008 Apr 30;3(1):14-20. PMID: 25606106; PMCID: PMC4267019.
  • Leslie Curry, Fundamentals of Qualitative Research Methods, Available online
  • Thematic analysis in qualitative research. Qualtrics. Available online
  • Kiger ME, Varpio L. Thematic analysis of qualitative data: AMEE Guide No. 131. Med Teach. 2020 Aug;42(8):846-854. doi: 10.1080/0142159X.2020.1755030. Epub 2020 May 1. PMID: 32356468.
  • DiCicco‐Bloom, Barbara, and Benjamin F. Crabtree. “The qualitative research interview.” Medical education 40.4 (2006): 314-321.
  • Palinkas LA, Horwitz SM, Green CA, Wisdom JP, Duan N, Hoagwood K. Purposeful Sampling for Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis in Mixed Method Implementation Research. Adm Policy Ment Health. 2015 Sep;42(5):533-44. doi: 10.1007/s10488-013-0528-y. PMID: 24193818; PMCID: PMC4012002.