"Qualitative research is a type of research that aims to gather and analyse non-numerical (descriptive) data in order to gain an understanding of individuals' social reality."
Aims to describe or understand social phenomena through non-numerical data, such as interviews, observation, and content analysis.
Research question and purpose: A clear understanding of the research question and purpose is essential to the successful implementation of qualitative methods. This involves defining the phenomena to be studied, developing a focused research question, and identifying the research purpose.
Research design: This includes the selection of the appropriate research design, sampling techniques, data collection methods, and data analysis procedures. Qualitative research designs tend to focus on small samples and in-depth exploration of specific phenomena.
Data collection: The collection of accurate and reliable data is essential to the success of the qualitative research process. This may involve methods such as interviews, focus groups, observations, and document analysis.
Data analysis: Qualitative data analysis involves identifying patterns and themes in the data, often using methods such as coding, categorizing, and constant comparison. This process is iterative and involves ongoing refinement of the analytical process.
Validity and reliability: Qualitative researchers focus on ensuring that the data collected is valid and reliable. This requires careful attention to issues such as reflexivity, triangulation, member checking, and peer debriefing.
Ethics: Ethical issues in qualitative research include ensuring informed consent, protecting confidentiality, and ensuring the safety and well-being of research participants. It is essential that researchers adhere to established ethical guidelines.
Writing and reporting: The final stage of the research process involves writing up and reporting on the results of the study. This may involve the presentation of findings in a variety of formats, such as academic papers, conference presentations, or reports for practitioners.
Mixed methods research: Qualitative research can be used in combination with quantitative research methods to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a particular phenomenon. Mixed methods research involves the integration of quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods.
Participatory research: Participatory research methods involve actively involving participants in the research process, often as co-researchers. This approach recognizes the expertise and knowledge of participants and can result in more meaningful and relevant research outcomes.
Reflexivity and researcher positions: Reflexivity involves acknowledging and accounting for the impact of the researcher’s positionality on the research process and outcomes. This includes their biases, assumptions, and values, and how these may influence the research. It is essential that researchers reflect critically on their own positions and actively work to minimize any potential biases or undue influence on the research.
Observation: This method involves observing and recording behavior, conversations or interactions without any interference or intervention.
Case Study: It is an in-depth investigation of a particular person, group, event, or organization. It usually includes multiple data collection methods such as interviews, observation, and document analysis.
Interviews: The process involves face-to-face conversations, in-depth and semi-structured interviews with individuals or groups. The researcher records responses and reactions.
Focus Groups: Group discussions involving a set of individuals within a particular demographic or context.
Content Analysis: It involves analyzing written, visual or audio data from various sources to determine the themes and patterns present in the information gathered.
Ethnography: A method of collecting and analyzing data by immersion within a particular culture or community. It involves prolonged fieldwork and participation observation.
Grounded Theory: A method that uses data analysis to develop a theory that is grounded in the information collected, rather than being developed and tested based on existing theories.
Narrative Analysis: It deals with analyzing the stories and personal narratives of individuals, typically gathered through interviews or written texts.
Action Research: A research method focused on implementing solutions and interventions to address problems in real-world settings.
Qualitative Comparative Analysis: A research method focused on comparing the similarities and differences between cases within a limited number of variables.
"...non-numerical (descriptive) data..."
"...attitudes, beliefs, and motivation."
"This type of research typically involves in-depth interviews, focus groups, or observations..."
"...data that is rich in detail and context."
"Qualitative research is often used to explore complex phenomena or to gain insight into people's experiences and perspectives on a particular topic."
"It is particularly useful when researchers want to understand the meaning that people attach to their experiences or when they want to uncover the underlying reasons for people's behavior."
"Qualitative methods include ethnography, grounded theory, discourse analysis, and interpretative phenomenological analysis."
"Qualitative research methods have been used in sociology, anthropology, political science, psychology, communication studies, social work, folklore, educational research, information science, and software engineering research."