Qualitative Research - Methods, Types, and Examples
14 min read
Published on: Dec 25, 2017
Last updated on: Mar 16, 2023
14 min read
Published on: Dec 25, 2017
Last updated on: Mar 16, 2023
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There are various methods for conducting scientific research. The two broad approaches of data collection include qualitative and quantitative research methods. However, it is not easy to decide which one to choose while writing a research paper.
If you know the basic difference between both methods, you will produce a well-written and structured paper.
In recent times, the qualitative research methodology has gained momentum among researchers. It focuses on understanding a research question by involving people’s beliefs, experiences, and attitudes.
Similarly, this scientific method also aims to gather, analyze, and interpret non-numerical data. In this blog, we have explored what is qualitative research, its nature, purpose, and methods of data collection.
Qualitative research is a type of study that focuses on gathering and analyzing data that is natural and interpretive in nature. In other words, it looks for an in-depth understanding of the social aspect within its natural setting.
Moreover, this type of research also focuses on the definition, reasons, and concepts. It not only talks about “what” but also the “why” of a social aspect.
Similarly, the research process also involves different methods to study a human and social phenomenon. These methods include interviews, observations, case study, ethnography, and grounded theory.
The major areas where this type of research takes place are individuals, cultures and societies, communication, and language.
Qualitative research has a long history in the social sciences. The primary purpose is to obtain non-numerical information through open-ended questions.
Similarly, this research also appeals to social scientists as it can identify the relationship between the variables. Qualitative researchers can also understand the meanings, interpretations, and processes of social life.
It closely studies human behavior and its interaction with society and with other individuals. Moreover, it produces detailed and descriptive data by creating new theories that can be used for further research.
It also involves studying a topic in a way that reveals the entire truth and meaning of the subject under observation. Moreover, it further suggests the answer to an outcome that is measured and studied by quantitative research.
Broadly, this research assesses all the symbols, meanings, and the process of social life where a human element is involved.
The following are the main characteristics of qualitative research.
Here are some of the advantages of qualitative research.
The following discussed are the qualitative research limitations.
A detailed description of the major qualitative research methods is given below.
Conducting an in-depth interview is the most common type of qualitative research method. It involves a personal interview or a casual conversation with a single person at a time. This method is done to gather information about a topic or an issue.
It may sound like an ineffective method of gathering information. But in fact, you can gather a lot of data that will help you craft a detailed research paper.
In this method, a researcher discusses with the respondent his motivations and inspirations about the topic. Similarly, it also allows reading the body language of the participants.
Moreover, interviews can be conducted effortlessly. You can interview a person face to face, in email, or via phone. It makes this method easier than others.
The focus group includes a fixed number of respondents from the target market. Moreover, it involves a group discussion between 5 to 15 people on a specific topic.
This research method is used in answering ‘what,’ ‘why,’ and ‘how’ questions about society and the environment. While using this method, you are not just bound to have a face-to-face discussion. Instead, you can collect data through an online survey.
Social scientists usually use this method to examine an event that occurs within a specific community.
Direct observation is a research method that includes subjective methodologies to gather relevant data. It is based on the five sensory organs of a human being, i.e., sight, smell, hear, touch, and taste.
Here, a researcher studies people without participating or interfering in their lives. This research type is often unknown to those under qualitative study. Thus, it is conducted in public settings where people do not have any privacy issues.
Lastly, it does not include measurements or numbers but is based on characteristics.
Open-ended surveys with structured or unstructured questions are designed to gather information. The answers will help in knowing the opinions and beliefs of the respondents.
This method is similar to observation. However, here the researcher will also participate in the events. This technique helps in observing people by also getting the first-hand experience in natural settings.
The literature review method analyzes social life by interpreting the words and images from published work. The researcher analyzed how the words are used in the context and draw possible inferences and meanings.
The following is a comprehensive overview of the types of qualitative research methods.
The case study research method has now become the most valuable method of conducting research. It has evolved in recent years and is used to explain an entity in detail.
Moreover, it also involves a thorough understanding of different types of data sources. These include interviews, documents, reports, and observations.
Mainly this research type is used in different areas like education, social sciences, etc.
The ethnographic research method is the most familiar and in-depth observational method. It focuses on people and their behaviors in the natural environment.
Here, a researcher needs to adapt to the environment and society of the target audience to conduct better research. It helps to get the first-hand experience of the natural setting, including the customs, traditions, and culture of the subjects.
This type of research is a challenging and time-taking process as it can last from days to years. However, geographical constraints can be an issue while collecting data.
While other methods discuss and focus on an event or activity. The grounded theory method deeply looks into the explanation and the main theory behind the event.
It requires the researcher to observe the interviews and documents to build a theory. Moreover, it usually starts with a question or collection of data.
However, the sample sizes in this method are usually larger than in other methods.
This type is used in the description of an event, phenomenon, and activity. Here, methods like interviews, reading documents, visiting places, and watching videos are used.
This will help to add new insights to the existing data analysis by checking its reliability and validity.
The narrative method is used to gather data from subjects through interviews or documents. Later the gathered information is used to derive answers and suggestions for future research.
The historical method involves the examination of past events to draw conclusions and predictions about the future. The steps included in the method are formulating a plan, gathering data, and analyzing the sources.
Qualitative data can be in the form of interviews, transcripts, surveys, videos, audios, etc. The steps involved in qualitative data analysis are given below.
Similarly, the following are different approaches to analyze qualitative data.
A researcher should know the difference between quantitative and qualitative research. Similarly, he should also be aware of how to use a combination of both methods for conducting ideal research.
In many cases, a researcher is asked to use any one of the research methods specifically. Depending on the topic, it can be a qualitative method that is an interpretative or quantitative method that is concrete.
In simple words, quantitative studies are all about numbers and measurements. In contrast, qualitative approaches talk about the understanding of words.
Similarly, qualitative research allows the researcher to take into consideration a selected issue. In contrast, quantitative methods require the use of measurements to understand different ideas and experiences of people.
Moreover, qualitative data is holistic in nature, while quantitative data is particularistic. Lastly, quantitative research suggests a final course of action, while qualitative develops the initial understanding.
Here are the main differences between qualitative vs. quantitative research.
| Qualitative | Quantitative | |
| Nature | Holistic | Particularistic |
| Approach | Subjective | Objective |
| Hypothesis | General | Tested |
| Data | Verbal | Measurable |
| Sampling | Purposive | Random |
| Research Type | Explanatory | Conclusive |
| Result | Creates initial understanding | Suggests a course of action |
To write an amazing qualitative research paper, here are some interesting topics for you.
We have also compiled a list of research paper topics in case you need more unique ideas.
Check out the examples of qualitative research to get a better idea of writing a qualitative research study.
The qualitative research method shows the idea and perception of your targeted audience. However, not every student is able to choose the right approach while writing a research paper. It requires a thorough understanding of both qualitative research and quantitative research methods.
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There are two types of studies that involve observing people during a study, participant observation and non-participant observation.
Because qualitative research includes the ability to gain unique insights through deep exploration. Survey respondents are able to disclose their experiences, thoughts, and feelings without constraint or influence from an outside source.
WRITTEN BY
Nova A. (Literature, Marketing)
Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.
Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.
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