Qualitative Research: Key Elements and Methods

Posted on Dec 13, 2024 in Psychology and Sociology

Six Key Elements of a Qualitative Research Proposal

  • Objectives
  • Research Questions
  • Justification
  • Viability
  • Exploring the gaps in our understanding of the problem

Three Approaches to Literature Review

  • Intermediate: Identifies previous studies, ideas, and concepts, visualizing how they have been defined by other researchers.
  • Limited: No previous research is considered.
  • Integrity: A thorough review of previous research that contributes to the construction of the proposal and develops a theoretical perspective, with proper referencing.

Why Qualitative Research is a Spiral Process

Qualitative research is considered a spiral process because it follows a continuous, iterative course.

Detailed Environmental Description

A detailed interpretation of cases, living things, people, objects, places, and events specific to the context, transporting the reader to the research site.

Initial Tasks to Explore the Context or Work Environment

  • Familiarity with the environment
  • Differences between study participants and the researcher
  • Daily life’s relation to the environment
  • Understanding the significance of the context

Why Qualitative Research is Holistic

Qualitative research is considered holistic because it considers the participant’s notes and everything in the surrounding environment as a whole.

Second Series: True or False

  • Objectives and questions are not the starting point for research. (False)
  • Justification in the qualitative approach may include quantitative data to measure the problem. (True)
  • In the qualitative process, variables are not controlled but manipulated. (False)
  • Costs are reduced to numerical values in qualitative research. (False)
  • Annotation-interpretation refers to the feelings of the observer or investigator. (False)
  • Entries are thematic ideas, hypotheses, research questions, and conclusions that are generated during research. (True)
  • Personal notation is one in which the researcher makes comments on what is perceived. (False)
  • There are three recommendations for better and greater access to the environment. (False)

Purposes of Literature Review

  • Detect key concepts
  • Nurture ideas
  • Avoid previous mistakes
  • Learn about different approaches and ways of thinking about the proposal

Questions

Sample Types

  • Sample Shares: Used in opinion surveys, filling quotas according to demographic variables of the sample population.
  • Opportunity Sample: Cases brought by chance to the researcher when needed.
  • Confirmed Sample: New cases are added when controversy appears in those already analyzed.
  • Test Case Sample: The goal is quality, depth, and richness of information, not quantity or standardization.
  • Convenience Sample: Cases are made available which are accessible.
  • Chain or Network Sample: Identify key stakeholders and add them to the sample. They are asked if they know others who can provide more extensive data.
  • Homogeneous Sample: Participants have the same profile or characteristic, sharing similar traits.
  • Theoretical or Conceptual Sample: Used when the researcher needs to build a concept.
  • Volunteer Sample: A random sample where the researcher draws conclusions on cases that come into their hands by chance.

Data Collection

Observation: A direct way to collect data at the time certain events occur. Information is obtained simultaneously as the events are happening, independent of others.

Main Methods for Collecting Qualitative Data

  • Observation
  • Interview
  • Focus groups
  • Collection of documents
  • Life Story

The Qualitative Researcher as a Data Collection Instrument

Roles of the Researcher in Data Collection

  • Supervisor: An authority figure, pointing out everything that happens in the context. However, this role has drawbacks, as observation is limited and rejection is more powerful.
  • Leader: A type of authority that adds a dimension of coordination to improve observation. However, it is not sufficient.
  • Friend: No specified authority role, establishing a closer rapport with the participant.

What is Qualitative Observation?

Qualitative observation involves entering by chance into social situations and maintaining an active role, as well as a permanent reflection, needing to use every sense.

Purposes of Observation

  1. Explore the context, environment, subcultures, and most aspects of social life.
  2. Describe communities and activities that take place within them.
  3. Understand events and processes occurring over time.
  4. Identify problems.
  5. Generate hypotheses.