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Qualitative Research
Qualitative research provides tools for exploration and identification. Throughout this
essay, we will review what exactly is meant by qualitative research and provide specific
examples of it. What is qualitative research and what are some of the methods used to obtain
data. Qualitative is unlike quantitative in that numerical data is not required. If numerical data is
not required, then where do the statistics come from? Stay tuned as we dive into those factors.
We will also examine the advantages and disadvantages of qualitative approaches, because as all
things in life there are both pros and cons of each research method.
The Term Qualitative Research
The term qualitative research is simply the process of inquiry that seeks for in-depth
understanding. Qualitative research focuses on the why instead of the what. Why something is
what it is instead of what it is. Qualitative research involves the collection and analysis of non-
numerical data. Its purpose is to understand theories, opinions, and encounters. Qualitative
research, unlike its counterpart quantitative research, has nothing to do with quantity, but
everything to do with the nature of the subject being studied.
Qualitative Research Methods
Multiple different types of qualitative research methods can be used. From theories to
studies, and several approaches in between we will discuss a few of them in this section.
Case Study
A case study is a qualitative research method that allows the researcher or researchers to
explore in depth the subject matter. A Case Study is simply the process of research in which
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detailed consideration is given to the development of a particular subject (Dictionary.com, 2024).
So as a researcher explores the subject matter in depth that can examine in detail all aspects of
the person, the program, the event, or topic at hand by zooming in so to speak to collect detailed
information. The case study is typically allotted a time. As well as different collection principles
or rules and regulations that have been established are followed. (Elkatawneh, 2016)
Narrative Approach
A Narrative Approach in Qualitative Research is simply taking someone else’s narrative
– written or spoken – and analyzing it. The analysis will review the content as well as the
meaning. The methods in which the narratives are obtained can vary. They can come in the form
of journals, interviews, notes, newsletters, written storytelling, other texts as well as audio and
video recordings being used as data collection models. (Elkatawneh, 2016)
Grounded Theory
The Grounded Theory Approach in Qualitative Research investigates experiences as well
as the responses and reactions. By observing the initial experience and how a subject responds
and reacts, and theory of the process can be determined. It is called grounded as it comes from
data that is collected from the stud itself and no other outside sources or opinions. The data
source is primarily from an interview.
Advantages
Qualitative Research has many different advantages. One of those is that it can capture
changing attitudes within a target group. For example, in using the grounded theory the subject
responses and reactions are observed. This also aids in assisting to understand attitudes. Another
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advantage is that qualitative approaches are not required to explain something using number
analysis only. Qualitative approaches allow researchers to be more analytical about the areas
they choose to investigate and the methods in which they choose to observe and gather their data.
(Vaughan, 2021) Qualitative research can allow creativity to be a driving force whereas
quantitative does not. It can be all-inclusive – as in it incorporates the human experience.
Disadvantages
While Qualitative Research does have many advantages, it also has several disadvantages
as well. There are no true statistics – most responses can not be measured. Qualitative Research
also heavily relies upon the experience of the researcher. It is dependent upon their knowledge of
the aspect they are researching. Another disadvantage is that people can be like-minded in some
ways yet think or feel different in others – resulting in inconclusive data.
Conclusion
Qualitative Research has advantages and disadvantages. There are many different
methods to conduct it and it offers many benefits. While it is quite different than its counterpart
quantitative research, it still offers a valid lens of data for review. It allows for much more
freedom for the researcher to choose which method – unless it is specifically required they
follow a standard one. And I personally love that it allows for the observation of people as a
method – to see how they react in situations. While that may not be a 100% accurate method, it
most definitely would make for a fun and interesting one.
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References
Association, A. P. (2019). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th
ed.). American Psychological Association.
https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/books/9781433832185
Elkatawneh, H. (2016). Five Qualitative Approaches / Problem,. Walden University.
Vaughan, T. (2021, August 5). Culture. Retrieved from Poppulo:
https://www.poppulo.com/blog/10-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-qualitative-research
