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Qualitative Research Methodology
Department of Psychology, Liberty University
PSYC255: Introduction to Research
Professor Toliver
October 14, 2024
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Qualitative Research Methodology
Qualitative research methodology analyzes data to help understand human behavior through
the participant’s observation. There are benefits that are advantages but there are also
challenges, such as limitations, to qualitative research. When qualitative is slow, another
approach, such as a quantitative method, might be used. Qualitative research is considered a
broad spectrum. This essay will discuss qualitative research, three methods of the research
used and the good and bad about using qualitative research.
Qualitative Research
Qualitative research is valuable and researchers can conduct their research with integrity and
openness. This method helps to aim to uncover the meaning and significance of individuals
based on their experiences. However, exploring social phenomena cannot be easy through
qualitative research. Researchers can gain understanding, motivations and interactions with
their participants. An article by Busetto, Wick, and Gumbinger defines qualitative research as
the "study of the nature of phenomena, placed in an objectively determined chain of cause and
effect." (Busetto et al., 2020).
Research Methods
There are many different kinds of qualitative research methods for a researcher to use to such
as: gather data, analyze information, and draw meaningful conclusions. Here are three specific
examples of many various research methods used.
Interviews
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"Semi-structured interviews consist of pre-focused, open-ended questions that evolve from the
responses to the initial question. Unstructured interviews involve a limited number of issues in
reasonable detail. Life history narratives use such unstructured interviews.” (Weckesser et al.,
2022) Interviews are considered the most used in qualitative methods. This helps researchers
with the paricant’s to provide their views and feelings to any topic issue. Researchers like to use
written format to take notes, but video-tapping and recorded auto are another great option to
use. (Busetto et al., 2020)
Focus groups
“Data collection includes group interaction and discussion content. Although they can function
independently, they typically serve to elucidate or broaden the scope of data obtained through
other techniques.” (Weckesser et al., 2022) A small group of participants engages in a topical
discussion while interacting with one another. We observe the formation, negotiation, and
influence of opinions, attitudes, and behaviors within the group. “Focus groups are easy, fast,
and inexpensive to gain access to information, and the group size is about 6 to 8 people.”
(Busetto et al., 2020)
Observation
Observation captures social phenomena in documenting people's actions rather than their
intended actions. "The observer may be part of the scene, observing up close, or they may
stand outside of the observation." The subject of observation is usually unaware that he or she
is under observation.” (Weckesser et al., 2022) Either the observer is in close proximity,
resembling a group member, or they are observing from a distance, potentially hidden from the
behavior. "When the observer is observing, they are taking notes on everything they see." The
observer can take notes either during or after their observations. They then transcribe those
notes into observation protocols. (Busetto et al., 2020)
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Advantages
Qualitative research approaches participants' feelings, opinions, and experiences and interprets
the meaning of their actions. It provides deeper insights into problems, a wide range of
standpoints, and an understanding of human experiences. One can likely generalize qualitative
research to the entire population. Besides sampling, data analysis is less time-consuming.
Collecting data is the most common method of qualitative research. This helps researchers
interact directly. The design of qualitative research is flexible, allowing for construction and
reconstruction. (Rahman, 2016)
Disadvantage
Qualitative research approaches focus more on meaning and experiences. While collecting data
is beneficial, interpreting and analyzing it can be more complex and challenging. Case analyses
can require a significant amount of time, and if the researcher is unable to wait, they may need
to switch to quantitative research instead of qualitative research. Qualitative research has
limitations. Qualitative research may fall short in providing a deeper meaning and explanations.
The study can’t explain what the reasons are for the meaning. For instance, the study fails to
elucidate the reasons behind language development in children or the potential impairments
they may experience. (Rahman, 2016)
Conclusion
Qualitative research helps in bringing out meanings, themes, and life experiences that
quantitative methods would not have captured. However, any researcher using these methods
needs to be sensitive to the pitfalls of the methods themselves, which may include issues
related to their generalizability and actual biases. The full potential of qualitative research is
about balancing its strength, however, one needs to be aware of critical limitations. Qualitative
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research provides answers to questions in this research study, that maybe quantitative research
cannot address alone. (Busetto et al., 2020)
Reference:
Busetto, L., Wick, W. & Gumbinger, C. How to use and assess qualitative research methods.
Neurol. Res. Pract. 2, 14 (2020).https://doi.org/10.1186/s42466-020-00059-z
Denny, E., & Weckesser, A. (2022). How to do qualitative research? BJOG : An International
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.,129(7), 1166–1167.
https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.17150
Rahman, M. S. (2016). The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Qualitative and
Quantitative Approaches and Methods in Language “Testing and Assessment” Research: A
Literature Review. Journal of Education and Learning.,6(1).
https://doi.org/10.5539/jel.v6n1p102
https://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jel/article/view/64330 (link to full article)
