NOTES
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
UNDERSTANDING TERMINOLOGY
What is research?
Research is a systematic and methodical investigation carried out to discover new
knowledge, validate existing information, or solve specific problems. It involves a
structured and organised process of gathering, analysing, interpreting, and
presenting data to gain insights and understanding about a particular subject or
topic.
What are the key aspects of research?
1. Purpose: Research aims to answer questions, explore theory, or address specific
issues. It is driven by curiosity and the desire to expand human knowledge, improve
existing practices, or develop innovative solutions.
2. Methodology: Researchers follow a well-defined methodology, which includes the
selection of appropriate research methods, data collection techniques (e.g., surveys,
interviews, experiments, and observations), data analysis and interpretation
procedures.
3. Data Collection: The process of gathering relevant information or data is a critical
aspect of research. This data can be qualitative (descriptive, non-numeric) or
quantitative (measurable, numeric), depending on the research objectives.
4. Analysis: Once the data is collected, researchers use various statistical or
qualitative analysis techniques to make sense of the information gathered. The goal
is to identify patterns, trends, correlations, or insights that can answer the research
questions.
5. Interpretation: Data interpretation is the process of making sense of data to derive
meaningful insights, patterns, and trends and to draw conclusions. It involves the
examination, manipulation and understanding of data to extract useful information
and to draw conclusions that can inform decision making and problem-solving.
6. Objectivity and Rigor: Research tries to maintain objectivity and thoroughness by
minimising bias and ensuring that the findings are reliable and valid. Peer review and
1
, repetition of studies help to verify and confirm the results. On the other hand
qualitative research is subjective as it investigates personal experiences.
7. Conclusions: Based on the analysis and interpretation of data, researchers draw
conclusions based on evidence about the research questions. These conclusions
contribute to the body of knowledge in the field and may lead to further research or
practical applications.
8. Communication: Finally, the findings of the research are communicated through
academic papers, reports, presentations, or other mediums. This dissemination of
knowledge allows others in the field to benefit from the research and build upon it.
In essence, research is a systematic journey of exploration and discovery that allows
us to better understand the world around us, make informed decisions, and drive
progress in various fields of study.
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH: design, approach, methodology and
paradigm and how they are all linked
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH is a type of research methodology that focuses on
exploring and understanding the complexities of human behaviour, experiences, and
perceptions in a naturalistic setting. It is primarily concerned with gaining insights
and generating in-depth knowledge rather than quantifying data through statistical
measurements. Qualitative research aims to uncover the underlying meanings,
patterns, and contexts that shape individuals' actions and beliefs.
Types of Qualitative Research
Case Study: A case study involves an in-depth investigation of a single
individual, group, community, or organisation. It allows researchers to gain a
detailed understanding of a specific context or phenomenon.
Ethnography: Ethnography involves engaging the researcher in the natural
setting of the participants to observe and understand their culture, behaviour,
and social interactions.
Grounded Theory: Grounded theory aims to develop a theory or model that
is "grounded" in the data itself. The theory emerges from the constant
2
, comparison of data during the research process. Theory is generated from
data collected analysed and interpreted.
Phenomenology: Phenomenology explores individuals' lived experiences
and focuses on understanding the essence of those experiences.
Narrative Analysis: Narrative analysis examines individuals' stories and
narratives to gain insights into how they construct meaning through
storytelling.
Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) they are valuable qualitative data
collection tools that involve bringing together a small group of participants
(usually 6-10 people) to discuss a specific topic or research question in a
structured and facilitated manner. FGDs are particularly useful for gaining
insights into participants' perspectives, beliefs, attitudes, and experiences
within a group context. How people behave in a discussion.
Action research: action research provides a structured framework for
collaboratively (researcher and participants) addressing complex issues and
generating insights that contribute to positive change within a specific context.
It emphasises learning through doing and encourages ongoing adaptation and
refinement of strategies based on real-world outcomes. The research process
revolves around finding solutions or strategies to address the real problem.
Historical Studies: Historical studies investigate the activities of the past and
why things happened the way they did. The aim of Historical Studies is to
predict the future. When the past is clearly understood, it makes it easier to
prepare for the future. Data for historical research may be collected from
documents in libraries, museums or even artifacts. Data may also be collected
from old articles, books, old newspapers even from elderly people. Historical
data sources can be primary and secondary sources. Primary sources provide
direct information or evidence, while secondary sources contain indirect
information (research findings done by others in the past).
What are the components of qualitative research?
1. Research Design: The research design in qualitative research refers to the overall
plan, the map or the blue print and strategy that guides the study. It outlines the
steps, procedures, and methods used to gather and analyse data. Qualitative
3
, research design is typically more flexible and adaptive compared to quantitative
research design. Common qualitative research designs include case studies,
ethnography, grounded theory, phenomenology, narrative analysis and others.
2. Research Approach: The research approach is the broad perspective or orientation
the researcher adopts to conduct the study. In qualitative research, two primary
approaches are often discussed:
a. Inductive Approach: This approach starts with data collection then analysis and
interpretation leading to the formulation of theory or explanations based on the
patterns and themes identified in the data. It moves from specific observations to
theory development. The theory may later be tested in the deductive approach.
b. Deductive Approach: In contrast, this approach starts with a pre-existing theory
or hypothesis that the researcher seeks to validate or refute. Data collection and
analysis are conducted to test the existing theory.
3. Research Methodology: Research methodology refers to the specific methods and
techniques used to collect data in a qualitative study (the process). Qualitative
researchers use various data collection methods, such as interviews, focus groups,
observations, document analysis, and participant or non-participant observations.
The choice of methodology depends on the research question, the nature of the
phenomenon under investigation, and the available resources.
4. Research Paradigm: The research paradigm represents the worldview and
philosophical assumptions that strengthen the researcher's approach to the study. In
qualitative research, three dominant paradigms are often discussed:
a. Constructivist Paradigm: This paradigm assumes that reality is subjective and
socially constructed. It emphasises the understanding of how individuals make sense
of their experiences and the meanings they attach to their actions. The
understanding is influenced by peoples’ social interactions.
b. Post-positivist/Realist Paradigm: This paradigm acknowledges the existence of
an objective reality but recognises the role of the researcher's interpretation in the
research process. It seeks to balance objectivity with the acknowledgment of the
subjectivity of the researcher and participants.
c. Interpretivism also known as interpretive or qualitative research, is a research
paradigm or philosophical approach that focuses on understanding and interpreting
the subjective experiences, meanings, and contexts of individuals and social
phenomena. It is a way of studying the world that acknowledges the complexity of
4
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
UNDERSTANDING TERMINOLOGY
What is research?
Research is a systematic and methodical investigation carried out to discover new
knowledge, validate existing information, or solve specific problems. It involves a
structured and organised process of gathering, analysing, interpreting, and
presenting data to gain insights and understanding about a particular subject or
topic.
What are the key aspects of research?
1. Purpose: Research aims to answer questions, explore theory, or address specific
issues. It is driven by curiosity and the desire to expand human knowledge, improve
existing practices, or develop innovative solutions.
2. Methodology: Researchers follow a well-defined methodology, which includes the
selection of appropriate research methods, data collection techniques (e.g., surveys,
interviews, experiments, and observations), data analysis and interpretation
procedures.
3. Data Collection: The process of gathering relevant information or data is a critical
aspect of research. This data can be qualitative (descriptive, non-numeric) or
quantitative (measurable, numeric), depending on the research objectives.
4. Analysis: Once the data is collected, researchers use various statistical or
qualitative analysis techniques to make sense of the information gathered. The goal
is to identify patterns, trends, correlations, or insights that can answer the research
questions.
5. Interpretation: Data interpretation is the process of making sense of data to derive
meaningful insights, patterns, and trends and to draw conclusions. It involves the
examination, manipulation and understanding of data to extract useful information
and to draw conclusions that can inform decision making and problem-solving.
6. Objectivity and Rigor: Research tries to maintain objectivity and thoroughness by
minimising bias and ensuring that the findings are reliable and valid. Peer review and
1
, repetition of studies help to verify and confirm the results. On the other hand
qualitative research is subjective as it investigates personal experiences.
7. Conclusions: Based on the analysis and interpretation of data, researchers draw
conclusions based on evidence about the research questions. These conclusions
contribute to the body of knowledge in the field and may lead to further research or
practical applications.
8. Communication: Finally, the findings of the research are communicated through
academic papers, reports, presentations, or other mediums. This dissemination of
knowledge allows others in the field to benefit from the research and build upon it.
In essence, research is a systematic journey of exploration and discovery that allows
us to better understand the world around us, make informed decisions, and drive
progress in various fields of study.
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH: design, approach, methodology and
paradigm and how they are all linked
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH is a type of research methodology that focuses on
exploring and understanding the complexities of human behaviour, experiences, and
perceptions in a naturalistic setting. It is primarily concerned with gaining insights
and generating in-depth knowledge rather than quantifying data through statistical
measurements. Qualitative research aims to uncover the underlying meanings,
patterns, and contexts that shape individuals' actions and beliefs.
Types of Qualitative Research
Case Study: A case study involves an in-depth investigation of a single
individual, group, community, or organisation. It allows researchers to gain a
detailed understanding of a specific context or phenomenon.
Ethnography: Ethnography involves engaging the researcher in the natural
setting of the participants to observe and understand their culture, behaviour,
and social interactions.
Grounded Theory: Grounded theory aims to develop a theory or model that
is "grounded" in the data itself. The theory emerges from the constant
2
, comparison of data during the research process. Theory is generated from
data collected analysed and interpreted.
Phenomenology: Phenomenology explores individuals' lived experiences
and focuses on understanding the essence of those experiences.
Narrative Analysis: Narrative analysis examines individuals' stories and
narratives to gain insights into how they construct meaning through
storytelling.
Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) they are valuable qualitative data
collection tools that involve bringing together a small group of participants
(usually 6-10 people) to discuss a specific topic or research question in a
structured and facilitated manner. FGDs are particularly useful for gaining
insights into participants' perspectives, beliefs, attitudes, and experiences
within a group context. How people behave in a discussion.
Action research: action research provides a structured framework for
collaboratively (researcher and participants) addressing complex issues and
generating insights that contribute to positive change within a specific context.
It emphasises learning through doing and encourages ongoing adaptation and
refinement of strategies based on real-world outcomes. The research process
revolves around finding solutions or strategies to address the real problem.
Historical Studies: Historical studies investigate the activities of the past and
why things happened the way they did. The aim of Historical Studies is to
predict the future. When the past is clearly understood, it makes it easier to
prepare for the future. Data for historical research may be collected from
documents in libraries, museums or even artifacts. Data may also be collected
from old articles, books, old newspapers even from elderly people. Historical
data sources can be primary and secondary sources. Primary sources provide
direct information or evidence, while secondary sources contain indirect
information (research findings done by others in the past).
What are the components of qualitative research?
1. Research Design: The research design in qualitative research refers to the overall
plan, the map or the blue print and strategy that guides the study. It outlines the
steps, procedures, and methods used to gather and analyse data. Qualitative
3
, research design is typically more flexible and adaptive compared to quantitative
research design. Common qualitative research designs include case studies,
ethnography, grounded theory, phenomenology, narrative analysis and others.
2. Research Approach: The research approach is the broad perspective or orientation
the researcher adopts to conduct the study. In qualitative research, two primary
approaches are often discussed:
a. Inductive Approach: This approach starts with data collection then analysis and
interpretation leading to the formulation of theory or explanations based on the
patterns and themes identified in the data. It moves from specific observations to
theory development. The theory may later be tested in the deductive approach.
b. Deductive Approach: In contrast, this approach starts with a pre-existing theory
or hypothesis that the researcher seeks to validate or refute. Data collection and
analysis are conducted to test the existing theory.
3. Research Methodology: Research methodology refers to the specific methods and
techniques used to collect data in a qualitative study (the process). Qualitative
researchers use various data collection methods, such as interviews, focus groups,
observations, document analysis, and participant or non-participant observations.
The choice of methodology depends on the research question, the nature of the
phenomenon under investigation, and the available resources.
4. Research Paradigm: The research paradigm represents the worldview and
philosophical assumptions that strengthen the researcher's approach to the study. In
qualitative research, three dominant paradigms are often discussed:
a. Constructivist Paradigm: This paradigm assumes that reality is subjective and
socially constructed. It emphasises the understanding of how individuals make sense
of their experiences and the meanings they attach to their actions. The
understanding is influenced by peoples’ social interactions.
b. Post-positivist/Realist Paradigm: This paradigm acknowledges the existence of
an objective reality but recognises the role of the researcher's interpretation in the
research process. It seeks to balance objectivity with the acknowledgment of the
subjectivity of the researcher and participants.
c. Interpretivism also known as interpretive or qualitative research, is a research
paradigm or philosophical approach that focuses on understanding and interpreting
the subjective experiences, meanings, and contexts of individuals and social
phenomena. It is a way of studying the world that acknowledges the complexity of
4
