HMEMS80 Qualitative Research

Qualitative Research
Definition of Qualitative Research
Qualitative research is a research method that

focuses on investigating complex social
phenomena in their natural contexts through
the accumulation of detailed, in-depth, and
context-rich data (Denzin & Lincoln, 2018). In
contrast to quantitative research, which
employs numerical data to test hypotheses and
generalizations, qualitative research aims to
generate new knowledge and understanding by
investigating the subjective experiences,
meanings, and interpretations of individuals
and groups.
Qualitative research: key features
A concern with understanding
An emphasis on inductive
A focus on exploring the social the subjective experiences,
reasoning and hypothesis
world in its natural setting meanings, and interpretations
generation
of individuals and groups
A preference for open-ended A reliance on multiple data An iterative (repetition) and

research questions and flexible sources and data collection reflexive approach to data
research designs techniques collection and analysis
A commitment to the
principles of transparency,
rigor, and trustworthiness
Research Design
and Methods
The research design and methods
used in qualitative research can
vary depending on the research
questions and objectives.
Sampling
Sampling is the process of selecting participants or cases

from a population for inclusion in a research study. In
qualitative research, sampling is generally based on the
principles of purposeful and theoretical sampling, rather
than on statistical representativeness. The goal of sampling
in qualitative research is to select participants who are able
to provide rich and meaningful data that can answer the
research questions.
Maximum variation sampling: This type of
Purposive sampling involves selecting Homogeneous sampling: This type of sampling
sampling aims to select participants who
participants based on specific characteristics or involves selecting participants who share a
represent a range of variation in the
criteria relevant to the research question or common characteristic or experience. For
characteristics of interest. For example, if the
objectives. This type of sampling is often used example, if the research question is about the
research question is about the experiences of
in qualitative research when the goal is to experiences of first-generation immigrants,
cancer patients, maximum variation sampling
select participants who have specific homogeneous sampling would involve selecting
would involve selecting participants who vary in
experiences, perspectives, or knowledge that participants who are all first-generation
age, gender, ethnicity, stage of cancer, and
can inform the research. immigrants.
treatment received.
Critical case sampling: This type of sampling

Typical case sampling: This type of sampling Snowball sampling involves selecting
involves selecting participants who are critical
involves selecting participants who are typical participants based on referrals from other
or extreme cases that can provide insights into
or representative of a particular group or participants who share similar characteristics or
the phenomenon of interest. For example, if
experience. For example, if the research experiences. This type of sampling is often used
the research question is about the experiences
question is about the experiences of individuals in qualitative research when the population of
of individuals who have recovered from
with anxiety disorders, typical case sampling interest is difficult to access, and snowball
substance abuse, critical case sampling would
would involve selecting participants who have sampling helps to identify and recruit potential
involve selecting participants who have
been diagnosed with a common type of anxiety participants through social networks or
recovered from a severe and long-term
disorder, such as generalized anxiety disorder. community organizations.
addiction.
Convenience sampling involves selecting

participants who are readily available and
accessible to the researcher. This type of
sampling is often used in qualitative research
when the goal is to obtain quick and easy
access to a population. However, convenience
sampling can be biased, as it may not represent
the diversity of the population or provide a
representative sample.
Data Collection Techniques
Qualitative research can use a variety of resources to collect and analyze data. The following are
some common resources used in qualitative research:
Interviews: Interviews are a popular method of data collection in qualitative research. To collect
rich, detailed data about the experiences, perspectives, and attitudes of participants. Researchers
can conduct in-depth, semi-structured, or open-ended interviews.
Focus groups: Focus groups are group interviews that collect information from multiple participants
simultaneously. Focus groups can be useful for investigating shared experiences and perspectives
and for generating a variety of perspectives on a specific topic.
Data Collection Techniques cont.
Observations: Observations entail meticulously observing and recording participant behaviour in

natural or controlled settings. Observations can be used to collect information on how participants
interact with one another, their environment, or a particular situation.
Documents: Documents such as diaries, correspondence, social media posts, and organisational
documents can provide valuable insights into participants' experiences and perspectives.
Audio and video recordings have the ability to capture the subtleties of participants' voices, tones,
and gestures. Utilising these recordings, researchers can transcribe and analyse the language and
behaviour of participants.
Data Collection Techniques cont.
Photographs and visual images: Photographs and visual images can be used to stimulate
participants' memories and associations and to collect additional data for analysis.
Online data: Qualitative research can utilise online data such as blogs, forums, and social
media posts to examine the experiences and perspectives of participants in online
communities.
Data Analysis
• Data analysis in qualitative research is a complex and
iterative process that involves several procedures such
as coding, categorisation, and interpretation. The main
goal of data analysis in qualitative research is to identify
patterns and themes within the data that can answer
the research questions and provide insight into the
research topic. Some common data analysis techniques
in qualitative research include thematic analysis and
grounded theory.
Thematic analysis: is a widely used technique in Grounded theory: is a qualitative research method
qualitative research that involves identifying that involves developing theories or explanations
patterns or themes in the data. It is a systematic from the data. It is a systematic and iterative
and iterative process of coding and categorization, process of coding, categorization, and theory
where the researcher identifies patterns of meaning development, where the researcher builds
across the data set. theories that are grounded in the data.
• Qualitative research software tools, such as
NVivo, Atlas.ti, and MAXQDA, can assist in
Software the coding and analysis of qualitative data.
These software tools are designed to help
Tools researchers organise, manage, and analyze
large volumes of data, making the research
process more efficient and effective.
Ensuring rigor and trustworthiness is a critical aspect of qualitative research.
Rigor refers to the quality of the research process and the credibility of the
findings, while trustworthiness refers to the believability and credibility of the
research findings. Here are some ways in which researchers can ensure rigor and
trustworthiness in their qualitative research:
• Transparency: Qualitative researchers should be transparent about their
research design and methods.
• Documentation: Qualitative researchers should document their research
process thoroughly. This includes keeping a detailed record of the data
Ensuring Rigor collection process, coding and analysis techniques, and any decisions made
during the research process.
and • Reflexivity: Qualitative researchers should address issues of bias and
reflexivity. This involves reflecting on the researcher's own assumptions,
Trustworthiness beliefs, and experiences, and how they may have influenced the research
process and findings.
• Triangulation: Qualitative researchers can enhance the credibility of their
findings by using triangulation. Triangulation involves using multiple data
sources or methods to corroborate the findings.
• Peer review: Qualitative researchers can enhance the rigor and
trustworthiness of their research by seeking peer review. Peer review involves
having other researchers review the research process and findings to provide
feedback on the quality of the research.
Ethical Consideration
Qualitative research also requires ethical
considerations to ensure the protection of
participants' rights, privacy, and confidentiality.
Researchers must adhere to ethical principles and
guidelines in their research design, data collection,
and dissemination of findings.
Key ethical Informed consent: Researchers must obtain informed consent from
participants, which involves providing them with information about the
research purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits, and ensuring that
considerations in they have voluntarily agreed to participate.
qualitative Confidentiality and anonymity: Researchers must ensure that

participants' personal information and identities are kept confidential
research and anonymous, to protect their privacy and avoid any potential harm
or negative consequences.
Respect for participants: Researchers must show respect for

participants' autonomy, cultural values, beliefs, and diversity, and avoid
any form of discrimination, exploitation, or coercion.
Beneficence and non-maleficence: Researchers must ensure that their

research benefits participants and does not cause any harm or negative
consequences.
Ethical approval: Researchers must obtain ethical approval from

institutional review boards or ethical committees before conducting
their research, to ensure that their research adheres to ethical
principles and guidelines.
THANK YOU: ANY QUESTIONS?
References
HMEMS80 Study Guide
Creswell, J. W. (2013). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five
approaches. Sage publications.
Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (2018). The Sage handbook of qualitative research. Sage
Publications.
Flick, U. (2018). An introduction to qualitative research. Sage publications.
Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. Sage publications.

HMEMS80 Qualitative Research

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

HMEMS80 Qualitative Research

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

HMEMS80 Qualitative Research

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Qualitative Research

Definition of Qualitative Research

Qualitative research is a research method that

A preference for open-ended A reliance on multiple data An iterative (repetition) and

Sampling is the process of selecting participants or cases

Critical case sampling: This type of sampling

Convenience sampling involves selecting

Observations: Observations entail meticulously observing and recording participant behaviour in

qualitative Confidentiality and anonymity: Researchers must ensure that

Respect for participants: Researchers must show respect for

Beneficence and non-maleficence: Researchers must ensure that their

Ethical approval: Researchers must obtain ethical approval from

You might also like