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Key characteristics of qualitative research
Key characteristics of qualitative research
11th January 2023
Related topic: Qualitative research
Author: Ady Hameme N. A.
Qualitative research is a type of research that seeks to understand and explain human behavior, experiences, and motivations through in-depth analysis of words, actions, and context. It is often used to explore complex social and cultural phenomena, and is particularly well-suited for studying sensitive or controversial topics.
According to prominent textbooks on qualitative research, there are several key characteristics that define qualitative research. These include:
Naturalistic approach: Qualitative research is typically conducted in naturalistic settings, such as homes, schools, or workplaces, rather than in controlled laboratory environments. This allows researchers to observe and interact with participants in their natural habitats, and to better understand how they experience and interpret the world around them.
Emphasis on meaning and interpretation: Qualitative research is focused on understanding the meaning and significance of human behavior and experience. Researchers use various methods, such as interviews, focus groups, and participant observation, to collect and analyze data about how people understand and make sense of their lives and the world around them.
Flexibility and adaptability: Qualitative research is often characterized by its ability to adapt to changing circumstances and to respond to new insights and discoveries as they emerge. Researchers may revise their research questions and methods as they gain a deeper understanding of their participants and the phenomena they are studying.
Use of multiple methods: Qualitative research often involves the use of multiple methods and sources of data, including interviews, observations, documents, and other artifacts. This allows researchers to triangulate their findings and to develop a more complete and nuanced understanding of the phenomena they are studying.
Researcher subjectivity: Qualitative research involves the researcher's subjective interpretation of the data they collect. Researchers are expected to be reflexive and to consider their own biases, assumptions, and perspectives as they analyze and interpret their data.
Overall, qualitative research is a valuable and important approach to understanding human behavior and experience. It allows researchers to explore complex social and cultural phenomena in depth, and to gain a deeper understanding of how people make sense of their lives and the world around them. Check the references for some of the prominent textbooks available that describe the qualitative research approach according to the year of publishing.
Cite this article: Ady Hameme, N. A. (2023, January 11). Key characteristics of qualitative research. Retrieved <insert month> <insert date>, <insert year>, from https://www.myadvrc.com/publications/article-5
References
Creswell, J. W. (2017). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (2017). The Sage handbook of qualitative research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Glesne, C. (2017). Becoming qualitative researchers: An introduction. Boston, MA: Pearson.
Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (2017). Naturalistic inquiry. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Morse, J. M. (2017). Approaches to qualitative research: A reader on theory and practice. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
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Strauss, A., & Corbin, J. (2018). Basics of qualitative research: Techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Merriam, S. B. (2019). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Stake, R. E. (2019). The art of case study research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Bryman, A. (2020). Social research methods. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Kvale, S. (2020). Interviews: An introduction to qualitative research interviewing. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Lofland, J., & Lofland, L. H. (2020). Analyzing social settings: A guide to qualitative observation and analysis. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
Yin, R. K. (2020). Case study research: Design and methods. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
LeCompte, M. D., & Schensul, J. J. (2021). Analyzing qualitative data: Systematic approaches. New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. (2022). Qualitative data analysis: An expanded sourcebook. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
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