Importance of Qualitative Research - Essay Example

There are a small number of qualitative researchers who will argue against this objectivity theory. Many academic disciplines contain qualitative research including sociology, psychology, anthropology, and biology. Some disciplines had a sulk behind in using qualitative research such disciplines are psychology and education but have been accepted recently as a genuine research method (Leedy & Ormrod 2013). A qualitative study can help define what is important a good example is the field of medicine.

I learned something new from this chapter. I came to understand that during the initial stage of conducting research scientists Look at the nature of the research problem and plan in qualitative research developing general research problems and only asking general questions about the problem in the study. However, as the study continues it provides more understanding of the phenomena under study and makes it easy to ask more specific questions (Leedy & Ormrod 2013). The difficulty of finding out what methods will be used in the study is brought by the use of open-ended questions at the start of an investigation.

This means that a qualitative researcher should select a general approach suitable for their purpose. Here the methodology may continue to evolve throughout the study, despite this change considerable preparation and planning are required. A qualitative researcher must be well-trained in interview strategies, observation techniques, and any other data collection methods. Qualitative research is not the best approach if you are looking to collect quick results and simple answers because it is time-consuming.

I also learned that when choosing the method of study to be used is quantitative or qualitative depending on the nature of the data to be collected. I also leaned that depending on the method chosen, one can decide on the most appropriate method of analyzing and evaluating data to get the best results. After studying the five potential research projects you can nowchoosee the methodology that is most appropriate for you. There are multiple forms of data collection in qualitative research (Leedy & Ormrod 2013). Qualitative research is not something to be entered into casually. The flexibility of qualitative methodologies is an advantage to experienced researchers but not novices.

I also learned about the main designs used in conducting research i.e. ethnography, phenomenological study, and Content analysis. The last one is the most inexpensive and easy to conduct. This is because it relies on existing records without the need to collect new data. It can however create the basis for further primary research in a specific area. I am more familiar with the grounded theory study; this is the one least likely to begin from a particular theoretical framework. Methods used are data collection, historical records, videotapes,s and documents are used. Read More