A Qualitative Research Method - Essay Example

Qualitative Research Qualitative Research Qualitative research is a wide field that uses unstructured data collection methods. For instance, a researcher can make observations or use documents to find themes and information that shape people’s understanding of the world. The approach tends to focus on the emotions, behaviors and attitudes that influence human activities and other phenomena in the world. The research method is instrumental across multiple disciplines. However, it is important to understand the characteristics of an effective qualitative research in order to determine appropriateness during usage. Sample Size Sampling refers to the process of selecting subjects to be examined during the research process (Luborsky and Rubinstein, 1995). The process is influential when determining the correctness of data to be collected. Presently, researchers have to select an appropriate method from a wide range of options. However, a strong research design involves an attempt to incorporate multiple sampling strategies. In addition, it will involve an iterative sampling approach. The technique involves alternating between sampling and analyzing the collected data. Sample size is one of the most important considerations in a research process. The aim is to continue conducting the research until the researchers reach a point of saturation or information redundancy. As a result, researchers have to ensure that sampling and analysis are conducted at the same time (Luborsky and Rubinstein, 1995). Qualitative research should be used when the sample size is relatively small. An excessively large sample is also undesirable because it would undermine the research process by making it difficult to conduct a thorough analysis of the information. In addition, it is important to ensure that the nature of the sample is determined by the needs of the research as opposed to any personal views of the researcher (Luborsky and Rubinstein, 1995). Consequently, a collaborative approach in selecting the appropriate research methodology may be more effective. Type of data collected The type of data collected should determine the type of research. The data used in a qualitative research is different from a quantitative research approach. The former involves rigorous and scientific data while the later focuses on contextual and detailed data (Glaser and Laudel, 2013). As a result, qualitative research should be used when the research needs to focus on the context and details of the research problem. A qualitative research is inappropriate when the data involves large numbers because the researcher needs to make deductions. However, the data should represent actual observations as opposed to personal conclusions. A different researcher should be able to collect similar data if he or she follows the same steps outlined in the research process. In addition, the data should be verified. Some researchers fail to verify the data conducted. As a result, they undermine the quality of their research. In the event that the researcher focuses on literature review, then they must ensure that they use credible sources of information (O’Cathain, Thomas, Drabble, Rudolph and Hewinson, 2013). The researcher has to select an appropriate research methodology. For example, ethnography can collect data because the method involves the study of human interaction and communities. The researcher can participate directly in the activity that they are interested in or they can just be passive observers. Phenomenology refers to the study of the subjective experiences that other people go through. The researcher has to attempt to look at the world through the eyes of other people. Then they have to try to interpret their experiences. In addition, grounded theory can be used. The purpose of this approach is to develop a theory based on the data collected. The approach focuses on particular information and tries to derive theories and reasons for the different phenomena. A case study research can be used because the process involves conducting an in-depth qualitative study of particular phenomena in the world. The appropriate research method should be determined based on the purpose of the study and the resources available to the researcher (Gomez, 2009). Researchers should ensure that they state the research methodology used and the reason for selecting such an approach. Furthermore, researchers must be careful if they decide to use multiple data collection methods. The approach may undermine their ability to collect correct data. In most instances, using one research methodology is the most effective. In addition, it would be inappropriate for a researcher to fail to provide a detailed systematic guide for their research process. Giving the steps that they had taken would enable other researchers to repeat the research in order to determine if its findings are valid. A good research must include the limitations that the researchers had to overcome. Failure to provide the limitations of a research process may undermine the quality of the research. How data are collected Data can be collected using multiple strategies. The first method involves direct observation. In this method, a researcher can watch videos or observe people with their own eyes. In this approach, it is important to note that the researcher should watch without influencing or participating in the process. In contrast, participant observation involves a deliberate attempt by the researcher to engage in the research process. However, this approach involves a lot of time because a researcher must spend a lot of time within the community. Interviews can be used to collect data. The approach involves giving the respondents an opportunity to answer freely. During the process, a researcher should explore different topics as they arise. In addition, surveys can be conducted to collect data. The approach is expected to reveal the different ideas, perceptions and thoughts in the society. Lastly, focus groups can also be used because they involve structured or unstructured focus groups. The process is efficient because it gives the researcher an opportunity to interact with one respondent at a time (Sargeant, 2012). Structured or unstructured focus groups provide an enabling mechanism for the participant and the interviewer to interact. Researchers have to ensure that they are recording the actual observations as opposed to their interpretation of events (Sargeant, 2012). In addition, it would be inappropriate for a researcher to use a specific set of data as opposed to the entire data that has been collected. The most appropriate step involves ensuring that all the data that has been collected is analyzed. Moreover, any inconsistencies should be reevaluated as opposed to discarding them from the research process. A research without a clear finding should be repeated in order to determine where the researchers had made a mistake. How data are analyzed Once data has been collected, it can be analyzed in order to provide theories for the different research questions. The different approaches may involve coding. The term refers to the identification of themes, ideas and the underlying patterns in the data (Glaser and Laudel, 2013). Inferential statics will involve an attempt to formulate conclusions based on that data while descriptive statics will focus what the data is showing. Narrative analyses may also be used. The approach involves an attempt to focus on the speech and content of the research. For instance, a researcher may focus on the social, cultural and political setting of the research. In addition, content analysis can also be instrumental. In this approach, the researcher focuses on the selected texts to look for themes and meanings. The approach involves an evaluation of the frequency of words. Qualitative research is appropriate when the focus is on describing the data that has been collected. However, it would be inappropriate if the focus were on the statistical analysis of the data. How results are presented Researchers are expected to report their findings honestly and effectively. In addition, it would be inappropriate for a researcher to let their bias to affect their analysis of the subject. They can overcome their personal bias by triangulating the information that they have with other studies (Gomez, 2009). Qualitative research is appropriate when the researcher has to compare with the findings of other researchers. In addition, they should include information about their personal background in the research. The approach is inappropriate if the researcher is not expected to rely on past studies on the subject. Conclusion A qualitative research method should focus on the audience and the formatting requirements of the research journal in which it will appear. The research methodology is appropriate when the focus of the research is on the contextual details of the process as opposed to the scientific details. The qualitative research approach is an essential part of the research process. References Glaser, J & Laudel, G. (2013). Life With and Without Coding: Two Methods for Early-Stage Data Analysis in Qualitative Research Aiming at Causal Explanations. Forum for qualitative social Research, 14(2) Gomez, C. C. (2009). Assessing the Quality of Qualitative Health Research: Criteria, Process and Writing. Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 10 (2). Luborsky, M. R & Rubinstein, R. L. (1995). Sampling in qualitative Research. Res Aging, 17(1), 89–113. Sergeant, J. (2012). Qualitative Research Part II: Participants, Analysis, and Quality Assurance. J Grad Med Educ, 4(1), 1–3. O’Cathain, A., Thomas, K. J., Drabble, S. J., Rudolph, A & Hewinson, J. (2013). What can qualitative research do for randomized controlled trials? A systematic mapping review. BMJ Open, 3(6). Read More