Prominent Aspects of Approaches to Qualitative Research - Essay Example

? Qualitative Research Method Approaches The use of qualitative approaches to research is one of the most popular methodsof research in the social sciences, where it has become a basic part of all research conducted. It can be said that all the five approaches to qualitative research tend to emphasize on the qualities of the factors and on those procedures or connotations that have not been measured or examined. In fact, the examination using these approaches is often based on an experimental or in terms of quantity, amount, intensity, or frequency in which the said subjects of the research occur. Those who use the five approaches of qualitative research often create theories that put an emphasis on the socially constructed nature of authenticity. In addition, because of the close relationship between the researcher and the object that is being studied in qualitative research, it is possible that the barriers that might prevent the way in which the inquiry on the subject matter is conducted will be removed. One of the most prominent aspects of the five main approaches to qualitative research is what it known as ethnographic research, which is used for investigating different cultures through the collection and description of data that is crucial for the development of a theory that can be used by the researcher. An example of this approach is the study of a certain culture and the understanding of those who practice it of the role of a practice, such as circumcision, in their cultural framework (Galliers & Huang, 2012). When this approach is used, there is often an emphasis on the value of the subject matter. Researchers will work towards a conclusive theory through the seeking answers to questions that stress how social experience is shaped and provided with a meaning. This approach can be contrasted to quantitative research methods that emphasize the measurement and analysis of causal relationships between inconsistencies, not processes. It is a fact that the ethnographic approach of inquiry is considered by many of those who use it to carry out their research to be as much a viewpoint on how to advance towards the investigation of a research problem as it is a method. Another approach that is used in the formulation of theory in qualitative research is the grounded theory which is considered to be an inductive type of research that is based on the observations or information from which it was developed. In addition, the grounded theory uses an assortment of information sources that include quantitative data, re-evaluation of records, interviews, surveillance and examinations. Furthermore, when using the grounded theory, the researcher will more often than not be required to adapt his findings to the situation of the subject as it unfolds, so that there are often no inflexible programmed designs and this enables the researcher to remain flexible, and this ensures that the credibility of the researcher’s work is maintained (Roger & Halas, 2012). Moreover, when conducting research using the grounded theory approach, the researcher is likely to select those study cases that are rich in information and are enlightening as this ensures that there is purpose in the research since the methods of sampling are aimed at gaining an insight on the phenomenon under study. The qualitative approach known as phenomenology is based on the study of a phenomenon that occurs in a subject population so that a theory concerning the said phenomenon can be developed. When collecting data, observations that surrender plenty of profound understanding of the subject matter as well as ensuring the capture of direct quotations that concern the subject population’s personal perspectives as well as the developing case studies and a careful review of all the manuscripts available to ensure that only the best quality of information is gathered. Moreover, the development of theory using the phenomenology approach allows the researcher to get close to the people who have the information that he or she wishes to gain (Townsend, Cox & Li, 2010). In this case, using this approach, the researcher’s personal experiences and insights when conducting his research are some of the most important aspects of his inquiry because it allows him to be able to have a better understanding of the diverse phenomena within the research subject. When collecting data using the phenomenology approach, the researcher has to show that he is not biased by maintaining absolute neutrality, since he is only supposed to make a study of what is going on and make an assessment. When using the case study approach, there is often the need for a comparison of similar case studies to that chosen by the researcher. This approach can only be used when there is ample proof that the quality of the individual cases are beyond reproach and that they will not interfere with each other’s integrity. A precise analysis of the information that has been collected is often conducted to ensure that all the important patterns, themes as well as the close relationships within the case are determined and recorded. The case study approach begins with the exploration and confirmation of the findings and their analysis is guided by analytical principles rather than the rigid rules used in other approaches (Petticrewet al., 2013). When making an analysis of case using this approach, it is usual for the researcher to adopt a holistic perspective where the case under study is understood as a comprehensive system that is more than the abridgment of its parts. The case study approach tends to be based on a focus on the diverse mutual dependence and system vibrancies that cannot be reduced in any meaningful way to a few disconnected inconsistencies and linear associations that depend on origin and consequence. Theory in the qualitative approaches is important since there should be an emphasis on the careful comparison of the case analyses so that it can be determined whether there have been any variations in new settings. The use of the five main qualitative approaches should own and be reflective about the voice perspective since a voice that is based on credibility is likely to convey authenticity and trustworthiness. It is a fact that it is impossible to achieve complete objectivity and that the use of complete subjectivity works towards undermining credibility, when formulating a theory, the researcher's focus should be a reflection of a balance between understanding and portraying the world realistically in all its diversity (Yu, Jannasch-Pennell & DiGangi, 2011). When using the qualitative approach in the development of a theory, the researcher is required to be self-analytical, and to be spontaneous in consciousness so that his work can be considered not only authentic, but also of the best quality. In conclusion, it can be said that the development of theory plays a very important role in the qualitative approaches because it allows the researcher to come up with the best ways through which their research can be credibly conducted. This is because of the fact that theory allows for the subjective study of cases to provide answers and solutions for the specific problems that have been placed under study. When researchers adopt theory in the usage of these approaches, they not only allow for the effective analysis of the cases involved but also ensure that they have a better understanding of the subject at hand. The adoption of these approaches by researchers is becoming widespread and it has become common for those outside the social sciences to use them especially when conducting research that is multidisciplinary in nature. This is a clear sign that the theory that is found in the five qualitative approaches plays an important role when conducting qualitative research. References Galliers, R. D., & Huang, J. C. (2012). The teaching of qualitative research methods in information systems: An explorative study utilizing learning theory. European Journal of Information Systems, 21(2), 119-134. Petticrew, M., et al. (2013). Synthesizing evidence on complex interventions: How meta-analytical, qualitative, and mixed-method approaches can contribute. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 66(11), 1230. Roger, K. S., & Halas, G. (2012). Building interdisciplinary qualitative research networks: Reflections on qualitative research group (QRG) at the University of Manitoba. The Qualitative Report, 17(1), 120-130. Townsend, A., Cox, S. M., & Li, L. C. (2010). Qualitative research ethics: Enhancing evidence-based practice in physical therapy. Physical Therapy, 90(4), 615-28. Yu, C. H., Jannasch-Pennell, A., & DiGangi, S. (2011). Compatibility between text mining and qualitative research in the perspectives of grounded theory, content analysis, and reliability. The Qualitative Report, 16(3), 730-744. Read More