QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Qualitative Research

Qualitative Research

What considerations must one take into account when dealing with qualitative research?

Qualitative research is subjective in nature, relying on interaction between the researcher and study participants (Creswell, 2009). Qualitative data are characterized by their descriptive qualities, collected through personal accounts and interviews. This research methodology offers multiple means of inquiry that are flexible and adaptable within a more fluid research protocol. Analysis of research concepts helps in developing the research questions and selecting the research design to explore the research objective (Creswell, 2009). The questions and focus of the study may change as the researcher investigates and collects data for the project. Instead of using primitive data, the qualitative researcher should investigate patterns and common themes within the data (Corbin, 2008).

What factors should go into determining the sample size used in a qualitative study?

Qualitative studies explore the fundamentals of key concepts and relation between qualitative variable. Therefore, sample size selection in such researches is to minimize sample error to have an accurate representation of population characteristics (Jackson, 2008). The sample size calculation cannot execute before the preliminary, pilot studies (though such studies are generally performed before the actual planning of scientific research). Sample size determination is based on the margin of error adequate for the proposed study (Corbin, 2008). In qualitative research, it is necessary to determine the types of questions (open or close-ended). In case of close ended questions, large sample size can accommodate the viability to gather and analyze data in a systematic way (Creswell, 2009).

What are the implications for potential bias with this researcher role?

Involvement of research as an instrument in qualitative research defines his subjective role in observing the desired responses. Limited scope of research may result in ignoring the valuable information. Halo effect and horn effect may dominate the situation ...