Qualitative Research Design: Module 4 Topic 1

• Qualitative research design is the context for Module 4 Topic 1 – Part A.

Nature of Design

• Qualitative research involves designing as the process unfolds, rather than a fixed plan beforehand.
• The design emerges and evolves throughout the project.
• Inquiry is based on the realities and viewpoints of those being studied.
• Realities and viewpoints are not fully known at the start.

Characteristics

• Qualitative research must be flexible & elastic in approach.
• Long & intense engagement with the subject is required.
• Researchers act as a key research instrument.
• Analysis is ongoing throughout the research.
• A holistic perspective is adopted.
• Data collection strategies are merged.

Advance Planning

• It is important to identify the research tradition and relevant study site & settings.
• Identify the key gatekeepers.
• Estimate the time required.
• Identify the necessary equipment.
• Analyze one's own biases & ideology.

Phases

• Qualitative research typically involves 3 phases: Orientation & Overview, Focussed Exploration, and Confirmation & Closure.
• Phases often overlap.
• Orientation & Overview involves determining important aspects of the research.
• Focussed Exploration involves examining important aspects in detail.
• Confirmation & Closure ensures trustworthiness.

Design Features

• Post hoc characterizations are a key design feature.
• Experimental vs. non-experimental approaches can be used.
• Comparisons are made during the research.
• Data collection points need to be determined.
• Retrospective vs. prospective data collection can be employed.
• The research setting is an important design consideration.

Qualitative Traditions in Various Disciplines

• Anthropology (Culture): Ethnography and Ethnoscience focus on holistic cultural views and mapping cognitive worlds, respectively.
• Psychology/Philosophy (Lived experience): Phenomenology and Hermeneutics explore individual experiences and interpretations.
• Psychology (Behaviour & Events): Ethology and Ecologic psychology examine behavior in natural contexts and environmental influences.
• Sociology (Social Settings): Grounded Theory and Ethnomethodology study social processes and the achievement of social agreement.
• Sociolinguistics (Human Communication): Discourse analysis examines forms and rules of conversation.
• History (Past behaviour, events): Historical analysis involves description and interpretation of historical events.

Review

• Polit & Beck (2017) - 9th edition
• Chapter 11 – ‘Qualitative Designs and Approaches'