Qualitative Research Methods

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UnderstandableGladiolus
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18 Questions

What does qualitative research aim to do?

Develop explanations of social phenomena

In what situations is qualitative research particularly useful in a business or management setting?

When exploring concepts or views and real-life contexts

What is one of the key aspects of qualitative research in terms of the type of questions it seeks to answer?

Questions about people's behavior and attitudes

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of qualitative research?

Use of statistical analysis

What criticism have proponents of qualitative and quantitative research used against each other?

The distinguishing features of the opposing methodology

What differentiates qualitative and quantitative research in terms of their main goals?

Qualitative research aims to develop explanations of social phenomena; quantitative research tests hypotheses through experiments.

What is a potential source of confusion in qualitative research?

Different types of qualitative research questions

Why is it important to understand the different approaches to qualitative research?

To know where to publish research findings

What do different qualitative research approaches imply?

Different world views

Why do qualitative researchers often engage in lively discussions?

Due to the diversity in assumptions and perspectives

What is the most useful message to remember about qualitative research diversity?

There are many different types of qualitative research

How does adopting a particular qualitative research approach affect the dissemination of findings?

It influences where and how findings are published

What is the main difference between structured and unstructured approaches to inquiry?

The structured approach is more focused on quantifying the variation, while the unstructured approach allows flexibility in the research process.

Which category of research is usually associated with a structured approach to inquiry?

Quantitative research

What is a key feature of the structured approach to inquiry?

Predetermined objectives, design, sample, and questions

What is the primary objective of the unstructured approach to inquiry?

To describe the variation in a phenomenon, situation, or attitude

In which scenario would the unstructured approach to inquiry be more appropriate?

When exploring the nature of a problem without quantifying it

Which type of research aims at quantifying variation in issues or phenomena?

Quantitative research

Study Notes

Research Methodologies

  • Qualitative research aims to develop explanations of social phenomena, understanding the social world and why things are the way they are.
  • It seeks to answer questions about people's behavior, opinion formation, and cultural development.

Uses of Qualitative Research in Business and Management

  • Qualitative research is useful in exploring concepts or views, identifying "implementability" in real-life contexts, and sensitive topics requiring flexibility.

Different Approaches to Qualitative Research

  • Multiple approaches exist due to varying research questions and researcher backgrounds, implying different "world views" and influencing how findings are disseminated.
  • Examples of approaches include:
    • Phenomenology
    • Ethnography
    • Case study
    • Content analysis
    • Discourse analysis
    • Grounded theory
    • Hermeneutics
    • Narrative analysis
    • Semiotics

Inquiry Modes

  • There are two main approaches to inquiry: structured and unstructured.
  • Structured approach:
    • Predetermined research process, including objectives, design, sample, and questions.
    • Suitable for quantifying the extent of a problem or issue.
  • Unstructured approach:
    • Flexible research process with no predetermined design or questions.
    • Suitable for exploring the nature of a problem or issue without quantifying it.
    • Aims to describe variations in a phenomenon, situation, or attitude.

Explore the distinctions between qualitative and quantitative research methods, focusing on the development of new concepts, hypotheses, and the evaluation of organizational processes. Learn about the flexible, emergent nature of qualitative research while emphasizing the systematic research process.

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