Qualitative research

About: Qualitative research is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 39957 publications have been published within this topic receiving 2390470 citations. The topic is also known as: Qualitative method.

On Becoming a Qualitative Researcher: The Value of Reflexivity

Abstract: Learning how to conduct qualitative research may seem daunting for those new to the task, especially given the paradigm’s emphasis on complexity and emergent design. Although there are guidelines in the literature, each project is unique and ultimately the individual researcher must determine how best to proceed. Reflexivity is thus considered essential, potentially facilitating understanding of both the phenomenon under study and the research process itself. Drawing upon the contents of a reflective journal, the author provides an inside view of a first project, making connections between theory and practice. This personal narrative highlights the value of reflexivity both during and after a study, and may help to demystify the research process for those new to the field. Key Words: Reflexivity, Research Journal, Qualitative Methodology, and Student Researchers

The key informant technique

Abstract: Background and objective This article considers the role of the key informant technique as a qualitative research method and examines the potential contribution of the approach to health care research. Method The principles underlying the technique and the advantages and disadvantages are considered, illustrated with examples from a range of social science studies. Results and conclusion An example of the author's own use of key informants in a study of the professional relationship between general practitioners and specialists is described.

The case for qualitative research

Abstract: Qualitative as well as quantitative methods are needed in pharmacy practice research

Study design in qualitative research--2: Sampling and data collection strategies.

Abstract: In two prior papers in our series on qualitative research (Frankel & Devers (2000a, 2000b) Qualitative research: a consumer's guide, Education for Health, 13, 113-123; Frankel & Devers (2000) Study design in qualitative research—1: developing research questions and assessing research needs, Education for Health, 13, 251-261), we examine two critical issues in qualitative research design: sampling, including identifying and negotiating access to research sites and subjects, and data collection and management We describe these two key steps in the qualitative research design process, discuss challenges that often emerge when pursuing these steps, and provide guidelines for addressing them Qualitative research most often uses "purposive," rather than random, sampling strategies A good understanding of these sampling strategies and why they are used is central to designing a credible qualitative study In addition, given the real-world context in which most qualitative research is carried out, identifying and negotiating access to research sites and subjects are critical parts of the process We also provide suggestions for developing and maintaining productive and mutually satisfying research relationships with sites and subjects Finally, data collection and management are often neglected subjects in qualitative research We offer practical advice on how to collect and manage qualitative data, including factors to consider when deciding how struc- tured the data collection process should be, the pros and cons of audio- and/or videotaping compared with note-taking, and tips for writing up eeld notes and document management A forthcoming, enal paper in the series will focus on qualitative data analysis and the publication of qualitative research results