A500.6.3.RB - Qualitative Research

To me, qualitative research is using research to explore an idea to gain a greater understanding of the topic. This type of research can be used to gain more detailed information about a topic. Typically, the researcher will ask a question, or form a hypothesis. The researcher will observe to find out an answer to this hypothesis, or gain a new perspective. There are many features of qualitative research, for example, the researcher acts as the ‘human instrument’ of the data collection (Hoepfl, 1997). This means that the researcher is actively involved in the data collection. Qualitative research should be descriptive as well as trying to incorporate expressive language in the research (Hoepfl, 1997).

There are multiple things that are the responsibility of the researcher, for example, they must have a stance on the idea or topic they are researching. To me, this means having a clear hypothesis. The researcher much be completely involved in the research process to come to a conclusion about their hypothesis from their experiences.

There are multiple ways to collect data from qualitative research. First, a focus needs to be determined for the inquiry. Additionally, the researcher must decide how to obtain the research, and from where they will find it. Finally, the researcher must have a plan for the analysis of the research along with thinking about how to determine trustworthiness of the participants (Hoepfl, 1997).

Data collection can include interviews, observations, as well as recording data. It is the responsibility of the researcher in regards to an interview to make sure that the interviewer is asking probing questions. Additionally, observations are important because you can watch people naturally and are free to take notes and make conclusions based on actions (Hoepfl, 1997).

Next, the researcher should analyze the data. To analyze data, one must identify common themes in the research (Hoepfl, 1997). Then, the researcher must use quotes from participants if necessary to help bolster the research. The researcher should see how the themes of the research are linked with their hypothesis.