Qualitative Methods for Social Research

Qualitative researchers identify ideas that occur repeatedly throughout data. These ideas are organized into broader themes and used to write a theoretical narrative of the data. This narrative is usually supported by direct quotes from participants. The purpose of qualitative research is to learn about the experience of a group of people or an organization. It is a form of inquiry that emphasizes the subjective experience of its participants. In addition, qualitative researchers use data collected in interviews, observation, document analysis, and narrative writing to help them understand the context of a specific situation.

Interviews

The primary aim of the qualitative method of interviewing is to gain insights into the topic. The process involves direct interaction with participants and can be performed in a variety of settings. Depending on the type of qualitative research, interviews may be performed in a single session or be combined with other methods to create a multi-method design. The aim is to identify and evaluate the characteristics of the phenomenon, as well as the effectiveness of each method.

Observation

The use of qualitative methods for observation is a powerful method for social research. This research method requires the participants to participate in a study and are aware that the researcher is present. The goal of qualitative observation is to explore the world through the participants’ eyes, focusing on their experiences and reactions. The researcher can also participate actively in group discussions by making suggestions, but these must not influence the results of the study or sway the participants’ biases.

Analysis of documents

To conduct qualitative analysis of documents, you will need to set the parameters of your research. You will need to establish the scope of your research, the type of documents you want to collect, and the dates you want to research. After you have established these parameters, you can start searching for documents. You can use various sources such as Ministry archives, LexisNexis, online searches, and interviews with interview subjects to gather the information you need.

Narrative method

Several researchers have argued for the merits of the narrative method in qualitative research. These scholars note that the results of both methods are similar. The goal of this method is to observe patterns in narratives, compare them to other research, and develop a theory to explain the results. For instance, when studying the lives of a community’s senior citizens, a narrative analysis may help identify the factors that influence their health.

Ethnography

Ethnographic research usually starts with observing, taking thorough notes, and discussing key events with your subjects. By collecting data through observation, you can then see how to proceed in your research. For instance, you might take notes on their environment or their impressions of you. After observing, you can begin to formulate your research questions. The next step of ethnographic research is to test your hypothesis. But how can you do this?