Reasons for using qualitative research methods
Qualitative research is applied when a particular phenomenon is impossible or irrelevant to quantify, but rather the phenomenon needs exploration or description. When more depth of investigation is required to obtain a researched issue, a qualitative approach is encouraged.
Basic assumptions of positivism
According to Guba and Loncoln (1994), the basic assumptions of positivism are: ontology – “naive realism – “real” reality but apprehendable”; epistemology – “dualist/objectivist; findings true”; methodology – “experimental/manipulative,” mostly quantitative, verifying the hypotheses (p. 109). The methodology of positivism includes mostly quantitative analysis and deductive approaches that require big samples and exact information (Robbins et al., 2011).
Basic assumptions of constructivism
According to Guba and Lincoln (1994), the basic assumptions of constructivism are: ontology – “relativism-local and specific constructed realities”; epistemology – “transactional/subjectivist; created findings”; methodology – hermeneutical/dialectical, it mainly includes qualitative studies that require description and interpretation (p. 109).
What is critical theory
Critical theory is an approach that entails critique and transformation; it asserts that “knowledge accumulates only in a relative sense through the formation of ever more informed and sophisticated constructions via the hermeneutical/dialectical process, as varying constructions are brought into juxtaposition” (Guba & Linkoln, 1994, p. 114).
Appropriate research questions and methods for three qualitative approaches— Appropriate research questions and methods for phenomenology
- what it is like to experience a certain phenomenon
- interviews and observations
Appropriate research questions and methods for targeted ethnography
- what is the life of a particular population like
- surveys, interviews, observation
Appropriate research questions and methods for case study
- why and how questions to investigate and deeply analyze the experience of a particular case (group or an individual)
- interviews, observation.
Usefulness of theory or conceptual frameworks in qualitative research
A theoretical position or a conceptual framework are stepping stones of methodological coherence (Mayan, 2009). They help to build borders for the research and encourage the researcher to remain focused on the chosen issue.
The importance of methodological coherence
Being coherent throughout the research ensures that the project’s epistemology, ontology, research questions, and methods are justified and aligned with the ultimate purpose of the study. According to Mayan (2009), a technique of “an armchair walkthrough” can help a researcher to think about the different stages of research as a whole system of interdependent elements (p. 14).
Methods of data collection and analysis for focus groups
Focus groups commonly use interviews to collect data. They are aimed at an in-depth investigation of complex social issues. The analysis is based on transcribing the interviews and systematizing the answers.
Methods of data collection and analysis for individual interviews
Individual interviews are conducted in person with the attention to the data provided by a particular person, not a group of individuals. The analysis is based on transcribing the interviews and systematizing the answers.
Methods of data collection and analysis for photovoice
Photovoice requires collecting data from photos taken by individuals. The analysis of the data requires cluster analysis and photo interpretation.
Rigor in qualitative studies
Rigorous qualitative research is research that contains objective and trustworthy data, uses reliable and relevant methods, and applies credible theories to interpret the findings. The findings’ credibility, transferability, dependability, and conformability are the main elements that ensure the trustworthiness of qualitative research. The application of software for data analysis ensures rigor in qualitative research.
References
Guba, E. G., & Lincoln, Y. S. (1994). Competing paradigms in qualitative research. Handbook of qualitative research, 2(163-194), 105.
Mayan, M. J. (2009). Essentials of qualitative inquiry. Routledge – Taylor and Francis.
Robbins, S. P., Chatterjee, P., & Canda, E. R. (2011). Contemporary human behavior theory: A critical perspective for social work. Pearson Higher Ed.