The scientific rigor linked to qualitative research is analyzed from multiple criteria and perspectives.
Qualitative research is a method, of a scientific nature, that uses the resource of observation to obtain non-numerical data. It is a very useful tool, especially in the field of social sciences , although more and more areas linked to education are nourished by it.
Interviews, case studies, speeches, stories, surveys and the technique of participant observation serve to collect information and rigorously interpret them to arrive at an explanation or verbal closure that contemplates each context. There is no space, in this framework , for the experimental method (that is, no mathematical, statistical or numerical processes are carried out) but rather the actions are aimed at the collection of descriptive data without having, a priori, a formulated hypothesis . It is important to keep in mind that each conclusion is constantly reviewed as it may vary.
The answers to the questions that arise along the way are achieved through induction with an analytical and subjective methodology , a multi-methodical investigation triggered by a specific problem.
Qualitative research classes
There are many kinds of qualitative research .
In the sciences defined as human or social, for example, ethnography comes into play, a type of qualitative research valid for interpreting cultures or collective realities, among other issues.
Knowledge can also emerge and be enriched by appealing to participatory research . It is an option that seeks to articulate research , action and citizen participation, breaking the model of scientific positivism , pursuing the objective of understanding the world to generate favorable changes and transformations.
The action research process , meanwhile, is a qualitative method that is not limited to describing a problem but rather proposes getting involved. Thus, the role of the researcher takes on prominence depending on his or her active position.
Techniques and methods for collecting data
Multiple techniques and methods are used to collect data . Interviews, both in-depth and semi-structured, are great allies in the information collection stage. Allocating effort, commitment and time to transcribing interviews also facilitates the analysis, interpretation and conclusion phase.
Observation (in its participant and non-participant modalities), focus groups , case study , ethnographic research and content analysis are part of this research method .
Researchers record facts or data to interpret in a field diary where they record observations (content called field notes).
Qualitative research design
Below we will detail what the qualitative research design is like for the general knowledge of all those who come to this article with the desire or need to know steps, essential elements and ways to proceed.
First of all, you have to focus your attention on the statement of a problem . The research process is guided by a research question (or more) and the outline of the objectives of said plan. Having both a conceptual framework that supports the exploration and having as a basis a theoretical framework that guides the study is essential.
The phases of selecting the qualitative methodology and establishing what types of sampling will be used cannot be absent. It should be noted that the researcher can opt for intentional sampling in order to choose those who will give their opinion or provide information for the study. With an integrative spirit in terms of structure, the alternative of qualitative sampling is established, while theoretical sampling serves to specify and clarify information, preferring participants or cases based on the line on which one is working.
It is necessary to keep in mind that, in qualitative research , when analytically processing the data, the resource of theoretical saturation gains notoriety. What is this about? From the fulfillment of stages and the implementation of sufficient techniques so that there comes an instance in which the collected material stops adding data of interest. With intuition and using their own experience, each researcher can recognize that the aforementioned saturation has been reached in their project.
Regarding the qualitative data obtained, we must highlight the relevance of the coding process (considering here open coding , axial coding and selective coding ), thematic analysis without overlooking discourse analysis or narrative analysis ), of data triangulation and validation and credibility of the research .
To direct qualitative research, it is essential to well define the question intended for data collection.
Presentation of results
The presentation of results and their dissemination, in qualitative research , requires a final report. There must be an introduction, conceptual content, a description of the research methodology, the presentation of results and the conclusions of the work.
To synthesize the information and make it easier to visualize, it is also possible to create diagrams and tables .
Communication or transmission even requires a space for discussion and reflection on the results, addressing both theoretical and practical implications (in this regard, it is worth highlighting that, in this type of research, the methodological implications are linked to reflexivity , among other principles) and recommendations or suggestions for future research.