Coursework Entry

The Nature of Qualitative Research

A course-linked artifact from the broader doctoral archive.

  • Not easier, but different from Quantitative Research
  • Already have skills in the area. Time intensive, data intensive
  • Primary goal is not trying to prove something. Smaller sizes, harder time trying to prove effectiveness.

    Five general features of qualitative research

    1. Natural setting
    2. Collection in form of words or pictures
    3. how things occur
    4. Construction of a picture while data is collected and examine the parts
    5. Special interest in participant’s thoughts.

Positivism - quantitative, empirical proof.

As opposed to quantitative, purposive sample collection, rather than random sample.

  • Narrative research - telling the story from a perspective
  • Phenomenological study - investigates reactions to, or perceptions of a particular phenomenon
  • Grounded theory - testing a theory to see if it holds up.
  • Case studies - intrinsic
  • Ethnolography - focus on study of culture

Ethical concerns are bigger in Qualitative studies

Data analysis

  • Coding, record conversations as much as possible.
  • seldom can generalize findings from a study.
  • Transferability

EDUC 7710 #7710