Chapter 16 - The Nature of Qualitative Research

Question 1

How is the qualitative method different from the quantitative?

Answer 1

It describes phenomena in terms of words instead of numbers through the collection of written text. It describes processes and phenomena.

Question 2

When should you choose to do a qualitative study?

Answer 2

When you want to study unexplored phenomena and the research question concerns processes, mechanisms, attitudes, or social contexts. It is also the best choice when developing new theory.

Question 3

What is a case study design?

Answer 3

Detailed studies of one case (organisations, companies, departments, group etc). It describes processes and causal mechanisms based on semi-structured interviews, observations and documents.

Question 4

What are the 8 steps of a qualitative study?

Answer 4

1. Research Question
2. Select relevant sites and subjects
3. Collect relevant data
4. Interpret Data
5. Conceptual work
6. Specification of Research Question
7. Potential Collection of new data
8. Write about your findings

Question 5

What is the primary reason for doing a qualitative study?

Answer 5

To develop theory that elaborates on definitions and concepts of previous theory.