Explain the strengths and limitations of a qualitative approach to research

Question 1

Explain the strengths of a qualitative approach to research. (5)

Answer 1

• generates rich data
• useful for investigating complex and sensitive issues
• people studied in real-life settings so there is more ecological validity
• approach generates new ideas and theories to deal with real-life problems
• researcher(s) and participants are often interacting with each other for longer periods of time

Question 2

Explain the limitations of a qualitative approach to research. (5)

Answer 2

• large amounts of data to analyse
• can be very time consuming, especially if triangulation is used, as research takes place over a prolonged period
• difficult to generalise results to other settings because of the few participants in qualitative research (but is possible under certain conditions)
• interpretation of data may be subjective (although reflexivity and credibility checks may reduce bias)
• “participant expectations” and “researcher bias” may influence research process (although reflexivity and credibility checks may reduce bias)

Question 3

Explain the strengths and limitations of a qualitative approach to research (10)

Answer 3

Strengths:

• generates rich data
• useful for investigating complex and sensitive issues
• people studied in real-life settings so there is more ecological validity
• approach generates new ideas and theories to deal with real-life problems
• researcher(s) and participants are often interacting with each other for longer periods of time

Limitations:

• large amounts of data to analyse
• can be very time consuming, especially if triangulation is used, as research takes place over a prolonged period
• difficult to generalise results to other settings because of the few participants in qualitative research (but is possible under certain conditions)
• interpretation of data may be subjective (although reflexivity and credibility checks may reduce bias)
• “participant expectations” and “researcher bias” may influence research process (although reflexivity and credibility checks may reduce bias)

Question 4

Beginning: What is the purpose of qualitative research?

Answer 4

• to understand the world as the participant sees it.

- “Reality” is seen as dynamic as it changes with people’s perceptions

Question 5

Beginning: What is the focus on in qualitative research?

Answer 5

• design and procedures that makes it possible to study behaviour in everyday situations
• and to obtain rich data