Qualitative Research and Its Importance in Daily Life

Question 1

Qualitative researchers do not talk about the “truth”
of their findings but rather the “plausibility” of their
interpretations.

Answer 1

Absence of Truth

Question 2

A relevant factor in the elusiveness of “truth” is the
central and significant role context plays in
qualitative research

Answer 2

Importance of Context

Question 3

Although the goal of all research is to draw meaning
from the data, qualitative research is unique in the
dimensionality of this effort

Answer 3

Importance of Meaning

Question 4

The closeness of the researcher to the research
participants and subject matter instills an in-depth
understanding which can prove beneficial to a
thorough analysis and interpretation of the outcomes

Answer 4

Researcher-as-instrument

Question 5

Closely associated with the idea that the researcher is
the tool by which data are gathered is the important
function of the_____________ ___________ _____________ in
qualitative research and its impact on research
outcomes.

Answer 5

Participant-Researcher Relationship

Question 6

Qualitative research requires a unique set of skills from
the researcher, skills that go beyond the usual qualities
of organization, attention to detail, and analytical
abilities that are necessary for all researchers.

Answer 6

Skill Set Required of the Researcher

Question 7

Qualitative research is useful at gaining meaningful
information from hard-to-reach or underserved
populations such as children of all ages, subcultures,
and deviant groups

Answer 7

Types of Issues or Questions Effectively Addressed by
Qualitative Research

Question 8

Qualitative researchers analyze their outcomes from
the inside out, organizing and deriving meaning from
the data by way of the data itself.

Answer 8

Messy Analysis and Inductive Approach

Question 9

• Issues and subjects covered can be evaluated in depth
  and in detail.
• Interviews are not limited to particular questions and
  can be redirected or guided by researchers in real time.
• The direction and framework of research can be revised
  quickly as soon as fresh information and findings emerge.
• The data in qualitative research depends on human
  experience and this is more compelling and powerful
  than data gathered through quantitative research.

Answer 9

Strengths of Qualitative Research

Question 10

• Complexities and subtleties about the subjects of the
  research or the topic covered is usually missed by many
  positivistic inquiries.
• Data is usually gathered from few individuals or cases
  therefore findings and outcomes cannot be spread to
  larger populations. However, findings can be transferred
  to another setting.
• With this type of research, the researcher has a clear
  vision on what to expect. They collect data in a genuine
  effort of plugging data to bigger picture.

Answer 10

Strengths of Qualitative Research

Question 11

• The quality of research is heavily dependent on the skills
  of the researcher and can be easily influenced by
  personal idiosyncrasies and biases of researchers.
• Rigidity is more difficult to assess, demonstrate and
  maintain.
• The quantity of data makes interpretation and analysis
  time-consuming.
• Qualitative research is sometimes not accepted and
  understood especially within scientific communities.

Answer 11

Weaknesses of Qualitative Research

Question 12

• The presence of researcher in the process of data
  gathering is unavoidable and can therefore affect or
  influence the responses of subjects.
• Issues on confidentiality and anonymity can pose
  problems during presentation of findings.
• Findings can be time consuming and difficult to present
  in visual ways.

Answer 12

Weaknesses of Qualitative Research