Steps in Qualitative Research

Question 1

What is the first step in qualitative research?

Answer 1

Identifying the research problem by defining its background, context, and significance.

Question 2

Why is the preamble important in qualitative research?

Answer 2

It sets the background and context, defining why the research problem is important.

Question 3

What role does the rationale play in qualitative research?

Answer 3

It highlights gaps in the literature, justifies the study’s importance, and explains why addressing these gaps matters.

Question 4

What should qualitative research questions look like?

Answer 4

They should be open-ended, non-directional, and start with ‘How’ or ‘What’.

Example: “How do professionals manage complex client needs?”

Question 5

What is the purpose of a literature review in qualitative research?

Answer 5

To synthesize ideas from different sources, structure findings, and tell a coherent story.

Question 6

How should a literature review be structured?

Answer 6

It should focus on research questions, use relevant keywords, synthesize ideas, and present findings in a structured way.

Question 7

What are common data collection methods in qualitative research?

Answer 7

Observations, interviews, and focus groups, with an emphasis on participant perspectives and meaning.

Question 8

Why is participant perspective important in qualitative research?

Answer 8

Because qualitative research focuses on meaning-making and understanding lived experiences.

Question 9

What is the first step in qualitative data analysis?

Answer 9

Organizing and preparing the data for analysis.

Question 10

What does step 2 of qualitative data analysis involve?

Answer 10

Reading through all data to get a general sense of the information and its overall meaning.

Question 11

What is the purpose of coding in qualitative research?

Answer 11

To label sentences or paragraphs with terms that summarize their meaning, often using participants’ language.

Question 12

How are codes used to generate themes?

Answer 12

By grouping similar codes into categories or themes for analysis.

Question 13

Why are sub-themes important in qualitative research?

Answer 13

They help refine main themes and provide deeper insight into the data.

Question 14

What does the final step of qualitative data analysis involve?

Answer 14

Evaluating data and making interpretations to extract meaningful insights.

Question 15

Can you give an example of thematic analysis?

Answer 15

Categorizing coping strategies as adaptive or maladaptive based on participants’ descriptions.

Question 16

What is triangulation in qualitative research?

Answer 16

A method of verifying data credibility by using multiple sources, researchers, theories, or methodologies.

Question 17

What is data triangulation?

Answer 17

Using data from different times, spaces, and people to validate findings.

Question 18

What is investigator triangulation?

Answer 18

Having multiple researchers collect or analyze data to reduce bias and increase validity.

Question 19

What is theory triangulation?

Answer 19

Using multiple theoretical perspectives to interpret data and strengthen findings.

Question 20

What is methodological triangulation?

Answer 20

Applying different methodologies to study the same research problem for cross-validation.

Question 21

Why is triangulation important in qualitative research?

Answer 21

It enhances credibility, reliability, and validity of findings.

Question 22

How should qualitative research findings be reported?

Answer 22

By presenting a table with themes and sub-themes, supported by descriptions and examples linked to literature.

Question 23

What is the role of figurative language in reporting qualitative findings?

Answer 23

It helps label themes more effectively and makes findings more engaging.

Question 24

Why is linking findings to literature important?

Answer 24

It contextualizes results, strengthens arguments, and connects new insights to existing knowledge.

Question 25

What makes qualitative research flexible?

Answer 25

It allows for emerging themes and adapts to participants’ responses rather than following rigid hypotheses.

Question 26

How does qualitative research differ from quantitative research?

Answer 26

Qualitative research focuses on subjective meanings and experiences, while quantitative research measures objective, numerical data.

Question 27

What is the importance of using open-ended questions in qualitative research?

Answer 27

They allow for in-depth exploration of participants’ perspectives without imposing predefined answers.

Question 28

What is a key ethical consideration in qualitative research?

Answer 28

Ensuring informed consent and protecting participant confidentiality while interpreting personal experiences.

Question 29

Why is reflexivity important in qualitative research?

Answer 29

It helps researchers acknowledge and minimize biases that might influence data interpretation.

Question 30

How do qualitative researchers ensure trustworthiness?

Answer 30

Through credibility techniques such as triangulation, member checking, and peer debriefing.