Qualitative Research Approaches Overview

Narrative Studies

Focuses on individual stories and how they convey meaning in the context of life experiences.

Phenomenology

Aims to understand the essence of experiences by exploring how individuals perceive and make sense of phenomena.

Grounded Theory

Focuses on generating theories grounded in data through systematic data collection and analysis.

Ethnography

Involves the study of cultures and communities through immersion in the environment being studied.

Case Study

Not explicitly defined in the notes but is one of the five main approaches to qualitative research.

Research Focus

What the research aims to address.

Unit of Analysis

The element or entity being studied (e.g., individuals, groups, cultures).

Type of Research Problem

The issue or topic the research seeks to explore.

Disciplinary Origins

The academic field from which the approach originates.

Forms of Data Collection

Techniques for gathering data (e.g., interviews, observations, surveys).

Sample Size Ranges

The number of participants or units involved in the study.

Data Analysis Strategies

Approaches used to interpret the data (e.g., coding, thematic analysis).

Research Outcomes

The findings and conclusions of the research.

Structure of Written Report

How research findings are typically organized and presented.

Case Study Research

In-depth exploration of a single case or a small number of cases within a specific context.

Narrative Studies

Balancing subjectivity with generalizability, and the challenge of interpreting personal experiences without bias.

Phenomenology

Distinguishing between description and interpretation of experiences.

Grounded Theory

The complexity of data analysis and theory generation.

Ethnography

Issues related to researcher bias, cultural sensitivity, and the role of the researcher in the study.

Case Study

The difficulty in establishing external validity or generalizing results from a single case.

Emerging Directions in Qualitative Research

Increasing use of technology and digital tools to collect and analyze data (e.g., online interviews, software for coding and analysis).

Intersectionality

Greater emphasis on understanding diverse experiences across various demographic groups.

Research Ethics

The researcher's role in maintaining integrity and transparency throughout the research process.

Ethnographic Research

Study of people and cultures through observation and participation.

Grounded Theory Research

Methodology aimed at developing theory based on systematic data collection and analysis.

Narrative Research

Research that focuses on individual stories to explore experiences and identities.

Phenomenological Research

Focus on understanding lived experiences and the essence of phenomena.

Research Approaches

Different strategies for conducting research and analyzing data.

Research Focus

The primary area of interest or problem the research seeks to address.

Research Outcome

The findings or conclusions of the research.

Research Problem

The issue or question the research is designed to investigate.

Research Questions

The specific questions guiding the research.

Unit of Analysis

The main object or subject of study in research (individual, group, culture, etc.).

Writing Structures

The format and organization of research findings and reports.