Qualitative Report Writing Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering essential terms and criteria for crafting high-quality qualitative research reports.

Qualitative Research Report

A research document that emphasizes rich, descriptive data and often includes extensive quotations, transcripts, and narrative analysis.

Thick Description

Detailed, vivid account of social actions and contexts that conveys meaning and nuance in qualitative research.

Illustrative Text

Quoted passages from data sources used to exemplify themes or findings in a qualitative report.

Transcription

Word-for-word written record of audio or video data such as interviews or conversations.

Clear Statement of Purpose

Explicit articulation of why the study was conducted and what it seeks to accomplish.

Logically Justified Research Questions

Inquiry points whose relevance is demonstrated through coherent reasoning in the report.

Specified & Justified Data Collection

Detailed explanation and rationale for how information was gathered during the study.

Specified & Justified Data Analysis

Clear description and defense of the procedures used to interpret qualitative data.

Logically Related Conclusions

Study outcomes that flow directly from the presented data and analysis.

Consistent & Coherent Structure

Report organization that remains logically ordered from introduction to conclusion.

Methodological Fit

Demonstrated understanding that chosen qualitative methods suit the research aims and assumptions.

Sufficient Detail for Evaluation

Information depth that enables readers to judge the study’s rigor and credibility.

Creativity in Research

Innovative thinking that advances ideas or analysis without being novel merely for novelty’s sake.

Diligence & Exactitude

Careful, thorough preparation, analysis, and writing throughout the research process.

Appropriate Use of Concepts

Accurate and careful application of key theoretical terms and ideas.

Target Readership Adaptation

Tailoring report tone and content to the specific audience, such as academics or policymakers.

Clarity & Openness

Transparent writing that avoids vague language or intentional obscurity.

Obfuscation

Practice of hiding problems or uncertainties through unclear or opaque writing; discouraged in qualitative reports.

Structural Variety

Flexibility in organizing qualitative reports, allowing multiple valid formats.

Qualitative Ethos

Orientation that honors researcher perspective, subjectivity, context, and data richness.

Self-Questioning

Critical reflection on one’s own ideas, arguments, and data within the report.

Balanced Critique

Fair, thoughtful evaluation of other researchers’ work alongside one’s own.

Attention to Presentation Details

Meticulous care for grammar, spelling, paragraphing, and overall formatting.

Title (Report Section)

Concise phrase that clearly conveys the study topic and design.

Abstract

Brief summary of the study’s purpose, methods, main findings, and implications.

Introduction

Section that outlines background, literature review, and research questions.

Method

Part of the report that details participants, data collection, and analysis procedures.

Results and Discussion

Combined or separate sections presenting findings and interpreting their meaning.

Conclusions

Optional section summarizing key insights and suggesting implications or future research.

References

List of all sources cited in the qualitative report following a specific citation style.

Appendix

Supplementary material such as interview guides, coding schemes, or extended data excerpts.