Qualitative Research

1. Qualitative
Research

2. What is Qualitative Research?
Qualitative research is a research method that
focus on gathering in-depth insights and understanding
of individuals’ experiences, behaviors, attitudes, and
beliefs. It aims to explore and interpret the subjective
meanings and social contexts associated with a
particular phenomenon or topic. It is primarily
concerned with understanding the “how” and
“why” of human behavior rather than quantifying and
measuring it. Instead of using numbers and statistics,
qualitative research focuses on words, stories, and
observations. It involves methods like interviews,
observations, and discussions to collect information
directly from people. Researchers analyze this

3. Themes of Qualitative Research
Qualitative research encompasses a wide range of approaches and methods, each
with its own unique focus. However, several themes commonly emerge across
qualitative research studies. Here are some of the key themes in qualitative research:
1. Phenomenology:
Seeks to understand individuals' subjective experiences and the meaning
they attach to those experiences. It aims to uncover the essence and structure of
lived experiences and how individuals interpret and make sense of the world.
2. Ethnography
Involves the study of cultural groups or communities. Researchers immerse
themselves in the natural environment of the participants, observing and interacting
with them to gain a comprehensive understanding of their social and cultural
practices, beliefs, and perspectives.

4. Themes of Qualitative Research
3. Case study
Research investigates a particular individual, group, organization, or
phenomenon in depth. It aims to provide a detailed and holistic understanding of
the case under study, often utilizing multiple sources of data such as interviews,
observations, and documents.
4. Narrative analysis
Examines the stories and narratives individuals construct to make sense of
their experiences. Researchers analyze the structure, content, and language of these
narratives to uncover themes, patterns, and the underlying meanings that
individuals convey through their storytelling.

5. Themes of Qualitative Research
5. Participatory action research
Involves collaboration between researchers and the participants of the study.
It emphasizes empowering individuals and communities to actively participate in the
research process, identify problems, and develop strategies for social change.
6. Feminist research
Aims to explore gender roles, power dynamics, and women's experiences. It
critically examines gender-based inequalities and seeks to promote gender equity
and social change.

6. Research Questions
What is a Research Question?
A research question is a question that a study or research
project aims to answer. This question often addresses an issue
or a problem, which, through analysis and interpretation of
data, is answered in the study’s conclusion. In most studies,
the research question is written so that it outlines various
aspects of the study, including the population and variables to
be studied and the problem the study addresses.

7. Research Questions
Importance of the Research
Question
The primary importance of developing a research question is that it
narrows down a broad topic of interest into a specific area of study
(Creswell, 2014). Research questions, along with hypotheses, also
serve as a guiding framework for research. These questions also
specifically reveal the boundaries of the study, setting its limits, and
ensuring cohesion.

8. Steps to Developing a Good Research Question
Before learning how to write a research paper, you must first
learn how to create a research question. If you are looking for
criteria for a good research question, Stone (2002) says that a
good research question should be relevant, decided, and
meaningful. Creating a research question can be a tricky
process, but there is a specific method you can follow to ease
the process.
The following steps will guide you on how to formulate a
research question:

9. Steps to Developing a Good Research Questions
Start with a broad topic.
A broad topic provides writers with plenty of avenues to
explore in their search for a viable research question. Techniques to
help you develop a topic into subtopics and potential research
questions include brainstorming and concept mapping.
* For example, you can raise thought-provoking
questions with your friends and flesh out ideas from your
discussions. These techniques can organize your thoughts so you
can identify connections and relevant themes within a broad topic.

10. Steps to Developing a Good Research Questions
Narrow down your topic and determine
potential Research Questions.
Once you have gathered enough knowledge
on the topic you want to pursue, you can start
focusing on a more specific area of study and
narrowing down a research question.

11. Steps to Developing a Good Research Questions
Evaluate the soundness of your research
question.
Your initial research and review of related literature will
have produced some interesting questions that seem like
they’re worth pursuing. However, not all interesting
questions make for sound research questions. Keep in mind
the research question meaning — that a research question
draws its answer or conclusion through an analysis of
evidence.

12. Examples of Research Questions
Bad: How does social media affect people’s behavior?
Good: What effect does the daily use of YouTube have
on the attention span of children aged under 16?
Bad: Has there been an increase in childhood obesity in
the US in the past 10 years?
Good: How have school intervention programs and
parental education levels affected the rate of childhood
obesity among 1st to 6th-grade students