qualitative

1. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS OF RESEARCH 1
Strengths and Limitations of Research
Cynthia J. Lewis- Hickman
Walden University

2. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS OF RESEARCH 2
Strengths and Limitations of a Qualitative Research Design
Research designs and data collection methods are integral parts of a dissertation. As
important as they are, being cognizant of strengths and limitations merit discussion (Creswell,
2014; Miles, Huberman, & Saldana, 2014). Researchers have an obligation to understand these
ideas to help avoid pitfalls in the dissertation process.
Phenomenological Research Design
Phenomenological research is a design of inquiry coming from philosophy and
psychology in which the researcher describes the lived experiences of individuals about a
phenomenon as described by participants (Creswell, 2014, p. 14). A research design is the
foundation and framework of a study and helps find answers to the proposed research questions
(Maxwell, 2013; Miles, Huberman, & Saldana, 2014). The decision to use this type of design
was based on its flexibility; allowing for more freedom during the interview to explore essences
of others' experiences (Jacobs & Furgerson, 2012; Miles et al., 2014). Researchers may use many
different techniques, but central to the heart of qualitative research is the desire to expose the
human part of a story (Jacobs & Furgerson, 2012, p. 1). This is my motivation for choosing a
design that allows for personal and participant expression of a lived- experience.
Data Collection Method
The data collection method often used in qualitative studies is interviews, face-to-face in-
depth (unstructured/structured) interview process (Creswell, 2014). Interviewing is a strategy of
collecting important information need for analysis of the phenomenon under study (Creswell,
2014; Maxwell, 2013; Miles et al., 2014). Research data is irreplaceable so having a back-up tool
like an audio recorder for data management is essential (Miles, Huberman, & Saldana, 2014;
Maxwell, 2013; Patton, 2002). The data collection method was a decision based on the study’s

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underpinning, the participants to be studied and the research emphasis which is the essence of
human uniqueness (Patton, 2002). Interview method must reflect confidentiality while it allows
for elaboration of feelings, thoughts, and experiences pertaining to the research questions
(Creswell, 2014; Miles et al., 2014; Patton, 2002).
Strengths and Limitations of Research Design
Phenomenological design in qualitative research has various strengths. One strength is
the ability of the researcher to use their motivation and personal interest to fuel the study.
Maxwell (2013) declares this an advantage when the researcher is motived as a strong interest in
the topic will support completion of the dissertation (p. 24). Another strength is how data is
collected. The emergent fashion of shifting during the interview process is a way of yielding data
(Choy, 2014; Creswell, 2014). Through subjective, direct responses, the researcher is able to gain
first-hand knowledge about what participants experience through broad and open-ended inquiry
(Patton, 2002; Maxwell, 2013; Rudestam & Newton, 2015). Revisions can be made along the
way as new experiences emerge giving the researcher the ability to construct themes and patterns
that can be reviewed by participants (Miles et al., 2014, p. 9). The human factor is the greatest
strength and the fundamental weakness of phenomenological qualitative inquiry and analysis—a
scientific two-edged sword (Patton, 2002, p. 433).
Though phenomenological qualitative studies provide compelling research data, there are
limitations; the other side of the sword. For one, and perhaps the concern of many is bias
(Creswell, 2014; Janesick, 2011; Patton, 2002). The researcher’s role must include the
integration of biases, beliefs, and values up-front in the study (Janesick, 2011). A second
limitation that the process can be time consuming and labor intensive (Creswell, 2014; Janesick,
2011; Miles et al., 2014). The copious amount of data that has to be analyzed could be a

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disadvantage. Researcher should understand this before assuming a phenomenological
qualitative study (Creswell, 2014; Patton, 2002). Further, the individual circumstances that data
is collected from cannot be generalized (Maxwell, 2013; Patton, 2002). Finally, there are
limitations linked to credibility and reliability; or as Rudestam and Newton (2015) advises it is
the researcher’s responsibility of convincing oneself and one’s audience that the findings are
based on critical investigation (p. 131). Patton (2002) argues there is no straightforward tests can
be applied for reliability and validity. Therefore, the researcher must do their best in the
interview phase to present the data and communicate what the data reveals given the purpose of
the study (Patton, 2002, p. 433).
Strengths and Limitations of Data Collection Method
Strengths of using a synchronous interview process is establishing rapport and honing in
the details of the interview (Creswell, 2015; Jacobs & Furgerson, 2012; Rudestam & Newton,
2015). Face-to face interviewing can monitor non-verbal cues and clarify ambiguous responses
(Maxwell, 2013; Laureate Education, Inc., 2010). Getting the participants involved in the process
can yield positive results and large amounts of rich data (Creswell, 2015; Maxwell, 2013).
Interviewing is not a perfect method. First, enormous amounts of data is collected that
will require analysis; this is time consuming (Choy, 2014; Creswell, 2015). Next, interviewer
influence can be a limitation which is why triangulation is needed to manage biases (Creswell,
2015).Lastly, participants can opt out of the study leaving one to scramble for additional
participants (Jacobs & Furgerson, 2012; Patton, 2002; Rudestam & Newton, 2015).
In conclusion, this article has shared viewpoints on a research design and method along
with strengths and weaknesses of associated with both concepts.

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References
Choy, L. T. (2014). The strengths and weaknesses of research methodology: Comparison and
complimentary between qualitative and quantitative approaches. Journal of Humanities
and Social Science, 19(4), 99-104. Retrieved from http://www.iosrjournals.org/iosr-
jhss/papers/Vol19-issue4/Version-3/N0194399104.pdf
Creswell, J. W. (2014). Qualitative inquiry & research design: choosing among five approaches
(4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Jacobs, S., & Furgerson, S. P. (2012). Writing interview protocols and conducting interviews:
tips for students new to the field of qualitative research. The Qualitative Report, 17(6), 1-
10. Retrieved from http://www.nova.edu/ssss/QR/QR17/jacob.pdf
Janesick, V. J. (2011). “Stretching” exercises for the qualitative researcher (3rd ed.). Thousand
Oaks, CA: Sage.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer) (Producer). (2010b). Overview of qualitative
research methodology. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Maxwell, J. A. (2013). Qualitative research design: An interactive approach (3rd ed.). Thousand
Oaks, CA: Sage.
Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldana, J. (2014). Qualitative data analysis: A methods
sourcebook (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative research & evaluation methods (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA:
Sage.
Rudestam, K. E., & Newton, R. R. (2015). Surviving your dissertation: A comprehensive guide
to content and process (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

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Walden University. (2014). Center for Research Quality. Retrieved from
http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/researchcenter