This document outlines and provides examples of six common types of qualitative research: phenomenological research, grounded theory research, ethnographic research, narrative research, case study research, and participatory action research. For each type, a brief definition is given along with an example study that illustrates the methodology. The types of qualitative research are intended to help researchers choose the appropriate approach to gain insights and address real-world problems.

1. VARIOUS TYPES OF
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
BY
MONOJIT GOPE
RESEARCH SCHOLAR

2. INTRODUCTION
Qualitative research is a type of research that focuses on
understanding human behavior, beliefs, and experiences
through non-numerical data. There are several types of
qualitative research, each with its own unique approach and
purpose.

3. TYPES OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
1. Phenomenological Research.
2. Grounded Theory Research.
3. Ethnographic Research.
4. Narrative Research.
5. Case study Research.
6. Participatory Action Research.

4. PHENOMENOLOGICAL RESEARCH
Phenomenological research aims to understand the meaning
and essence of a particular experience or phenomenon, as
perceived by individuals who have experienced it. It often
involves in-depth interviews and analysis of personal
accounts.

5. EXAMPLE OF PHENOMENOLOGICAL
RESEARCH
• Phenomenological research is a qualitative research method that seeks to describe and interpret
people's experiences of a particular phenomenon. Here is an example of a phenomenological
research study:
• Title: The Experience of Being a First-Time Mother
• Research question: What is the essence of the experience of being a first-time mother?
• Methodology: A phenomenological approach was used to explore the experiences of first-time
mothers. Participants were recruited through social media and word of mouth. Semi-structured
interviews were conducted with eight first-time mothers who had given birth within the last year.
The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach.

6. GROUNDED THEORY
Grounded theory research is an approach to research that
aims to develop theories or explanations of social
phenomena based on the data collected from participants. It
involves constant comparison and analysis of data to
develop concepts and categories.

7. EXAMPLE OF GROUNDED THEORY
• Grounded theory is a qualitative research method that aims to generate a theory based on data that is systematically
collected and analyzed. Here is an example of a grounded theory study:
• Title: Understanding the Process of Adaptation to Online Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Research question: What is the process of adaptation to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic among
undergraduate students?
• Methodology: A grounded theory approach was used to explore the experiences of undergraduate students adapting to
online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were recruited through email invitations sent to students
enrolled in courses that had shifted to online delivery. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and
focus groups with 15 students. The interviews and focus groups were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data
were analyzed using constant comparative analysis, with codes and themes emerging from the data.

8. ETHNOGRAPHIC RESEARCH
Ethnographic research involves the observation and
participation in the culture or community being studied,
often for an extended period of time. It is often used to gain
a deep understanding of cultural practices and beliefs.

9. EXAMPLE OF ETHNOGRAPHIC
RESEARCH
• Ethnographic research is a qualitative research method that involves studying the culture and behavior of a
specific group of people. Here is an example of an ethnographic research study:
• Title: The Culture of Street Art in Urban Settings
• Research question: What are the cultural practices and meanings associated with street art in urban
settings?
• Methodology: An ethnographic approach was used to study the culture of street art in urban settings. The
study was conducted in a large metropolitan area in the United States. The researcher spent several months
observing street artists at work, attending street art events, and conducting interviews with street artists and
community members. The researcher also collected photographs and other artifacts related to street art.

10. NARRATIVE RESEARCH
Narrative research involves the collection and analysis of
stories or personal accounts of individuals, often to
understand the meaning and significance of their
experiences. It can be used to explore personal and social
issues.

11. EXAMPLE OF NARRATIVE
RESEARCH
• Narrative research is a qualitative research method that focuses on the stories and experiences of individuals.
Here is an example of a narrative research study:
• Title: Exploring the Life Stories of Refugees
• Research question: What are the life stories of refugees, and how do these stories shape their experiences of
resettlement?
• Methodology: A narrative approach was used to explore the life stories of refugees. Participants were
recruited through a refugee resettlement agency in a large metropolitan area in the United States. Data were
collected through in-depth interviews with 10 refugees from diverse backgrounds. The interviews were
transcribed and analyzed using a narrative analysis approach, with a focus on identifying themes and patterns
in the participants' life stories.

12. CASE STUDY RESEARCH
Case study research involves in-depth examination of a
single case or a small group of cases. It is often used to gain
insight into complex phenomena, such as organizational
behavior or human development.

13. EXAMPLE OF CASE STUDY
RESEARCH
• Case study research is a qualitative research method that involves in-depth analysis of a particular case, such
as an individual, a group, or an event. Here is an example of a case study research study:
• Title: Understanding the Effectiveness of a Workplace Wellness Program
• Research question: How effective is a workplace wellness program in improving employee health and
productivity?
• Methodology: A case study approach was used to evaluate the effectiveness of a workplace wellness
program in a large manufacturing company. The study was conducted over a six-month period and included a
sample of 20 employees who participated in the program. Data were collected through surveys, interviews,
and observations of program activities. The data were analyzed using a mixed-methods approach, with
quantitative data analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data analyzed using thematic analysis.

14. PARTICIPATORY ACTION
RESEARCH
Participatory action research involves collaboration between
researchers and participants to solve real-world problems. It
often involves empowering participants to take an active
role in the research process.

15. EXAMPLE OF PARTICIPATORY
ACTION RESEARCH
• Participatory action research is a qualitative research method that involves collaboration between researchers and participants to
identify and address issues of concern to the community. Here is an example of a participatory action research study:
• Title: Promoting Health Equity in a Low-Income Community
• Research question: How can a community-based participatory action research approach be used to promote health equity in a low-
income community?
• Methodology: A participatory action research approach was used to address health equity issues in a low-income community in an
urban area. The study involved collaboration between community members, health care providers, and researchers. The research team
worked with community members to identify health equity issues in the community, such as lack of access to healthy food and
healthcare services. Together, the research team and community members developed and implemented interventions to address these
issues, such as establishing a community garden and providing free health screenings.

16. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, there are several types of qualitative research, each
with its own strengths and weaknesses. By choosing the appropriate
type of research for a given question or problem, researchers can
produce valuable insights and knowledge that can benefit society.

17. THANK YOU