Question

Identify the qualitative research designs from the list given below:
i) Exploring common experiences of individuals to develop a theory
ii) Controlling. manipulating. observing and measuring the effect
iii) Exploring the shared culture of a group of people
iv) Exploring individual stories to describe the lives of people
v) Extending generalizations from sample to population
Select the correct answer from the following options:
1.  i), iii) and iv)
2.  i), ii) and iii)
3.  ii), iii) and v)
4.  ii). iv) and v)

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 :  i), iii) and iv)

Qualitative research

• It is grounded in the assumption that individuals construct social reality in the form of meanings and interpretations, and that these constructions tend to be transitory and situational.
• Qualitative research typically involves qualitative data, i.e., data obtained through methods such as interviews, on-site observations, and focus groups that are in narrative rather than numerical form. Such data are analyzed by looking for themes and patterns.
• It involves reading, re-reading, and exploring the data.
• Qualitative research is defined as a market research method that focuses on obtaining data through open-ended and conversational communication. This method is not only about “what” people think but also “why” they think so. 

Qualitative Research Designs:

• Qualitative research methods are designed in a manner that helps reveal the behaviour and perception of a target audience with reference to a particular topic. 
• The results of qualitative methods are more descriptive and the inferences can be drawn quite easily from the data that is obtained.
• There are different types of qualitative research methods like an in-depth interview, focus groups, ethnographic research, content analysis, case study research that are usually used.
• Qualitative research designs aim at exploring experiences, culture, stories, ideologies, etc. to understand social and behavioural sciences. 
• Qualitative research focuses on understanding a research query as a humanistic or idealistic approach.

Thus, option 1 is the correct answer.

Features of Qualitative research

• Mainly for exploratory purposes and to generate hypotheses.
• The usual purpose is to generate a range and variety of data. 
• The methods of inquiry are informal and flexible.
• The researcher usually starts with only a broad indication of the information objectives of the project, but with a clear understanding of the overall purpose of the research. 
• The researcher usually works from a list of the topics to be covered, but the course of each ‘interview’ will be influenced by the respondent.
• Probability sample techniques are used in data collection.
• Data gathering to take place with top-down systematic evidence.
• Data collection with bottom-up empirical evidence is considered critical in this research. The aim of bottom-up studies, in contrast, is rather to give an accurate empirical description and explanation of the interactions and problem-solving strategies of actors involved in policy delivery. Many of the bottom-up studies do not go beyond providing descriptive accounts of a large amount of discretion available to implementers. 
• Based on small numbers of respondents who take part individually or in small groups.
• It cannot be known how true the findings are of the population from which the respondents are drawn.
• Data collection is usually handled by research professionals. 
• Use of standardized research tools.
• A qualitative project cannot be repeated exactly, because every data collection event in a project is different. 
• The findings can rarely be expressed in statistical form Analysis and conclusion rely heavily on the researcher’s perceptions and interpretation skills