QUALITATIVE

RESEARCH

Prepared by Dr. Ida Yap-Patron

 MODULE 1

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
AND PROCEDURES
 QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
An inquiry process based on methodological
traditions of inquiry that:
1. explores social or human problem
2. builds a complex and holistic picture of a
phenomenon
3. uses a systematic redefine set of procedures to
answer a question
4. analyze words, collects evidence and reports
and detailed views of informants
5. conducts study in a natural setting
 Comparison of Quantitative and Qualitative Research
General Framework General Framework

 Seek to confirm hypotheses  Seek to explore

about phenomena phenomena
 Use more flexible
 Use more rigid style of iterative style of
eliciting and categorizing eliciting and
responses to questions categorizing responses
 Use highly structured to questions
methods such as  Use semi-structured
questionnaires, surveys, methods such as in-
and structured observation depth interviews, focus
groups, and participant
observation
QUANTITATIVE

Quantitative QUALITATIVE
Qualitative
Analytical Objectives Analytical Objectives
 To quantify variation  To describe variation

 To predict causal relationships  To describe and explain

relationships
 To describe characteristics of
a population  To describe individual
experiences
 To describe group norms
Question Format
Question Format
 Open-ended
 Closed-ended
Data Format
Data Format
 Textual obtained from audio-
 Numerical obtained by
tapes, video tapes, and field
assigning numerical values to
notes
responses

Quantitative Qualitative
 Comparison of Quantitative and Qualitative Research
Quantitative
Flexibility in Study Design
 Study design is stable from
beginning to end
 Participant responses do not
influence or determine how
and which questions
researchers ask next
 Study design is subject to
statistical assumptions and
conditions
Qualitative
Flexibility in Study Design
 Some aspects of the study are
flexible(for example, the
addition, exclusion, or wording
of particular interview
questions)
 Participant responses affect
how and which questions
researchers ask next
 Study design is iterative that is
data collection and research
questions are adjusted
according to what is learned
 Comparison of Quantitative and Qualitative Research
Quantitative
Important Difference
Quantitative
 Fairly inflexible
 Surveys and questionnaires are
identical to all respondents in
the same order
 Response categories from
which respondents choose are
“close-ended” or fixed
 Advantage: allows meaningful
comparison of responses
across respondents and study
sites, but requires thorough
understanding of the important
questions to ask, the best way
to ask them, and the range of
possible responses
Qualitative
Important Difference
 More flexible
 Allow greater spontaneity and
adaptation of interaction between
researcher and participant
 Response categories come from
“open-ended” questions – not
necessarily worded in exactly the
same way with each participant
 Participants are free to respond
more elaborately and in greater
detail – more than yes and no
answers
 Relationship between the
researcher and the participant is
often less formal