What is Qualitative Research?
Qualitative research is an approach to gathering data and information about a given topic to gain an in-depth understanding of it It is a more exploratory, naturalistic approach to studying different phenomena, as opposed to quantitative research, which relies more on statistics to analyze and measure results. Qualitative research is typically done through interviews and focus groups and observations, allowing researchers to gain access to the target population's thoughts, feelings, and opinions.
Qualitative research is useful because it allows researchers to gain a greater insight into the complexity of the topic, rather than relying solely on quantitative research methods. This type of research is also often seen as more reliable, as it is not subject to the same biases and flaws in data collection as quantitative research. Qualitative research also provides a more personal, human-centered approach, which can help to make sense of how people experience and relate to the topics being studied.
Examples of Qualitative Research Questions
1. What do you think of when you hear ____?
2. How does your experience with ____ affect your daily life?
3. How does ____ impact your decisions and behavior?
4. What are the key components of ____ that you find most meaningful or interesting?
5. How do you think ____ contributes to the larger social context?