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Introduction to Qualitative Research. Dr. Michael Agnew, MacPherson Institute. What is qualitative research?. Qualitative research seeks to: Understand a given research problem or topic from the emic perspective Obtain culturally specific information about particular populations.
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Introduction to Qualitative Research Dr. Michael Agnew, MacPherson Institute
What is qualitative research? • Qualitative research seeks to: • Understand a given research problem or topic from the emic perspective • Obtain culturally specific information about particular populations
What is qualitative research? • Though they have some broad similarities, quantitative and qualitative research methods differ in their… • analytical objectives • the types of questions they pose • the forms of data they produce • and the degree of flexibility built into the study design
What can we learn from qualitative research? • Value of qualitative research in its ability to provide complex textual descriptions of how people experience research topic • Effective in identifying intangible factors, such as social norms, gender roles, ethnicity and religion, that may influence research subjects’ perspectives • Bring a level of nuance to what are often complex social realities
Qualitative data collection methods • The three most common data collection methods in qualitative research are: • Participant Observation: ideal for collecting data on behaviour/phenomena in their usual contexts • Interviews: optimal for collecting data on personal histories, perspectives, and experiences • Focus Groups: effective in eliciting data on the perspectives of a group, generating broad overviews about a shared concern or experience