There is no straight forward definition for qualitative research instead it is described as a combination of descriptions, methods and categories spanning from observations to interpretation as well as open-ended questions and then drawing conclusions. Qualitative research is descriptive and requires more time than a typical quantitative study. A quantitative research study consist of identifying a problem > making a hypothesis > obtaining data > analyzing data and then writing up the results. Qualitative research also requires the researcher to know when the data stops speaking to them (which in my opinion has to be the hardest aspect); this enables to researcher to collect the data and begin analyzing the information; Observation -> Writing -> Analysis > Conclusion (which ties back into the observation step). Metaphorically speaking qualitative research can be looked at like a cup of tea, you as the person consuming the beverage you have to know when it is done steeping, it is ready to consume and are you satisfied with the results.
While watching the lecture on qualitative research I began to understand how complex this form of research is. Although the speaker said the minimum of time to for a qualitative research project is 3 – 4 months, I agree with the statement he said prior referring to the longer period of time in order to conduct these types of studies properly. Research cannot be rushed in my opinion and you have to have the ability to formulate a theory, state the hypothesis and allow time for the data to present itself; this can take an extensive amount of time and energy. We live in a world of instant gratification and expect things to be completed when we want them to be. When you are dealing with a topic and studying it via the qualitative research methods time has to become something you are patient with.
The speaker in the video talked about the emphasis on the whole and just a part. In any type of research I feel that you have to look at all of the parts of the puzzle to fully grasp the concept but if you fixate yourself to one area you will miss the bigger picture. If you are missing a piece of the puzzle or you overlook something because you have focused in one area you are not being a well-rounded researcher. Taking into account I am a researcher I try to see things from the larger perspective which includes seeing the “whole” and not just the “part.” When I speak of whole I am referring to the theory, hypothesis, data and generalizations made about what I researching. I may attach the research project in a methodical way by means of taking each area in pieces but when I analyze everything I am doing so from a whole perspective and not just one specific area.
Regardless of the mode of research you wish to use when studying a topic, I feel that you have to properly identify why you are studying that topic and are you using the proper methods to accurately obtain your information. If you are looking for more concrete answers and want to follow a very structured way of thinking you should use the quantitative process but if you are willing to invest time and want a more descriptive and in depth process I would recommend the qualitative method.
No comments:
Post a Comment