What is Qualitative Research?

Summary

This video discusses qualitative research, emphasizing its role in collecting and analyzing non-numerical data to gain in-depth insights into social phenomena. Unlike quantitative methods that focus on statistical data, qualitative research relies on the meanings people attribute to their experiences. Common methods include historical research, oral history, case studies, and ethnographic research. The video highlights the importance of methodological transparency, urging researchers to explain their data collection and analysis choices. Ultimately, qualitative research is invaluable in the humanities and social sciences for exploring complex topics and generating new ideas.

Takeaways

• 📊 Qualitative research involves collecting and analyzing non-numerical data to understand concepts, opinions, and experiences.
• 🔍 It is a naturalistic inquiry process aimed at in-depth understanding of social phenomena in specific settings.
• 🗣️ Unlike quantitative research, qualitative research relies on people's words rather than statistical data.
• 📚 Qualitative research methods refer to various techniques used for collecting and analyzing qualitative data.
• 🧠 This research type is prominent in the humanities and social sciences, including fields like philosophy, history, and sociology.
• 💡 Qualitative research seeks to generate new ideas and insights into complex issues and phenomena.
• 👥 It helps researchers investigate the meanings people attribute to their behaviors and interactions.
• 📝 Researchers must explain their methodology clearly, including the choices made in data collection and analysis.
• 📖 Common qualitative research methods include historical research, case studies, ethnographic studies, and oral history.
• 🎥 Further discussions on specific qualitative research methods will be covered in future video lectures.

Q & A

What is qualitative research?

Qualitative research is a type of research that involves collecting and analyzing non-numerical data to understand concepts, opinions, and experiences.

How does qualitative research differ from quantitative research?

Unlike quantitative research, which relies heavily on numerical data and statistical analysis, qualitative research focuses on gathering in-depth insights through people's words and experiences.

What are some common fields that utilize qualitative research?

Qualitative research is commonly employed in the humanities and social sciences, including fields like philosophy, history, education, sociology, anthropology, and literature.

What is the aim of qualitative research?

The aim of qualitative research is to gather in-depth insights into a problem or to generate new ideas for further research, often exploring complex topics or understanding how people experience phenomena.

What are qualitative research methods?

Qualitative research methods refer to the different methods used to collect and analyze qualitative data, including interviews, focus groups, and observational studies.

Why do social scientists prefer qualitative research?

Social scientists prefer qualitative research because it allows them to investigate the meanings people attribute to their behavior, actions, and interactions with others.

What is the importance of methodology in qualitative research?

Qualitative researchers should include a thorough explanation of their methodology, detailing the choices made in data collection and analysis, as qualitative research is often subjective.

Can you list some common types of qualitative research methods?

Some common types of qualitative research methods include historical research, archival research, oral history, linguistic research, case studies, process documentation, ethnographic research, and naturalistic research.

What is meant by 'naturalistic inquiry' in qualitative research?

Naturalistic inquiry refers to the process of understanding social phenomena within their natural settings, aiming for an in-depth understanding of real-world contexts.

How do qualitative researchers analyze their data?

Qualitative researchers analyze their data through interpretation, filtering observations through their own perspectives rather than relying on statistical treatments.