Introduction to Qualitative Research
This article explores the foundational philosophical assumptions underlying qualitative research, focusing on ontology, axiology, and epistemology. It distinguishes between positivistic and interpretive approaches, emphasizing the complex nature of reality and knowledge generation. Key qualitative research methods are examined, including ethnography, phenomenology, grounded theory, and participatory action research. Various data collection techniques such as interviews, observations, and triangulation are discussed, highlighting their roles in understanding human experiences in social contexts. The paper aims to clarify the nuances of qualitative inquiry and its relevance in research.
Introduction to Qualitative Research
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Presentation Transcript
Philosophical Assumptions • Ontology: Metaphysical study of being and the nature of reality • Axiology: Study of nature of values and judgements (overriding or fundamental goal) • Epistemology: Study of the nature of knowledge, its presuppositions and foundations, and its extent and validity
Ontological – nature of reality Objective Single Divisible Nature of social beings Deterministic Reactive Ontological – nature of reality Socially constructed Multiple Holistics/Contextual Nature of social beings Voluntaristic Proactive Positivistic vs. Interpretive
Axiological (fundamental goals) Truth Explanation – behaviours follow universal laws Predictive Axiological “Understanding” based on Verstehen Identifying meanings Positivistic Vs. Interpretive
Epistemological Knowledge Generation Nomothetic Time-free Context-independent View of Causality Real causes exist Research relationship Dualism, separation Privileged point of observation Epistemological Knowledge Generation Idiographic Time-bound Context-dependent View of Causality Multiple, simultaneous shaping Research relationship Interactive, cooperative No privileged point of observation Positivistic Vs. Interpretive
Qualitative Inquiry • Qualitative questions: why or how • Fit of Question and Method • Sampling and Saturation: • Purposeful, convenience, nominated, theoretical • Data saturation
Methods • Ethnography • Focused ethnography (decision making) • Critical ethnography (aids emancipation) • Participation observation • Phenomenology • Experience snapshots • Describing the essence of human experience • Grounded theory • Highly inductive • Iterative process – evolving theory
Methods • Narrative • Story that reveals person’s experiences • Represents larger social experience • Case Study • Intrinsic (understanding 1 case) • Instrumental (refining theory) • Collective (several instrumental cases, looking for broader context)
Methods • Participatory Action Research • Reflects needs of the people • Group ownership of process (involvement of participants from design to results) • Conducted to solve social or community problems
Data Collection • Interviews (depth) • Observation • Field Notes • Documents • Video, photographs
Triangulation Uses a combination of more than one research strategy in a single investigation. • Data: time, space, person • Investigator: complimenting areas of expertise • Theory: testing and comparison of theories • Methods: simultaneous & sequential implementation (separate analysis)
Sample size Small Types of Questions Probing Quantitative vs. Qualitative • Types of Questions • Limited probing • Sample size • Large • Administration • Few special interview skills • Administration • Interview skills required
