Individuals choose their study methodology based on their familiarity with a given method. In contrast, data analysis methods should be based on the questions your research will address. Before choosing a method of analysis, review the 7 essential considerations below to find out if qualitative research is the right choice for your study and how to best go about the research process.
Research questions. Certain research questions are better answered with qualitative research. Studies that seek to understand, explore or describe occurrences rather than find a definitive answer lend themselves to the qualitative method. Some students even choose a mixed-method dissertation which employs both quantitative and qualitative research. A great way to determine which method is best for your study is to consider the research methods of studies on similar topics. It’s important to let the research questions inform the qualitative analysis process.
Method of data collection. Data collection for qualitative research exists in several forms. Interviews, focus groups, surveys, and extensive literature review are common methods used to collect qualitative data. Furthermore, some studies choose to use a variety of methods to come to the conclusion.
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