Types of Qualitative research designs
Grounded theory, ethnographic, narrative research, historical, case studies, and phenomenology are several types of qualitative research designs. The proceeding paragraphs give a brief over view several of these qualitative methods.
Grounded theory is a systematic procedure of data analysis, typically associated with qualitative research, that allows researchers to develop a theory that explains a specific phenomenon.
Grounded Theory
Glaser and Strauss developed grounded theory to conceptualize phenomena using research. Researchers do not see grounded theory as a descriptive method, and it originates from sociology. The unit of analysis in grounded theory is a specific phenomenon or incident, not individual behaviors. The primary data collection method is through interviews of approximately 20 – 30 participants or until data achieves saturation.
Ethnographic Studies
Researchers use ethnographic studies as qualitative procedures to describe, analyze, and interpret a culture’s characteristics. Anthropologists developed ethnography in the 19th and 20th centuries to explore primitive cultures different from their own; it originated from anthropology. Researchers use ethnography when they want to study a group of people to gain a broader understanding of their lives or specific aspects of their lives. The primary data collection method is through observation over an extended period of time. It would also be appropriate to interview others who have studied the same cultures.
Phenomenology
Researchers use phenomenology to identify phenomena, focusing on subjective experiences and understanding the structure of those lived experiences. Edmund Husserl and Martin Heidegger founded it in the early 20th century, and it originated from philosophy. They use phenomenology to describe, in depth, the common characteristics of the phenomena that have occurred. The primary data collection method is through in-depth interviews.
Case Studies
Frederic Le Play originated case studies in 1829. Case studies root in several disciplines, including science, education, medicine, and law. Case studies are to be used when (1) the researcher wants to focus on how and why, (2) the behavior is to be observed, not manipulated, (3) to further understand a given phenomenon, and (4) if the boundaries between the context and phenomena are not clear. Multiple methods can be used to gather data, including interviews, observation, and historical documentation.
Learn more about these qualitative research designs with the below online courses: