Libraries: Qualitative Research: Qualitative Research Methods

Primary Qualitative Methods

Surveys - a survey gathers information via a questionnaire. It may involve quantitative as well as qualitative data.

Interviews - involves asking subjects questions, generally intending open-ended responses

Focus Groups - consists of a small group (generally six to twelve people) with a goal of gathering opinions, beliefs, and attitudes about a topic of interest.

Observation - monitors phenomenon to record information. It mainly consists of three types: participant (observer involved in subject grouping), direct (observer is known to subject grouping), or indirect (unobtrusive watching of subject group)

Case Studies - Attempts to shed light on an experience or phenomena by studying a single example. Often involves multiple data gathering, including one or more of those described above.

Links to Resources about Methods & Approaches

ATLAS.ti Qualitative Research Methods & Methodology - data analysis software's formal supplement with run-down of qualitative research methods.

Mirror's Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods - downloadable powerpoint overview of qualitative research methods

Qualitative Research Methods: A Data Collector’s Field Guide - Family Health International's downloadable textbook and resource guide; provides a detailed overview of qualitative approaches to research and the methodology involved.

Qualitative Research from JAMAevidence - chapter in qualitative research in User's Guides to the Medical Literature. Explains the concept, methodology, and approaches with supportive examples.

Web Center for Social Research Methods - information resource covering methods of qualitative research in the social sciences; includes models used in health sciences

Primary Methods Advantages & Disadvantages

Methods	Advantages	Disadvantages
Surveys	may be done anonymously can include multiple formats (questionnaires, checklists, sample inquiries, etc.) inexpensive, efficient simple data analysis can incorporate large amounts of subjects & data	less conscientious feedback language barriers less comprehensive in scope
Interviews	better range and depth of information more personalized; ability to develop relationship with subject flexibility with format, approach	time consuming more complex data analysis requirements makes for difficult comparisons not cost-effective bias potential
Focus Groups	quick access to responses/feedback multiple perspectives good range and depth of information	Often encounters scheduling conflicts difficult and inaccurate data analysis requires finesse with facilitation, approach to ensure confidentiality and trust
Observation	in-depth encounter with subject/phenomenon less demand for intervention flexibility and adaptability to events as they occur bias reduction through indirect approach	can be difficult to interpret subject behavior less potential for significant results participant or direct approach can inhibit subjects may be more costly
Case Studies	fully describes the subject's experience over the course of time more depth of information good way of mirroring the study design through application	time consuming less scope in profiling only a small sample size potential for inaccurate or non-approximate results

Qualitative Research: Qualitative Research Methods

Primary Qualitative Methods

Links to Resources about Methods & Approaches

Primary Methods Advantages & Disadvantages

Qualitative Research Methods Video

Qualitative Research Video