Introduction to qualitative research Penn State College of Nursing: 200 W

Learning objectives Contrast the characteristics of qualitative research with the characteristics of quantitative research Describe five qualitative research approaches Describe the intended outcome of each qualitative approach Describe four ways that data may be collected in a qualitative study Describe strategies used by qualitative researchers to increase the credibility and transferability of their findings Critically appraise the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data of qualitative studies

Quantitative versus qualitative

Qualitative research Systematic Subjective Describes life experiences and gives them meaning Focus on the whole, holistic

Qualitative research purpose Describe Understand Explain Identify Develop Generate

Qualitative research methods Multiple realities Natural setting for data collection Researchers and participants interact Results are rich descriptions

Types of qualitative research Phenomenological Grounded Theory Ethnography Exploratory-Descriptive Historical

Types of qualitative research Based on the philosophical orientation and intended outcome The type of qualitative approach taken is often dependent on he research question asked and the purpose of the research study

phenomenology Provides a rich description of a ‘lived experience’

Grounded theory Symbolic Interaction Theory Meaning is attached to things or actions which form our reality Often result in theory development

ethnography Based in anthropology Focus on understanding the culture

Exploratory-descriptive No specific approach described except for naturalistic inquiry, descriptive, or qualitative Addresses the research purpose and question from a qualitative method

historical Examination and description of events or other factors that influence what you are interested in

Qualitative research process Select topic and problem Justify significance of study Design study Identify and gain access to subjects Select study subjects and data Analyze data Interpret results

differences Selection of subjects Researcher-participant relationship Data collection methods Data management Data analysis Interpretation of results

Selection of subjects Participants May volunteer or be sought out Sample size is usually smaller

Researcher-participant selection Relationship Trust

Qualitative research data Subjective Incorporates Perceptions

Qualitative research data Interview Focus Groups Observation Text

Interpretation of results Tentative Focus on application to clinical practice

rigor Openness Adhere to a method or philosophy Data saturation Multiple sources of data

rigor Rigor is impacted by all of the following negative factors: Inconsistency in adhering to method or philosophy Poorly developed methods Lack of data collection time Poor data collection methods Failure to consider multiple sources of data

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