Chapter 3 The Qualitative Research Approach

WHAT IS THE INTERPRETIVE WAY OF THINKING? Multiple Realities Data vs. Information Subjects vs. Research Participants Values

PHASES WITHIN THE QUALITATIVE APPROACH Phases 1 and 2: Problem Identification and Question Formulation Phase 3: Designing the Research Study Phase 4: Collecting the Data Phases 5 and 6: Analyzing and Interpreting the Data Phases 7 and 8: Presentation and Dissemination of Findings

COMPARING THE QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE APPROACHES Philosophical Differences –Perceptions of reality –Ways of knowing –Value bases Similar Features –Both are guided by systematic procedures –Both can study a particular social problem –Both can be used in a single study

USING BOTH APPROACHES IN A SINGLE STUDY What Do You Really Want To Know? Example of Using Both Approaches in a Single Study