Qualitative Research Methods

Qualitative research methods, in the broadest sense, refer to the approaches of conducting qualitative inquiry; the methods used to analyze data; and the conventions used to ensure the rigor of data collection, analysis, and researcher transparency. Qualitative methods can bring to the forefront knowledge about phenomena that are not understood or that have not been explored. For example, little is known about the impact of illnesses or injuries (i.e., intimate patient experiences; daily living adjustments; or the social, financial, personal, or emotional tolls) beyond mechanistic effects of therapies other than laboratory measures of titers and other body fluids, pharmaceutical or manipulative impacts via physical therapy or occupational therapy that are provided by quantitative outcomes. Qualitative research is also a unique role to play in better understanding the context of classroom environments and how the quality of teaching influences student outcomes. By giving credence to student or educator experiences, or exploring the dynamic of classroom culture, qualitative findings can inform practice, education, and outcomes. The use of collaborative methods and processes that are inherent to qualitative research can empower individuals at local levels to make changes in the classrooms and school systems.

Widely accepted in educational research is that educators are expected to base practice on evidence. Sources of evidence that can be helpful include meta-analytical studies and randomized controlled trials. However, there is a dearth of evidence that portrays (a) what teaching looks like as it is being delivered, (b) the type of learning activities that students are asked to complete and to what degree those activities stress lower or higher cognitive thinking skills, and (c) how assessment practices are used (e.g., Is assessment used simply to assess student performance or is it used to provide students insight into ways that they can improve their outcomes?).

Four types of qualitative research are discussed in this entry: case studies, ethnography, narrative, and grounded theory.