CHAPTER FOUR Qualitative Research

← Back to document page

11/3/10 9:55 AM Page 39. Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC. NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION. C H A P T E R F O U R. Qualitative Research R. esearch methods that delve deeply into experiences, social processes, and subcultures are referred to as Qualitative Research . As a group, Qualitative Research methods: Recognize that every individual is situated in an unfolding life context, that is, a set of circumstances, values, and influences Respect the meanings each individual assigns to what happens to and around him or her Recognize that cultures and subcultures are diverse and have consid- erable effect on individuals Qualitative researchers feel strongly that a person's experiences, percep- tions, and social interactions are not reducible to numbers and categories . they are much too complex and situated in the context of a person's life. They believe that the researcher attempting to understand experiences, perception, and social interaction must enter into a person's life-world and let the partic- ipant's words and accounts lead the researcher to understandings that would remain hidden without deep and open-minded exploration (Munhall, 2007).

40 Chapter 4 Qualitative Research Data Collection and Analysis The data collection techniques used to understand subjective realities include: Nonintrusive, often prolonged, observation Conversational interviews Open-ended questions Careful listening Follow-up questions Helping persons to be reflective about their experiences Requesting …

  Research, Question, Four, Chapter, Chapter 4, Qualitative, Chapter four qualitative research