Which of the following are qualities of QUALITATIVE research? (Select all that apply.)
It looks at few variables but many cases.
It uses words to describe findings, not statistics.
It focuses on broad generalizations about WHAT happens.
It stresses understanding the social world through the interpretation of participants.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct qualities of qualitative research are:
- It uses words to describe findings, not statistics.
- It stresses understanding the social world through the interpretation of participants.
Explanation:
Qualitative research is focused on understanding human experiences, behaviors, and social phenomena through detailed and descriptive data. It emphasizes exploring meaning, context, and subjective experiences, typically using interviews, focus groups, and case studies to gather insights.
- Use of words instead of statistics: Unlike quantitative research, which relies on numerical data and statistical analysis, qualitative research emphasizes narrative descriptions. The findings are expressed in terms of words, themes, and patterns that emerge from the data, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of the subject matter. This allows researchers to capture the richness and complexity of human experiences.
- Interpretation of participants’ perspectives: Qualitative research is centered around understanding the social world through the participants’ point of view. It takes into account how individuals interpret their experiences, how they make sense of the world around them, and the meanings they attach to their actions and surroundings. This interpretation is a key element in qualitative studies, as it seeks to understand the underlying motivations, emotions, and social contexts.
On the other hand, the statement that “qualitative research looks at few variables but many cases” does not apply to qualitative research. This characteristic is more aligned with quantitative research, where many cases or data points are analyzed based on a small set of variables.
Additionally, the focus on broad generalizations about what happens does not align with qualitative research, which tends to avoid generalizing findings across large populations. Instead, qualitative research is more concerned with specific, contextual insights rather than making broad, universal claims.
Therefore, the qualities of qualitative research are primarily related to the use of words for data representation and the interpretation of participants’ perspectives to understand social phenomena.