Research Design – Qualitative
Part 1: Definitions |
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Personal Definition: | Definition: |
This should be in your original words
Qualitative research involves gathering and analyzing a study’s non-numerical data of specific variables. The design allows participants to express an in-depth understanding of the subject matter. The researcher conducts face-to-face interviews, where participants respond to open-ended questions. The question structure helps the researcher to collect broad information for data analysis. |
Definition:
A qualitative research design is an approach that gives a researcher a deeper understanding of the real-world problem. The research methodology involves collecting non-numerical data for processing and analysis, which enhances understanding of study concepts. Qualitative researchers gather numerous participant elements, including their behavior, experiences, and perceptions. A researcher designs open-ended questions that allow participants to express their thoughts and feelings on the topic of discussion (Tenny et al., 2022).
Reference: Tenny, S., Brannan, J. M., & Brannan, G. D. (2022). Qualitative study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470395/# |
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Part 2: Explore with Words |
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Antonym: | Synonym: |
Quantitative, objective
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Subjective, expressive, instinctive, unsystematic, nonquantitative |
Words associated with: | Sentence: |
Case study, interviews, observation, sampling, quantification, validity, reliability | The qualitative research provided the students with in-depth insights into the effects of alcohol consumption on their academic performance. |
Part 3: Purpose and Quality Indicators |
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Answers Research Questions about: | |
Qualitative research answers the “whys” and “hows” questions, contrary to the “how much” and “how many” questions answered in quantitative research. A qualitative researcher may structure the qualitative research as an independent study or a mixed-method research, where the qualitative research complements the quantitative research to provide an in-depth understanding of a specific phenomenon. The research questions allow the participants to express their feelings and experiences relating to the variables in the study. Qualitative research uses research questions that promote critical thinking and expose the researcher to in-depth information through their participation in the interviewing process. The design may help to clarify misunderstandings in quantitative studies through in-depth information-seeking questions in qualitative research. | |
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Characteristics: | |
· Qualitative research deals with non-numeric data
· Small sample sizes are used to generate broader information about the study topic. · Researchers use various sampling techniques based on the research questions and objectives. |
· Effective data collection and analysis are vital in enhancing the credibility and reliability of the research findings.
· The researcher interviews the participants one-on-one. |
Sampling / Participants | |
Qualitative research uses different sampling techniques to determine the sample size representative of the study population. When a researcher selects a better sample, the accuracy of the findings increases since they can identify varying factors that may affect the outcome. Some sampling techniques for qualitative research are purposive, criterion, convenience, and snowball (Tenny et al., 2022). The researcher identifies the most effective sampling criteria to select the sample size, which consists of participants who provide the needed information for the study. Qualitative research must specify the target population, which helps the researcher identify a suitable sample that does not omit part of the population. | |
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Intervention Fidelity / Independent Variable | |
An independent variable is a factor that induces alterations and is anticipated to bring about changes in other research variables. The researcher maintains authority over the independent variables, sometimes assuming the changes associated with these variables while assessing their effects on other variables (Pandey & Pandey, 2021). The influence of independent variables is significant in determining the anticipated outcomes of an investigation. Researchers manipulate these independent variables intentionally to impact the research, facilitating intervention fidelity. By controlling independent variables, the researcher ensures that all participants are exposed to the same intervention dose and that interventionists possess standardized skills to monitor and assess outcomes impartially, thereby eliminating bias from the study. | |
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Instrumentation / Measures | |
Qualitative research researchers incorporate various instruments and tools in data collection. Some instruments include a focus group discussion guide, interview guide, and observation guide (Ruslin et al., 2022). The researcher uses the guides to ask the research questions and record participants’ responses. Qualitative specialists use open-ended instrumental guides since they believe that information gathering is difficult, where respondents convey in-depth insights on a specific topic based on their experience, beliefs, and opinions. In most interviews, researchers interact with participants one-on-one, as the researchers record individual behavior and feelings. However, the focus group discussion guide accommodates different individuals at a specific moment, which is more effective when a group perspective is desired in a study. | |
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Internal Validity | |
Internal validity indicates the degree to which a researcher conducts a study impartially, thereby improving the precision of the obtained results concerning the studied group. It reflects a researcher’s confidence in the findings, serving as a quality indicator that elucidates how the results were achieved. Precision in results is attained when no conflicting factors challenge the established cause-and-effect relationships between independent and dependent variables. The internal validity of a study, as noted by Villegas (2024), is heightened when there are minimal or no contradictory cases between these variables. This elevated internal validity enhances the study’s replicability and allows other researchers to adopt the research design and methods, expecting similar outcomes. | |
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Outcome Measures / Dependent Variable | |
The focal point for researchers in any study is the dependent variable. This variable is observed, assessed, and analyzed after manipulating the independent variable. The dependent variable encapsulates the study’s outcomes, providing the measurements of interest for researchers. Through the dependent variable, researchers can document and examine the extent to which alterations in the independent variable impact the recorded effects (Pandey & Pandey, 2021). Essentially, the dependent variable is the documented effect that varies based on the modifications applied to the independent variable. The researcher should incorporate effective techniques and methods to improve the credibility of the analysis process. | |
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Data Collection / Analysis | |
Qualitative researchers employ different data-gathering methods, including focus groups, observations, and interviews. The researcher administers open-ended questions to the participants in a one-on-one interview. Participants respond to the structured questions with a more profound exploration of the study topic. The interviewer collects data from participants in the group focus. Notably, qualitative research gathers a large amount of data, transcribed and coded manually or using computer software. Results are analyzed and presented in different forms, including theme, theory, or model development (Tenny et al., 2022). The analyzed information is essential in making essential decisions about the study topic. Researchers should incorporate suitable analysis techniques. | |
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Part 4: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Critical Issues |
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Strengths: | Weaknesses: |
Qualitative research can provide in-depth insights into human behavior, which cannot be quantified.
Qualitative research is participant-focused. The researcher puts participants’ experiences, beliefs, and opinions at the center of the study, where their contribution builds the basis of the research findings. The research design supports flexibility in the research process. A researcher can adjust the research method to align with the research question and participants. Qualitative research has a holistic approach, where researchers can interview participants on complex issues, which increases understanding of a particular phenomenon. Qualitative research is most effective for topics that require in-depth exploration. The design allows the researcher to collect broad details on the research topic. Hence, a better understanding of the phenomenon can be derived. Additionally, qualitative research incorporates various sampling techniques that fit the research questions and obtain much information from the participants. Also, the researchers engage with the research setting, enhancing their understanding of the study topic. |
Data analysis poses a more significant challenge to the researcher. Qualitative research deals with complex and subjective data, which require intensive analysis of all the information collected.
The findings of the design are vulnerable to bias. The researcher may favor particular data that align with their research goal in the data interpretation process, hindering the accuracy of the outcomes. Qualitative research uses a small sample size, which limits finding generalization. The sample may not be a good representative of the entire population. Hence, the researcher may not conclude that the results are the same for other representatives in the population. Qualitative data collection and analysis uses methods with detailed procedures, which are time-consuming. A researcher requires adequate time to interview each respondent, gathering in-depth information on their opinions and experiences. Hence, the design is inconvenient for the participants and the researcher. It isn’t easy to replicate a study’s findings in a related study. The research design findings are specific to the study context, and the researcher’s bias influences the results. |
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Critical Issues to Identify: | |
When reviewing this type of design, it is critical to look for …….
A researcher should understand the research question and objectives since they influence the sampling, data collection, and analysis techniques. The research question forms the basis of the study. Researchers should identify the biases that influence the research findings. Qualitative research is subjective. Therefore, a researcher’s perspective and opinion may negatively impact a desired outcome. The researcher should address their biases to increase data accuracy. Qualitative research researchers should also consider the data collection methods. A clear description of the data collection procedures eliminates the chance of biases and enhances the accuracy and relevance of results. Also, a transparent approach to data analysis should be considered to increase credibility. |
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What Will Help Me Remember: | |
The purpose of qualitative research design will help me recognize the approach. Qualitative research focuses on collecting and analyzing non-numerical data of a study. | |
Unique to Special Education: | |
How does this research design meet unique needs in special education? | What unique problems does this design have when implementing in special education? |
The research design promotes in-depth exploration of specific matters, which makes it effective in capturing diverse information on the needs and factors affecting students with special needs.
Qualitative research enhances flexibility, which makes it effective and easy to adjust to accommodate different needs among the students. Policymakers use qualitative methods to evaluate the effectiveness of particular interventions for students with special learning needs. |
The findings of qualitative research have limited generalizability. The research design uses a small sample size to conclude, making the findings applicable to all learning needs.
It is impossible to replicate the findings of an intervention of a particular learning need with a different need since the findings of each method are specific and unique.
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Prominent Researchers: | |
Pandey P., Pandey M., Villegas, Tenny S., Brannan J., Brannan G., Ruslin R., Mashuri S., Rasak M., Alhabsyi F., and Syam H. | |
Resources: | |
QuestionPro:
https://www.questionpro.com/blog/internal-validity/ |
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References |
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Pandey, P., & Pandey, M. M. (2021). Research methodology tools and techniques. Bridge Center.
Ruslin, R., Mashuri, S., Rasak, M. S. A., Alhabsyi, F., & Syam, H. (2022). Semi-structured Interview: A methodological reflection on the development of a qualitative research instrument in educational studies. IOSR Journal of Research & Method in Education (IOSR-JRME), 12(1), 22-29. Tenny, S., Brannan, J. M., & Brannan, G. D. (2022, September 18). Qualitative study. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470395/# Villegas, F. (2024, January 25). Internal validity in research: What it is & examples. QuestionPro. https://www.questionpro.com/blog/internal-validity/ |
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Question
Overview
In order to become more familiar with the different research designs, you will complete three Research Design Assignments in this course. For each Research Design Assignment, you will focus on the one assigned research design and state the design’s definition, purpose, characteristics, quality indicators, strengths, weaknesses, and critical issues.
Instructions
Using the Research Design Template provided for each of these three assignments, complete each section of the template by answering each prompt. You must incorporate at least one citation per section from a scholarly journal and list the word count for each section where requested.
Word requirements are as follows:
- Part 1: 50-word minimum
- Part 2: No word count requirement
- Part 3: 100-word minimum
- Part 4: 150-word minimum
If a question or section on the template does not have a word count listed within the questions, it does not have a word count requirement. Formatting and references must reflect current APA compliance.