Qualitative Analysis

Qualitative analysis involves the why and how of decision making as opposed to the what, where and when of quantitative analysis. Since qualitative analysis focuses on in-depth reasoning and quality of results, many researchers prefer it over the quantitative analysis that focuses on bigger sample sizes. Qualitative analysis does not use any statistical tools in the process of analysis. Qualitative analysis needs small and focused samples instead of the large random samples that quantitative analysis uses. Qualitative analysis classifies data into patterns in order to arrange and conclude results. The data used for qualitative analysis can be in many forms such as texts, images, sounds, etc. The most important requirement needed to carry out qualitative analysis is the presence of in-depth knowledge of the target subject. Qualitative analysis is applied in almost all possible fields including psychology, medicine, nursing, business, marketing, etc.

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In the field of psychology, qualitative analysis is used to understand diverse human behaviors— their general trends and their causes and consequences. This aspect of psychology is called the behavioral science, and it performs analysis through in-depth study of different population groups and through contextual and structured interviews.

For the field of medicine and nursing, qualitative analysis is used to overcome certain problems. Generally, there are two types of qualitative analysis that are used in medicine and nursing: the Delphi process and the Nominal Group Technique. The Delphi process in qualitative analysis is the reliable and creative exploration of ideas to produce the most suitable set of information for making a decision through qualitative analysis. In the Nominal Group Technique, brain storming sessions are used in order to receive suggestions of each person of the group, and then all the suggestions and perceptions are prioritized by the consent of the majority in qualitative analysis.
Qualitative analysis is widely used in the field of business, especially in the field of market research. In marketing, qualitative analysis is useful in many ways. For example, if a company wants to know the requirements of certain gadgets’ features amongst the people of different age groups, sexes, and locations, then qualitative analysis tends to be quite helpful for such companies. The researcher can prepare a questionnaire that would cater questions for the aim of the qualitative analysis. Sometimes, the questions asked on the questionnaire are very sensitive, however, and the researcher should be very attentive and articulate while framing these types of questions.

There are many aspects of qualitative analysis, and there are many tasks that different people must perform in order to collect qualitative analysis. The roles involved in a detailed qualitative analysis are the moderators, facilitators, planners and consultants. The moderators initiate group discussions and take care of the group members. This includes making them feel comfortable and supervising the discussion without wasting time or hurting the participant’s feelings. The facilitators in qualitative analysis also take care of the sensitive questions in order to avoid any disturbances in the discussion. The planners involved in qualitative analysis help the facilitators by creating templates and plans. They ensure that the discussions are smooth and productive for the research.

Qualitative analysis is one of the best methods of research for almost all fields of study. It provides depth and detail by analyzing things more than just numbers and sizes. It does this through examining attitudes, feelings, and behaviors. Qualitative analysis encourages people to expand their responses. Qualitative analysis also helps people to have a better and more detailed picture of the causes and conclusions of different actions and reactions in the world. Finally, qualitative analysis deals with the exclusion of prejudices and prejudgments, because every thought, action and behavior is researched through the cause and the reality.

Qualitative Research

Qualitative research is an extensive study on any given topic. As a field of inquiry, qualitative research is very effective and useful in almost all fields. Qualitative research is especially used in fields like psychology, economics, commerce, business, medicine and nursing. Qualitative research demands that the researchers obtain a close familiarity and awareness about the selected topic. Qualitative research has a particularly useful value for investigating and looking into difficult and sensitive concerns.

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In the field of psychology, qualitative research is very popular. Here, quality research is used for understanding and comprehending human behavior. Qualitative research delves into the “why’s,” the “how’s” and the “when’s” of human behavior. The researcher basically takes a look into why people do certain things through qualitative research in psychology. In order to have a clear understanding of certain human behaviors, qualitative research is carried out by a thorough focus on group study, contextual interviews, etc. Qualitative Research helps to answer many questions for the researcher. Qualitative research is utilized mostly for understanding behavior in a natural setting, and it is not restricted to basic questionnaires, where the respondent has to answer the questions from a specified list of options. In qualitative research, the respondent can answer the questions in his/her own words. For instances of implementing certain policies, and, for example, finding out people’s opinions on lifts, public transport, etc., qualitative research can also be useful.

In medicine and nursing fields, qualitative research is highly dependable. In science, qualitative research is also called the consensus method. Medical and nursing fields also conduct qualitative research in cases where decisions need to be made and where problems arise because of scarce and inadequate/conflicting information.

In medicine and nursing, qualitative research or consensus methods are of two types: the Delphi process and the Nominal Group technique. The Delphi process is a procedure where questionnaires are used for obtaining the required information. In qualitative research, the process is conducted by experts in the field. The feedback or answers obtained should by no means be contradictory, so it is essential that qualitative research be carried out by skilled professionals.

Qualitative research, using the Nominal Group Technique, implies the prearranged and ordered variation of small group discussion methods. This method is basically concerned with the interchanging of ideas and opinions of a group of people that are observed or studied by an expert. This method encourages participation of inactive group members equally.

When it comes to business and commerce, qualitative research is very important. In market research, qualitative research is crucial to determine what type of feature the customer wants in a product before launching it. Qualitative research is conducted to find out the general trend or inclination for the public so that the producing companies may meet their needs and requirements. The company performs qualitative research both before and after the launching of the product. The researchers perform quality research after launching the product so that they know the popularity of the product in the market through surveys. Qualitative research is not the only method of gathering information, however, as there are many methods other than qualitative research that should be used.

Qualitative research may be obtained from professionals who work as consultants. These qualitative research consultants include group moderators, facilitators, interviewers and planners. While conducting qualitative research, the consultants emphasize focus groups, individual in-depth interviewers, ethnography, observational research, and idea generation. Contact Statistics Solutions today for a free consultation on your qualitative research project or dissertation.

There is an association that is called the Qualitative Research Consultants Association that promotes all aspects of qualitative research. There is also an international organization that is dedicated to the practice and study of qualitative research. Qualitative research is highly effective and valuable for the successful working of many fields and areas.