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.
