Grounded theory, ethnographic, narrative research, historical,
case studies, and phenomenology are several types of qualitative research
designs. The proceeding paragraphs give
a brief over view several of these qualitative methods.
Grounded theory is a systematic procedure of data analysis,
typically associated with qualitative research, that allows researchers to
develop a theory that explains a specific phenomenon. Grounded theory was developed by Glaser and
Strauss and is used to conceptualize phenomenon using research; grounded theory
is not seen as a descriptive method and originates from sociology. The unit of analysis in grounded theory is a
specific phenomenon or incident, not individual behaviors. The primary data collection method is
through interviews of approximately 20 - 30 participants or until data achieves
saturation.
Ethnographic studies are qualitative procedures utilized to
describe, analyze and interpret a culture’s characteristics. Ethnography was developed in the 19th
and 20th centuries and used by anthropologists to explore primitive
cultures different from their own; it originated from Anthropology. Ethnography is used when a researcher wants
to study a group of people to gain a larger understanding of their lives or
specific aspects of their lives. The
primary data collection method is through observation over an extended period
of time. It would also be appropriate to
interview others who have studied the same cultures.
Phenomenology is used to identify phenomena and focus on
subjective experiences and understanding the structure of those lived
experiences. It was founded in the early
20th century by Edmund Husserl and Martin Heideggar and originated
from philosophy. Phenomenology is used
to describe, in depth, the common characteristics of the phenomena that has
occurred. The primary data collection
method is through in-depth interviews.
Case studies are believed
to have originated in 1829 by Frederic Le Play.
Case studies are rooted in several disciplines, including science,
education, medicine, and law. Case
studies are to be used when (1) the researcher wants to focus on how and why,
(2) the behavior is to be observed, not manipulated, (3) to further understand
a given phenomenon, and (4) if the boundaries between the context and phenomena
are not clear. Multiple methods can be
used to gather data, including interviews, observation, and historical
documentation.
