Qualitative Research
There are two methods for conducting research: qualitative and quantitative. In application and result, these two methods are polar opposites. Quantitative is mathematical, statistical, and measured. Quantitative testing is tightly controlled in order to test hypotheses or predictions. It is concrete. It is objective.In contrast, qualitative research is more abstract. Also known as phenomenological inquiry, qualitative research seeks higher understanding of phenomena as it exists in nature. Phenomena are researched in their context-specific setting. In that setting, everything observed is connected in some way. Qualitative research is observed, experienced, or illuminated. It is subjective.
Qualitative research is defined as any "kind of research that produces findings not arrived at by means of statistical procedures or other means of quantification" (Hoepfl, 1997).
While both methods share the same elements of construction, they are applied quite differently. From the research topic to the findings, the similarity stops at the element name.
Selection of a topic to research alone could tie the project to a research method. But, if not, perhaps the research question will. For example, my research topic is Procrastination and the title is Eliminating Procrastination to Improve Overall Performance. In my mind, I could still use either method. However, my research question (Can understanding procrastination behavior and effects allow for effective self treatment of procrastination?) strongly suggests the qualitative method. When I look at the three elements together, it is clear to me that this is a qualitative research project. But, that may not be a fair assumption since I already knew the answer.
The theme or purpose of my project is to gain a deeper understanding of the nature of procrastination and the effects it has on individuals. There is no predictive outcome. There is no input to control. In fact, the input is going to be at least slightly different for each participant because the input is human reaction to how they perceive procrastination. Is there a good way to statistically measure reaction or perception? I'll concede to maybe. This brings me to the research.
Research begins with the review of existing literature on the subject. The literature review process might be a bit different than a quantitative project depending on the focus, perspective, and anticipated findings of the quantitative project. Of course, being current with the latest research is the primary goal for both research methods.
Research is the means by which data is collected. Any number of instruments can be utilized in research. This project will utilize a number of different instruments to gather information. I am planning to incorporate four different instruments and use a total of five. A survey will be conducted to identify participants followed by an interview of the prospective participants. Different observation techniques will be employed at different stages of the project and used to follow up and do a health check of the project. From the beginning, the participants will be expected to journal each day. There will not be any constraints placed on the journal entries, but there will be required daily entries. At the end of the research period, I will conduct one more round of interviews with additional sessions for spouses and supervisors. Journals will be collected at this point. After the last interview, the data collection will be complete and closed. Each of the instruments I chose are typical of the qualitative research method. There is little to no control placed on the instruments and should produce data that is representative of procrastination over time. Quantitative instruments would be very strictly controlled and used to compare findings to predictions or hypotheses. The final element to consider is the findings.
Compiling the data gathered from each of the instruments will take a while. Once compiled, the qualitative findings by definition will serve to aid in understanding procrastination, illuminate the phenomena, and/or allow for extrapolation between similar projects. All of these data are specific to the context or natural state of procrastination. In other words the findings provide valuable information on procrastination without altering procrastination. We left it just as we found it, but gained a deeper understanding of the phenomena. The answer to the research question is within the findings. The answer is not relevant to the success of the project. The question is answered and we gained knowledge on procrastination.
Reference:
Hoepfl, M. C., (1997). Choosing Qualitative Research: A Primer for Technology Education
Researchers. Journal of Technology Education, 9 (1). Retrieved from:
http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JTE/v9n1/hoepfl.html#strauss
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