Using Qualitative Research
Qualitative research can be explained as using an exploratory process to better understand an
aspect of our humanity and society (Houser, 2020). This is different from quantitative research which
focuses on manipulating variables to better understand the trends (Houser, 2020). Qualitative research
is useful to better understand a new subject are aspects of humanity on a deeper level (Houser, 2020).
Understanding the topic on a more intimate level may help generate more theories and hypotheses.
These new theories can be the basis for generating new research projects.
An advantage of qualitative research is its ability to obtain a detailed understanding of a person
or event (Houser, 2020). Researchers seek to understand others by seeing life through another
perspective. We do not truly know what someone else is experiencing and processing without
understanding life from their perspective. This process also allows a high degree of flexibility regarding
developing theories (Houser, 2020). As new information is identified and extrapolated, researchers can
pivot the direction of the study to focus on a certain element. Also, this research process does not
require a large amount of resources in order to conduct a study (Houser, 2020). For example, qualitative
researchers may use interviews and questionnaires to aggregate data for their study. A summary of the
data may be the only thing necessary to conclude the study.
It is still being debated whether qualitative research can be conducted in an objective and
replicable manner (Houser, 2020). Compared to older sciences, like physics and chemistry, this research
focuses on how the researchers interpret their information and data. It is debated how true the results
of this research can be when there can be bias in interpreting the data (Houser, 2020). Since many
researchers develop close relationships to individuals and groups, potential bias can exist.
Qualitative Research Question
An example of a qualitative research question could be looking at how using educational toys
impacts learning of early elementary students. This study could be both observational and interview
based. The elements of qualitative research would be looking at how the students react and engage
with the toys in the classroom. Different types of toys could be building blocks, puzzles, or play
costumes. Hypothesis can be formed based on whether the toys add or detract from the educational
environment. Some of the students can be interviewed to see if they like or dislike the toys in the
classroom. Once the study is complete and the information is synthesized, different theories can be
developed for the basis of future studies.
Reference
Houser, R. (2020). Counseling and educational research : Evaluation and application. Sage Publications,
Inc.