Not all the knowledge in the universe is known for everyone. And no person could ever be capable to solve every problems in this dynamic world. Hence, a systematic inquiry to search new things, or facts becomes inevitable. That scientifically created research framework is termed as “Research methodology”. In this article, “Steps in qualitative research methodology” I’m going to teach you the basic steps to practice this method.
Purpose of research
Simply, our available knowledge may be enough but, perhaps might not be sufficient to make progress, develop technology, expand knowledge, solve problems and so on. Therefore, research is not optional but necessity for us. So far, a lot of things have been invented by our research fraternity ever since the dawn of modern science. Hence, Nowonwards, it is our duty to expand it further.
Types of research methods
You may be or may not be aware about the basic types of research methods scientists use. These are qualitative, quantitative, and mix of both. Qualitative research methods are based on in depth analysis. It gets deeper insight of given issue. It doesn’t relies on superficial knowledge but intended to know why and how of any phenomenaon.
On the other hand, quantitative research methods do not totally rely on cognitive processes. They uses statistical data to explore pattern, links, trends, etc And third is mixed scientific methods which enjoy liberty to use both qualitative as well as quantitative.
Examples of qualitative research methods
There are various examples one can easily find on any authentic online platform. Ethnographic research, grounded theory research, case study research, focus group, etc. Before to choose any form, it is important to know the purpose of research.
Like ethnographic research is conducted to know the human behavior, his psychology, in theirs own cultural habitat. It is done by using empathy. The other methods also serve different purposes that I’m going to explain later.
Research approaches: Inductive and Deductive
For layman’s knowledge, inductive research approach involves specific to general reasoning. It means by observing specific phenomenon, one can reach at the general conclusion. So, naturally, the purpose of inductive research approach is to develop new theories by observing specific data.
Inductive aporoach is used to develop new theories or insights. Also, it is known as bottom up approach. Like, specific observations to broader generalizations.
Conversely, deductive approach have different purpose. It is used to test existing theories in the light of existing available data. It may be documents, papers, any official data, etc. Deductive research approach is also called top down approach.
So, qualitative research is inductive and quantitative research is deductive research approach. For more, I will write on this topic in next article. First of all, let’s know in detail the steps of qualitative research methodology.
Understanding major steps in qualitative research methodology
Really, qualitative research methodology is not that easy. It involves various steps that I’m going to explain here.
1. Formulation of research question
Research question acts as a core of qualitative research. Whole research revolves around research question. Brief, concise, clear, exploratory research question is first prerequisite. I already stated that the purpose of qualitative research is to find why and how of phenomenon in question.
In quantitative research, there is no need to formulate research question. There, the job of researcher is to test existing hypothesis.
2. Selection of research process
According to need and purpose of research, it is essential to choose suitable qualitative research process like ethnographic, case study, focus group or any other. This process is vital in collecting data necessary to answer research question.
3. Data collection and data analysis
Data is collected by the means of qualitative research process. It is important to note that there are certain rules researcher has to follow while collecting data through interviews or group discussion.
Thereafter, collected data is analysed to find links, patterns, relationship so that you could answer given question correctly.
4. Generalization of finding
After data interpretation in relation to research question, it is easier to reach at the final conclusion whether the finding answer the questions properly or not. If yes, what is the new finding? Generalize at the higher level like bottom up approach.
5. New theory
This is the multi step process of generating new theories. If not, repeat whole process again and againagain till the theory gets birth.
This is an overview of steps in qualitative research methodology. Each and every step play a crucial role. In this article, I have discussed every details regarding research methods like types, purpose, examples, roles, and processes. For more specific knowledge regarding each steps involved in the qualitative research methodology, be with https://classroomidea.com
Application of cognitive domain of Bloom’s taxonomy
https://libguides.uta.edu/quantitative_and_qualitative_research/quant
https://course.ccs.neu.edu/is4800sp12/resources/qualmethods.pdf