Characteristics, Strengths,

Weaknesses, and Kinds of

Qualitative Research
Lesson 2
Qualitative Research is an umbrella covering several
forms of inquiry that help us understand and explain the
meaning of social phenomena with as little disruption to
the natural setting as possible.
Qualitative researchers are interested in understanding
the meaning people have constructed. It is assumed that
meaning is mediated through the investigator’s own
perceptions.
 Qualitative research is an effort to understand
situations in their uniqueness as part of a particular
context and the interactions there (Patton, 1985).
Learning Competencies:
1. Describes characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, and
kinds of qualitative research CS_RS11-IIIb-1
2. Illustrates the importance of qualitative research
across fields CS_RS11-IIIb-2
CHARACTERISTICS
OF QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH
Naturalistic
COLLECTION OF DATA
– researchers don’t need a controlled setting to
perform their observations. They investigate and
ANALYSIS
study by joining the actual situation or by observing
an up-close event by talking to their subjects.
Researchers of qualitative research prefers to have
STRENGTH OF
a face-to-face contact with the subject to catch
natural data from a natural setting.
QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH

WEAKNESS OF
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
CHARACTERISTICS
OF QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH
Emergent
COLLECTION OF DATA
– qualitative research phases of its process cannot
be limit into a single plan. This means that in every
ANALYSIS
development on the study, there may be a chance
for some modifications in the progress like altering
of questions, data collection process, or the
STRENGTH OF
approach to the subject.
QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH

WEAKNESS OF
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
CHARACTERISTICS
OF QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH
Purposeful
COLLECTION OF DATA
– the selection of the subjects, focus on the topic,
and other variables are purposive because it gives
ANALYSIS
an enormous amount of information related to the
research problem.

STRENGTH OF
QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH

WEAKNESS OF
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
Direction:

Read each Qualitative Research characteristic

below. Write N if it refers to Naturalistic, E if it is
Emergent, and P if it is Purposeful.
Write N if it refers to Naturalistic, E if it is Emergent, and P if it is Purposeful.

1. Researchers don’t need a controlled

setting to perform their observations.
Write N if it refers to Naturalistic, E if it is Emergent, and P if it is Purposeful.

2. Qualitative research phases of the

process cannot be limited to a single plan.
Write N if it refers to Naturalistic, E if it is Emergent, and P if it is Purposeful.

3. The selection of the subjects focuses on

the topic, and other variables are purposive
because it gives an enormous amount of
information related to the research
problem.
Write N if it refers to Naturalistic, E if it is Emergent, and P if it is Purposeful.

4. Researchers of qualitative research

prefer to have face-to-face contact with
the subject to catch raw data from a
natural setting.
Write N if it refers to Naturalistic, E if it is Emergent, and P if it is Purposeful.

5. In every development of the study, there

may be a chance for some modifications in
the progress like altering of questions,
data collection process, or the approach to
the subject.
Answer Key:
1. N
2. E
3. P
4. N
5. E
Characteristics of
Qualitative Research

COLLECTION OF DATA
1. Personal Experience and engagement – the researcher must be able
to relate his personal encounter with current studies he is dealing with.
2. Empathic Neutrality – the researcher must be able to set aside his
ANALYSIS personal emotions and judgment when dealing with the data
gathering.
3. Dynamic systems – the researcher must be able to be ready with
any changes that will exist and be able to cope up with any situations
STRENGTH OF
that will arise during the process.
QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH
WEAKNESS OF
QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH

DO_Q3_PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1_11

MODULE 1
Characteristics of
Qualitative Research

1. Unique Case orientation – the

COLLECTION OF DATA
researcher must always consider that
each situation is different from the
other.
ANALYSIS

STRENGTH OF
QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH
WEAKNESS OF
QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH

DO_Q3_PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1_11

MODULE 1
Characteristics of
Qualitative Research

2. Inductive Analysis – the process must

COLLECTION OF DATA start with the basic principles to the
complex terms to be discussed, and be
able to relate each other’s relationships
and connection.
ANALYSIS

STRENGTH OF
QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH
WEAKNESS OF
QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH

DO_Q3_PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1_11

MODULE 1
Characteristics of
Qualitative Research
3. Holistic perspective – the research
must be understood in line with its
COLLECTION OF DATA
relationship with the other factors that
are existing. The data must be analyze
in terms of the simple and complex
factors involve in the studies.
ANALYSIS

STRENGTH OF
QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH
WEAKNESS OF
QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH

DO_Q3_PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1_11

MODULE 1
Characteristics of
Qualitative Research
4. Context Sensitive - the research must
COLLECTION OF DATA be sensitive in the details of the results
in line with its historical content, as well
as to its nature and significance in line
with the time and underlying
ANALYSIS circumstances

STRENGTH OF
QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH
WEAKNESS OF
QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH

DO_Q3_PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1_11

MODULE 1
Characteristics of
Qualitative Research

COLLECTION OF DATA 5. Voice, perspective, and reflexivity –

the researcher must be able to present
data with truthfulness and balance,
without being bias to the result or data
ANALYSIS involve.

STRENGTH OF
QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH
WEAKNESS OF
QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH

DO_Q3_PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1_11

MODULE 1
Directions: Identify what characteristics of qualitative research are being
described in each sentence.

1. The researcher must be able to set aside his personal emotions

and judgment when dealing with the data gathering.

a. Empathic Neutrality c. Dynamic systems

b. Personal Experience and engagement d. Unique Case
orientation
Directions: Identify what characteristics of qualitative research are being
described in each sentence.

2. The researcher must be able to relate his personal encounter

with the current studies he is dealing with.

a. Empathic Neutrality c. Dynamic systems

b. Personal Experience and engagement d. Unique Case
orientation
Directions: Identify what characteristics of qualitative research are being
described in each sentence.

3. The researcher must always consider that each situation

differs from the others.
a. Empathic Neutrality c. Dynamic systems
b. Personal Experience and engagement d. Unique Case
orientation
Directions: Identify what characteristics of qualitative research are being
described in each sentence.

4. The researcher must be able to be ready for any changes that

will exist.

a. Empathic Neutrality c. Dynamic systems

b. Personal Experience and engagement d. Unique Case
orientation
Directions: Identify what characteristics of qualitative research are being
described in each sentence.

5. The process must start with the basic principles to the

complex terms to be discussed and be able to relate to each
other’s relationships and connections.

a. Voice, perspective, and reflexivity c. Holistic perspective

b. Context Sensitive d. Inductive Analysis
Answer Key:
1. A
2. B
3. D
4. C
5. D
 Characteristics of STRENGTHS
Qualitative Research

COLLECTION OF DATA 6. Point-oriented in subjects and concerns

7. Emphasis on minimal or few subjects only
8. The data analysis and process are simpler and
ANALYSIS faster.
9. The gathered date from minimal subjects can
STRENGTH OF
serve as a restriction to a larger population.
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH 10. Can focus and give certain topic in line with the
current situation or present events and be able to
WEAKNESS OF
understand it more.
QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH

DO_Q3_PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1_11

MODULE 1
 Characteristics of STRENGTHS
Qualitative Research

COLLECTION OF DATA 1. The gathered data are based from the subjects’
own perspectives.
2. This research is flexible and is able to adapt to
ANALYSIS modifications.
3. Allows the subjects to discover more the situations
STRENGTH OF
that surrounds them through the process.
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH 4. Can be helpful in understanding different
situations or factors that is existing.
WEAKNESS OF
5. Can conclude how the subjects give his own
QUALITATIVE perspectives in a certain topic.
RESEARCH

DO_Q3_PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1_11

MODULE 1
Characteristics of
Qualitative Research

COLLECTION OF DATA
1. Since the data is limited to minimal
subjects, the concluding results is limited
as well.
PROBLEM

2. Hypothesis testing and principles are

STRENGTH OF sometimes complex and challenging.
QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH
WEAKNESS OF
QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH

DO_Q3_PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1_11

MODULE 1
Characteristics of
Qualitative Research

COLLECTION OF DATA
3. Outcomes of the study is sometimes far
different from other’s own perspective
and therefore cannot be helpful to them.
PROBLEM

4. Results of the study can acquire less

STRENGTH OF integrity to some readers and experts.
QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH
WEAKNESS OF
QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH

DO_Q3_PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1_11

MODULE 1
Characteristics of
Qualitative Research

COLLECTION OF DATA
5. Results of the study is limited and
relatable only to some people and not to
the whole population.
PROBLEM

6. The researcher needs to be versatile

STRENGTH OF whenever a progress leads to another
QUALITATIVE interesting or valuable subject.
RESEARCH
WEAKNESS OF
QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH

DO_Q3_PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1_11

MODULE 1
Characteristics of
Qualitative Research

COLLECTION OF DATA
7. Data gathering is more rigid and time-
consuming compared to quantitative
studies.
PROBLEM

8. Data gathered by the subjects, is

STRENGTH OF sometimes affected by the presence of
QUALITATIVE the researchers while answering.
RESEARCH
WEAKNESS OF
QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH

DO_Q3_PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1_11

MODULE 1
Characteristics of
Qualitative Research

COLLECTION OF DATA
9. Quantitative analysis is somehow
impossible to use and be of help.

PROBLEM

10. The outcome can be affected by the

STRENGTH OF researchers’ personal point of view.
QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH
WEAKNESS OF
QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH

DO_Q3_PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1_11

MODULE 1
WRITE FACT IF THE STATEMENT SHOWS STRENGTH OF QUALITATUVE RESEARCH
AND BLUFF IF THE STATEMENT SHOWS WEAKNESS.

1. The gathered data are based on the subjects’ own perspectives.

2. The outcome can be affected by the researchers’ personal
point of view.
3. This research is flexible and can adapt to modifications.
WRITE FACT IF THE STATEMENT SHOWS STRENGTH OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
AND BLUFF IF THE STATEMENT SHOWS WEAKNESS.

4. Data gathered by the subjects, is sometimes affected by the

presence of the researchers while answering.
5. Allows the subjects to discover more about the situations that
surround them through the process.
Answer Key:
1. FACT
2. BLUFF
3. FACT
4. BLUFF
5. FACT
KINDS OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

ETHNOGRAPHY NARRATIVE

DO_Q3_PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1_11

MODULE 1
KINDS OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

PHENOMENOLOGICAL GROUNDED THEORY

DO_Q3_PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1_11

MODULE 1
KINDS OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

CASE STUDY

DO_Q3_PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1_11

MODULE 1
 in this type of research, the researcher takes a dip in
the subjects’ field in order for him to understand
their background, where are they coming from and
ETHNOGRAPHY what kind of culture do they belong or grew up to. In
this way, the researcher will be able to identify
underlying principles that affect the subjects
through engaging himself to them and be able to
witness first-hand their own concerns and
encounters in line with the chosen topic or problem.

C DO_Q3_PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1_11

MODULE 1
 in this type of research, the researcher describes the
subjects’ stories or experiences through sets of
interviews. Series of interviews are undertaken to be
NARRATIVE able to know the full story or sequence of events
that happened on the subjects’ life, or it can also
random sets of events delivered by the subjects
which is connected on a certain situations or
difficulties that they went through or currently
facing to.

C DO_Q3_PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1_11

MODULE 1
 – in this type of research, an event or series of
events are being studied. The researcher may opt to
use the past events that occurred in connection with
a certain type of subjects, or he can also use a
PHENOMENOLOGICAL present situation or phenomena that is being
experience by a certain type of subjects. The
researcher may use sets of interviews to fully
illustrate and understand the specific situation, dig
into related documents in line with said event or
series of events, and the personal point of view of
the chosen subjects.

C DO_Q3_PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1_11

MODULE 1
 –in this type of research, the researcher tries to look
at the probable causes on how and why an event or
phenomena exists. In contrast with the
phenomenological research that only illustrates a
GROUNDED THEORY certain event, the researcher in Grounded Theory
tries to present ideas or concepts that can further
elaborate why that kind of phenomena exist. The
researcher needs to have larger subjects to come up
with concrete concepts or theories that will be used
in explaining that certain phenomena.

C DO_Q3_PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1_11

MODULE 1
 – in this kind of research, the researcher studies a
specific case related to a specific subject. Case
studies can start from certain subject to a certain
group or type of people such as those belonging to
CASE STUDY an organization or corporation, and can either
expound, examine or illustrate a certain situation or
event. The researcher uses different varieties of
pool of data or information related to the topic or
subjects.

C DO_Q3_PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1_11

MODULE 1
END
 QUIZ: CHOOSE THE LETTER OF THE CORRECT ANSWER

1. The research must be understood in line with its relationship

with the other existing factors.

a. Voice, perspective, and reflexivity c. Holistic perspective

b. Context Sensitive d. Inductive Analysis
 QUIZ: CHOOSE THE LETTER OF THE CORRECT ANSWER

2. The research must be sensitive in the details of the results in

line with its historical content, as well as to its nature and
significance in line with the time and underlying circumstances.

a. Voice, perspective, and reflexivity c. Holistic perspective

b. Context Sensitive d. Inductive Analysis
 QUIZ: CHOOSE THE LETTER OF THE CORRECT ANSWER

3. The researcher must be able to present data truthfully and

balance without bias toward the result or data involved.

a. Voice, perspective, and reflexivity c. Holistic perspective

b. Context Sensitive d. Inductive Analysis
 QUIZ: CHOOSE THE LETTER OF THE CORRECT ANSWER

4. The data must be analyzed in terms of the simple and complex

factors involved in the studies.

a. Voice, perspective, and reflexivity c. Holistic perspective

b. Context Sensitive d. Inductive Analysis
 QUIZ: CHOOSE THE LETTER OF THE CORRECT ANSWER

5. The researcher be able to cope with any situations that will

arise during the process.

a. Empathic Neutrality c. Dynamic systems

b. Personal Experience and engagement d. Unique Case
orientation
Answer Key:
1. C
2. B
3. A
4. C
5. C
 QUIZ: CHOOSE THE LETTER OF THE CORRECT ANSWER

1. The researcher will be able to identify underlying principles

that affect the subjects through engaging himself to them and be
able to witness first-hand their own concerns and encounters in
line with the chosen topic or problem.

A. Case Study
B. Ethnography
C. Grounded Theory
D. Narrative
E. Phenomenological
 QUIZ: CHOOSE THE LETTER OF THE CORRECT ANSWER

2. The researcher describes the subjects’ stories or experiences

through sets of interviews.

A. Case Study
B. Ethnography
C. Grounded Theory
D. Narrative
E. Phenomenological
 QUIZ: CHOOSE THE LETTER OF THE CORRECT ANSWER

3. The researcher may opt to use the past events that occurred in
connection with a certain type of subject, or he can also use a
present situation or phenomena that is being experienced by a
certain type of subject.

A. Case Study
B. Ethnography
C. Grounded Theory
D. Narrative
E. Phenomenological
 QUIZ: CHOOSE THE LETTER OF THE CORRECT ANSWER

4. This research tries to present ideas or concepts that can

further elaborate why that kind of phenomenon exists. The
researcher needs to have larger subjects to come up with
concrete concepts or theories that will be used in explaining that
certain phenomena.
A. Case Study
B. Ethnography
C. Grounded Theory
D. Narrative
E. Phenomenological
 QUIZ: CHOOSE THE LETTER OF THE CORRECT ANSWER

5. The researcher studies a specific case related to a specific

subject such as those belonging to an organization or
corporation, and can either expound, examine, or illustrate a
certain situation or event.

A. Case Study
B. Ethnography
C. Grounded Theory
D. Narrative
E. Phenomenological
Answer Key:
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
5. E
 QUIZ: TRUE OR FALSE

1. Data gathering is more rigid and time-consuming compared to quantitative

studies.
2. It can help understand different situations or factors that exist.
3. The researcher needs to be versatile whenever progress leads to another
interesting or valuable subject.
4. This can conclude how the subjects give their own perspectives on a certain
topic.
5. The study results are limited and relatable only to some people and not to the
whole population.
 QUIZ: TRUE OR FALSE

6. Point-oriented in subjects and concerns

7. The study results can acquire less integrity for some readers and experts.
8. Emphasis on minimal or few subjects only
9. The study outcomes are sometimes far different from others’ own
perspectives and, therefore, cannot be helpful to them.
10. The data analysis and process are simpler and faster.
Answer Key: 6. T
1. F 7. F
2. T 8. T
3. F 9. F
4. T 10. T
5. F