Characteristics of

Qualitative Research
 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.

 Naturalistic inquiry  Participant

observation
 Interpretative research
 Inductive research
 Field study
 Ethnography
 Case study
 Qualitative Researchers
 Qualitative researchers are interested in
understanding the meaning people have
constructed.

 It is assumed that meaning is mediated

through the investigator’s own perceptions.
Characteristic of Qualitative Research
Real-world Setting

The real-world setting is the first

characteristic of qualitative research. In
qualitative research methods like
observation method, ethnographic research,
focus group, one-to-one interviews, the
behavior of the participants of study is
observed, and the conclusion is drawn
based on their answers and their behavior.
 A second characteristic of all forms of
qualitative research is that the researcher is
the primary instrument for data collection
and analysis.
Different Research methods
Another vital characteristic of qualitative
research method is the various methods of
research. For example, focus group, face-to-
face interview, observation research methods,
case study, content analysis, ethnography,
phenomenology, ground theory, group
discussions.
Complex reasoning

An essential characteristic of the qualitative

research method is that it is beneficial for
complex reasoning. Sometimes, there are
search situations which are required to have
complex rationale to get the right results
rather than direct statistical answers.
Participants meanings

In qualitative research, like the researcher, the

role of a participant is also very important.
During the whole research process, the focus
of a researcher is to understand and determine
the meaning that a participant brings to the
research rather than the definition given or
thought by the researcher based on the
literature reviews.
Flexible

Qualitative research is flexible. It can change

at any stage of the research and based on the
change, the course of research might also get
changed. Therefore, qualitative research is
used in such a scenario where the flexible
nature of research is acceptable.
Reflexivity

In qualitative research, the researchers share

everything about themselves like their
background and their purpose of research
with the participants. Reflexivity also makes
them participate In the research openly and
willingly.
Ongoing data analysis

 The analysis of data in qualitative research

does not take place at the end of the
completion of the research process. Data
analysis is an on-going process in the
qualitative research method.
 The researcher can analyze as well as draw
conclusions, and based on the outcome of
the research process is modified.
Purposeful selection of
participants
 In qualitative research, participants are
selected randomly from a carefully chosen
segment of potential participants. The
persistent range of participants increases the
accuracy of the outcome of the research.
 Therefore, the selection of participants is an
important stage of qualitative research.
Emergent Design

A unique characteristic of qualitative research is

its new design. That means a qualitative research
method can remain the same as decided by the
researcher at the beginning of the research
process. The research process changes at every
stage of the research. Sometimes, change in the
research process changes when the researcher
starts collecting data for the research problem.
 Ethics Revisited
 The subjects’ identities should be protected
so that the information you collect does not
embarrass or harm them.
 Treat subjects with respect and seek their
cooperation in the research.
 Tell the truth when you write up your final
report.
CHARACTERISTICS OF QUANTITATIVE
RESEARCH METHODS
CONTAIN MEASURABLE
VARIABLES
Data gathering instruments contain items that
solicit measurable characteristics of the
population. These measurable characteristics
are referred to as the variables of the study
such as age, the number of children,
educational status, and economic status.
Quantitative research method use measuring
devices like the caliper.
USE STANDARDIZED
RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS
The data collection instruments include
questionnaires, polls, or surveys. Standardized,
pre-tested instruments guide data collection
thus ensuring the accuracy, reliability and
validity of data. Pre-testing helps identify areas
in the research instruments that need revisions.
It makes sure that respondents provide the
expected answers or satisfies the intent of the
researcher to meet the research objectives.
ASSUMES A NORMAL
POPULATION DISTRIBUTION
For more reliable data analysis of quantitative
data, a normal population distribution curve is
preferred over a non-normal distribution. This
requires a large population, the numbers of which
depend on how the characteristics of the
population vary. This requires adherence to the
principle of random sampling to avoid
researcher’s bias in interpreting the results that
defeat the purpose of research.
PRESENTS DATA IN TABLES,
GRAPHS, OR FIGURES
The data obtained using quantitative methods
are organized using tables, graphs, or figures
that consolidate large numbers of data to
show trends, relationships, or differences
among variables. This fosters understanding
to the readers or clients of the research
investigation.
USE REPEATABLE METHOD

Researchers can repeat the quantitative

method to verify or confirm the findings in
another setting. This reinforces the validity of
groundbreaking discoveries or findings thus
eliminating the possibility of spurious or
erroneous conclusions.
CAN PREDICT OUTCOMES

Quantitative models or formula derived from

data analysis can predict outcomes. If-then
scenarios can be constructed using complex
mathematical computations with the aid of
computers.
USE MEASURING DEVICES

Advanced digital or electronic instruments are

used to measure or gather quantitative data from
the field. The instruments ensure an objective
and accurate collection of data provided that
these are calibrated. Calibration means that the
instruments used by the researcher matches the
measurements of a reference instrument that is
considered a standard.
Thnk you