Characteristics of

Qualitative Research
EDRS 6301-05
Dr. Kielborn
Summer 2001
 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.
● Qualitative research is an effort to
understand situations in their uniqueness as
part of a particular context and the
interactions there (Patton, 1985).
● A second characteristic of all forms of
qualitative research is that the researcher is
the primary instrument for data collection
and analysis.
● A third characteristic of qualitative research
is that it usually involves fieldwork. The
researcher must go to the people, setting,
site, institution, in order to observe behavior
in its natural setting.
● A fourth characteristic of qualitative
research is that is uses an inductive research
strategy. This type of research builds
abstractions, concepts, hypothesis, or
theories rather than tests existing theory.
● Typically qualitative findings are in the
form of themes, categories, concepts or
tentative hypotheses or theories.

● The product of a qualitative study is richly

descriptive.
 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.
 Ethics Revisited
● Make it clear to the participants in the study
what the terms of the agreement (consent
form) are and abide by that.
● Tell the truth when you write up your final
report.