PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1
12 HUMSS Themis | Finals Reviewer
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH DESIGNS
A research design is an overall strategy taken by the researcher to logically and
coherently integrate the various components of a study.
1. Ethnography
o the researcher overtly or covertly participates in the lives and experiences of the
target participants for an extensive period.
o involves watching the participants, listening to their conversations, and asking
questions that will reveal their characteristics.
o useful in exploring cultural phenomena.
2. Grounded Theory
o aims to develop a theory, model, or framework.
o useful in investigating social processes
o the researcher has no predetermined theory, hypothesis, or expectations with
the data.
o it adopts a neutral view of a phenomenon and is less likely to be affected by
any bias.
3. Phenomenology
o develops a clear and accurate description and understanding of human
experiences.
o allows findings to emerge from the data rather than being imposed by the
researcher.
o provides a detailed description of the participants experiences
4. Historical or Narrative Approach
o involves weaving together a series of events to form a cohesive story.
o reconciles past conflicts in society and highlights challenges which can be used
as a basis for creating innovations
o The researcher conducts an in-depth Interview and reviews documents for an
extensive period of time
5. Case Study
o provides an in-depth description of a problem or situation
o describes one individual, program, or organization to better understand how
they are different from the typical individual, program, or organization.
o may use a single-case or multiple-case designs. (A single-case design involves
one case (or participant) while a multiple-case design involves two or more
cases or participants. Logically, using a greater number of cases increases the
strength of your findings.
SAMPLES AND SAMPLING METHODS
Sample
o refers to the process of systematically selecting individuals, units, or settings
to be examined in your study.
o helps you select the right participants for your study and draw conclusions
about the population where the selected samples belong.
Population
o a large collection of objects or individuals who are the focus of your
research
Sampling Methods
1. Purposive sampling or Criterion-based sampling
o participants are selected using pre- determined criteria related to your
research questions
o Random sampling
▪ involves selecting subjects from a larger group with each member
given an equal chance to be selected.
▪ used in quantitative studies which aim to make generalizations
about a population based on a sample.
2. Quota sampling
o uses a set of criteria for selecting samples
3. Snowball sampling
o you identify a member of your targeted population and ask him or her to
identify other members of the population who possess the characteristics
relevant to your research
4. Convenience sampling
o involves the selection of participants based on ease of finding them.
o considered the sampling method with the weakest rationale and lowest
credibility.
PLANNING THE DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS PROCEDURE
Data collection is an activity where the researcher obtains relevant information to
address the specific research questions or objectives of the study.
The four most common methods of data collection in qualitative research are
participant observation, interview, focus group discussion, and document analysis.
1. Observation
o the researcher sees how people behave and interact with one another,
either in a controlled or natural setting.
2. Interviews
o which are most beneficial when you want to collect non-readily
observable data.
3. Group discussion
o also considered another type of interview.
o most useful for researching on cultural norms, shared experiences, and
issues experienced by a specific cultural group or subgroup.
4. Document analysis
o involves the examination of documents or records relevant to your study
o these include archival records (eg. historical records) and physical
artifacts (eg, tools, artworks)
The tools used in collecting data in qualitative studies are called research
instruments.
Types of Data According to Sources
1. Primary data
o gathered directly from the participants of your study
o collected using interviews, focus group discussion, observation, and
surveys.
2. Secondary data
o collected by someone besides the researcher.
o Examples include media reports, published research, public
documents, and Internet materials, among others.
