Qualitative Research

Paper Summary:

The paper defines "qualitative research" and states that qualitative research methods were developed in the social sciences to enable researchers to study social and cultural phenomena. The paper gives examples of qualitative methods and states that the data is usually obtained via interviews and questionnaires etc. The paper explains the differences between qualitative analysis and quantitative inquiry and does a comparison between them. The paper concludes that the varying methods of research have differing degrees of viability and value for the researcher.

From the Paper:

" A qualitative method that is more concerned with the larger context is the ethnographic method. This method attempts to view the individual within the context of the whole social and cultural environment. Ethnography research initially originated from social and cultural anthropology. Ethnographers usually spend a great amount of time in the field and "... immerse themselves in the lives of the people they study and seek to place the phenomena studied in their social and cultural context" (Myers M. D.). Ethnography is also described as a method of qualitative analysis "... whereby multiple perspectives can be incorporated..." into the design of any analysis. (Myers M. D.) In essence this method begins with the study of culture rather than the individual."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Conn J. and Gerdes D. ( 2001) A user-friendly look at qualitative research methods. Physical Educator; December 22, 2001. Retrieved June 21, from http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-81564918.htmlEthnographic Research. Retrieved June 22, 2007 from http://www2.chass.ncsu.edu/garson/pa765/ethno.htm
• Haugh, Helen, and Lorna Mckee. "The Cultural Paradigm of the Smaller Firm." Journal of Small Business Management 42.4 (2004): 377+.
• MODULE R14. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH. Retrieved June 21, from http://www.okstate.edu/ag/agedcm4h/academic/aged5980a/5980/newpage21.htm
• Myers M. D. Qualitative Research in Information Systems. Retrieved June 22, 2007 from http://www.qual.auckland.ac.nz/
• Patton, M. Q. (1990). Qualitative Evaluation and Research Methods (2nd ed.). Newbury Park, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.

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