Orit Hazzan ' s Column Qualitative Research in Software Engineering

This column discusses the application of qualitative research for research in Software Engineering (SE). Specifically, we outline what research questions are suitable for investigation using qualitative research, what research tools are used for data gathering in qualitative research and how the qualitative data analysis process guides the formulation of answers to the research questions. Accordingly, the column provides basic knowledge for determining whether qualitative research is suitable for the investigation of specific research questions in SE. By doing so, the column contributes to researchers in the field and assists them in deciding whether to adopt the qualitative research approach.