Qualitative Research - Airy Fairy or Fundamental?

For many scientists used to doing quantitative studies the whole concept of qualitative research is unclear, almost foreign, or 'airy fairy'--not 'real' research. Clinical scientists sometimes find it difficult to accept this research method where the generation of hypotheses often replaces the testing thereof, explanation replaces measurement, and understanding replaces generalisability. Since qualitative research is becoming a prominent tool in medical research, it will be worthwhile to have a closer look at what it is and how it works. Key Words: Quantitative, Qualitative, Phenomena, Open-Ended, Observations, Descriptive, Themes, and Categories Quantitative vs. qualitative When a problem has been identified, the research must select a suitable tool or method to investigate it. As a rule, quantitative research is mainly concerned with the degree in which phenomena possess certain properties, states and characters, and the similarities, differences and causal relations that exist within and between these. It is usually based on theoretical or empirical considerations and quantifying phenomena. The advantage of the quantitative approach is that it measures, for example, the reactions of a great many people to a limited set of questions, thus facilitating comparison and statistical aggregation of the data. This gives a broad, generalisable set of findings. Qualitative research on the other hand, is mainly concerned with the properties, the state and the character (i.e., the nature, of phenomena). The word qualitative implies an emphasis on processes and meanings that are rigorously examined, but not measured in terms of quantity, amount or frequency. Qualitative methods typically produce a wealth of detailed data about a much smaller number of people and cases. Qualitative data provide depth and detail through direct quotation and careful description of situations, events, interactions and observed behaviours. To sum up, traditional quantitative methods such as randomised controlled trials are the appropriate means of testing the effect of an intervention or treatment, but a qualitative exploration of beliefs and understanding is likely to be needed to find out why some patients choose not to adhere to prescribed treatment. The two approaches should be regarded as complementary rather than competitive. Understanding in qualitative research is therefore more akin to the understanding gained from an art, rather than from a science. This does not mean that it is an inferior kind of understanding, but it does mean that it is different, because it requires active participation of the reader to identify with the situation and relate the findings to his/her own situation. Qualitative methods Qualitative methods consist of three kinds of data collection: * In-dept, open-ended interviews; * Direct observation; and * Written documents, including such sources as open-ended written items on questionnaires and personal diaries. The data from open-ended interviews consist of direct quotations from people about their experiences, opinions, feelings and knowledge. The data from observations consist of detailed descriptions of participants' behaviours, staff actions, and the full range of human interactions. Document analysis yields excerpts, quotations, or entire passages from records, correspondence, official reports and open-ended surveys. The qualitative evaluation process Qualitative data begin as raw, descriptive information about programmes and people in programmes. The evaluator visits the programe to make first-hand observations of programme activities, sometimes even engaging personally in those activities as a 'participant observer'. The evaluator talks to participants and staff about their experiences and perceptions, and records and documents are usually also examined. The data from these interviews, observations and documents are then organised into major themes, categories and case examples through content analysis. …