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What are the distinguishing characteristics of each of the 6 types of qualitative research?

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By PD Tutor#2
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Answer #1

1. Grounded Theory

Grounded theory is an inductive approach to research that seeks to develop a theory from data rather than testing an existing theory. It is often used to study new or complex phenomena. Grounded theory research typically involves:

Collecting data through interviews, observations, or documents
Analyzing the data to identify patterns and themes
Generating a theory that explains the patterns and themes

Distinguishing characteristics of grounded theory:

Inductive approach to research
Focus on developing a theory from data
Iterative process of data collection and analysis
Emphasis on patterns and themes

2. Phenomenology

Phenomenology is a qualitative research method that seeks to understand the lived experiences of individuals. It is based on the idea that the meaning of an experience is derived from the individual's own perspective. Phenomenological research typically involves:

Interviewing individuals about their experiences
Analyzing the interviews to identify common themes
Describing the essence of the experience from the individual's perspective

Distinguishing characteristics of phenomenology:

Focus on understanding the lived experiences of individuals
Emphasis on the individual's own perspective
Use of interviews to collect data
Descriptive approach to analysis

3. Ethnography

Ethnography is a qualitative research method that seeks to understand the culture of a group of people. It is based on the idea that culture is a shared system of beliefs, values, and practices. Ethnographic research typically involves:

Observing the group over a period of time
Participating in the group's activities
Interviewing members of the group
Analyzing the data to identify the group's culture

Distinguishing characteristics of ethnography:

Focus on understanding the culture of a group of people
Emphasis on observation and participation
Use of interviews to collect data
Interpretive approach to analysis

4. Case Study

Case study research is a qualitative research method that seeks to understand a particular case in depth. It is often used to study complex cases that cannot be easily generalized to other cases. Case study research typically involves:

Collecting data from multiple sources, such as interviews, observations, and documents
Analyzing the data to develop a detailed understanding of the case
Drawing conclusions about the case and its implications

Distinguishing characteristics of case study research:

Focus on understanding a particular case in depth
Use of multiple data sources
Detailed analysis of the data
Drawing conclusions about the case and its implications

5. Narrative Inquiry

Narrative inquiry is a qualitative research method that seeks to understand the stories that people tell about their lives. It is based on the idea that stories can provide insights into people's experiences, beliefs, and values. Narrative inquiry typically involves:

Collecting stories from individuals
Analyzing the stories to identify patterns and themes
Interpreting the stories to understand their meaning

Distinguishing characteristics of narrative inquiry:

Focus on understanding the stories that people tell about their lives
Emphasis on the meaning of stories
Use of interviews or other methods to collect stories
Interpretive approach to analysis

6. Discourse Analysis

Discourse analysis is a qualitative research method that seeks to understand the ways in which language is used to construct social reality. It is based on the idea that language is not simply a neutral means of communication, but rather a powerful tool that can be used to shape our thoughts and actions. Discourse analysis typically involves:

Analyzing texts, such as speeches, articles, or interviews
Identifying the patterns and themes in the language
Interpreting the language to understand its meaning and its implications

Distinguishing characteristics of discourse analysis:

Focus on understanding the ways in which language is used to construct social reality
Emphasis on the power of language
Use of text analysis to collect data
Interpretive approach to analysis

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By PD Tutor#1
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Answer #2

1. Narrative Research:
- Focuses on gathering individuals' life stories or personal experiences
- Emphasis on the context and meaning behind the stories
- Often used in the fields of psychology, sociology, and anthropology

2. Phenomenological Research:
- Focuses on understanding and interpreting individuals' lived experiences
- Emphasis on exploring how individuals make sense of their experiences
- In-depth interviews and observations are commonly used methods in this type of research

3. Grounded Theory Research:
- Focuses on building a theory or framework based on collected data
- Emphasis on constantly comparing and refining data to develop the theory
- Involves a systematic and iterative approach to data analysis

4. Ethnographic Research:
- Focuses on studying a particular culture or social group in their natural setting
- Emphasis on understanding the cultural norms, practices, and beliefs of the group
- Involves prolonged immersion in the field, participant observation, and in-depth interviews

5. Case Study Research:
- Focuses on exploring a specific case or phenomenon in-depth
- Emphasis on understanding the context and complexities of the case
- Involves multiple sources of data, such as interviews, observations, and documents

6. Content Analysis Research:
- Focuses on analyzing and interpreting textual, visual, or audiovisual data
- Emphasis on identifying patterns, themes, and meanings within the content
- Involves systematic coding and analysis of the data to draw conclusions or make interpretations
Let's continue with the discussion of the distinguishing characteristics of the remaining two types of qualitative research:

7. Participatory Action Research:
- Focuses on collaborative involvement of researchers and participants in the research process
- Emphasis on empowering participants to create positive social change based on the research findings
- Involves cycles of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting to address social issues or bring about improvements in a community
- Aims to produce practical solutions and contribute to the empowerment of marginalized groups

8. Autoethnography Research:
- Focuses on exploring the researcher's own personal experiences and reflections within a cultural or social context
- Emphasis on connecting personal narratives to broader social or cultural issues
- Often involves a reflexive and introspective approach to understanding the researcher's identity, values, and beliefs
- Aims to illuminate subjective experiences and challenge traditional research boundaries by incorporating personal storytelling

These two types of qualitative research offer unique perspectives and approaches to studying phenomena, highlighting the diverse range of methodologies within the qualitative research landscape.

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