What is Qualitative Research as a Research Method?

As is well known, research should be conducted by the subject's structure before writing about it, and the sources should be properly incorporated into the text. One of the techniques that every researcher should be familiar with is the qualitative research method, which is the topic of the article in question. We will give a basic overview of the qualitative research method in this article. 

One of the primary goals of qualitative research is to convey human perceptions and experiences. While qualitative research is typically used to identify large-scale patterns, quantitative research is used to establish causal and correlative links between variables using numerical data. Furthermore, qualitative research is a technique that prioritizes the exploration and understanding of social phenomena in their context, with a focus on theory creation. In this meaning, 'theory creation' refers to a modeling study that explains how previously unknown results relate to one another depending on the information gathered. This necessitates the researcher's adaptability, the ability to change the research process in response to the information gathered, and the use of an inductive method in both the development of the study design and the analysis of the data gathered. 

Specific Features of Qualitative Research Method 

The qualitative research approach focuses on the unique and profound nature of human qualities. This condition allows researchers to later assess the elements produced utilizing the qualitative research method. The dissertations that arise as a result of the trends inherent in the qualitative research method enable the meticulous and systematic interpretation of theses using transcription and analytic procedures. Qualitative research features include the following: 

• Analyzing individual or group experiences, their experiences can be translated into biographical life tales or practices; these elements can be handled by evaluating everyday data and stories. 
• Analyzing interactions and communication during qualitative research. It can be useful to monitor or document these interaction and communication characteristics. 
• Analyzing research documents, such as writings, photos, film, or music, can assist in developing experiences or interactions. 

When conducting qualitative research, consider the following factors: 

It should be noted that qualitative research takes several theoretical, epistemological, and methodological methods.  Those who employ qualitative research methods should be interested in accessing experiences, interactions, and documents in their natural settings in a way that preserves their rigor and the materials being researched. When conducting qualitative research, avoid having a well-defined concept of what is being examined and develop hypotheses to test it. Instead, ideas should be cultivated. Text and writing make up a substantial amount of qualitative research, rather than numerical data. Notes and transcripts should be included in the descriptions and interpretations, as well as the overall presentation of the findings and research. 

Benefits and Drawbacks of the Qualitative Research Approach 

Based on the observations made in light of the information, it was discovered that one of the advantages of the qualitative research method is that it allows the researcher to be more flexible, whereas the disadvantage is that it does not include official documents and numerical data in their entirety. Based on this, it is critical to determine if a research study should be qualitative or quantitative. Another advantage is that it allows for in-depth research into the attitudes and behaviors that make up daily life while undertaking sociological research. On the other side, one of the drawbacks of qualitative research is that its scope is rather limited; therefore, its conclusions cannot always be generalized broadly. Researchers should also exercise caution when using these methods to ensure that the data is not considerably altered and that no unnecessary personal bias is introduced into the interpretation of the findings. 

Conclusion 

As a result, it has been noted that the qualitative research method is more often used in social disciplines and has chosen a more general and non-numerical path than the quantitative research method. It is also utilized in many scientific fields. In theory, the qualitative research approach explores human-specific ideas and employs more social techniques to do it. 

References

Busetto, L., Wick, W., & Gumbinger, C. How to use and assess qualitative research methods. Neurol. Res. Pract. 2, 14 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42466-020 00059-z

Crossman, Ashley. "An Overview of Qualitative Research Methods." ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, thoughtco.com/qualitative-research-methods-3026555

Flick, U. (2007) Designing Qualitative Research, Focus Group, London

Kothari, C. R. (2004) Research Methodology Methods and Techniques

Yıldırım, A. (2021) Nitel Araştırma Yöntemlerinin Temel Özellikleriyle Eğitim Araştırmalarındaki Yeri ve Önemi