1. Introduction
“Hi, I guess if you’re looking at this RLO, you're interested in finding out a little more about qualitative research, to help you decide whether it might be appropriate to use for your research. Let's start by considering a definition of qualitative research, which describes what it is. You can take a look at it by clicking on the picture on the wall over there. (View the corridor graphic and select the picture on the wall).
Qualitative research focuses on the importance of experience. It collects information from narrative - people's stories - with a beginning, a middle and an end. Narratives provide information and detail relating to people's identities, relationships, triggers and resolutions, and as such, lessons can be learnt from these narratives.
Findings from qualitative research can be analysed through the identification of themes and subthemes, relationships and meanings. It can also lead to theory development, so that these can be applied to and inform practice.
How qualitative findings are analysed and presented depends on the philosophical lens or theoretical frameworks through which the findings are interpreted. It involves reflexivity by the researcher, that is in being open to their own assumptions and positioning, as well as being open to new ideas.
I hope this has been helpful so far. If you knock on each office door in turn, our qualitative researchers will tell you more about the purpose and potential uses of qualitative research.