10. Generic qualitative inquiry
In order to be as objective as possible, most qualitative research studies conform to a one of a number of research designs with strict methodological requirements. These tend to be firmly rooted within the interpretative paradigm. However generic qualitative inquiry can be considered when the parameters of the study do not meet the strict requirements for any of these approaches. Here the practical requirements of the research question dictate the methods of data collection, and hence a pragmatic paradigm is adopted.
Generic qualitative research is a descriptive methodology aimed at understanding how individuals make meaning of a phenomenon or a situation, based on ‘what will work best’ in finding answers for the questions under investigation.
Studies using the Generic Qualitative Inquiry (GQI), tend to do one of three things. They either combine several qualitative approaches, draw on a single approach, but deviate from its intent, guidelines or rules, in a way that may be very beneficial for the study, or they simply don’t adhere to any recognised qualitative approach.
Its strengths as a method arise when little is known about a phenomenon, but when a rich in-depth description is the desired phenomenon. It is useful to explore the “who, what, where” type questions.
However, most of the concerns about the approach arise from its lack of a strong theoretical or methodological basis that can make leave its findings and interpretations open to question or contradiction.
Select the qualitative research type from the icons below to read a little more about it.
Phenomenology
Case studies
Grounded theory
Ethnography
GQI
Phenomenology
The overall aim of phenomenology is to derive an understanding of essential meanings as constructed through interpretation of people's lived experiences.
- In-depth interviews (usually 90 to 120 minutes)
- Small number of participants (typically 6 - 10 sometimes as much as 20)
- Data saturation is critical here to determine when adding new participants stops yielding new or novel insights
Case studies
Case studies take a more holistic approach to qualitative research. They can be descriptive, exploratory, or explanatory, so they are certainly one of the more versatile qualitative methadologies.
- Single case studies explore participants' experiences of complex phenomena in a single setting or group
- Multiple case studies compare experiences across different settings
- Triangulation for case studies: You need mulitple data sources (interviews, written responses, observations, focus groups and/or artifacts) to assess for degree of data convergence
Grounded theory
The overall aim of grounded theory is to construct a theoretical model that explains phenomena of interest based on the direct experiences and perspectives of participants.
- Data collection involves interviews with participants who are selected using theoretical sampling
- Iterative process between data collection and analysis to develop and elaborate on the new theory emerging from analysis
Ethnography
The overall aim of ethnographic research is to develop an in-depth understanding of complex social and/or cultural phenomena within specific settings or groups, through direct immersion and interaction.
- Researcher's own experiences, perspectives, and interpretations are central to the findings and conclusions of the study
- Data collection must take place over an extended period of time - includes participant and non-participant observation, as well as interviews, review of archival documents, artifact, or symbols
General qualitative inquiry
- Are all the staff sitting together? Where is the consultant positioned? Does the layout of the room or seating arrangement, exaggerate a power imbalance in relationships? What could you do to change this?
- Is the patient seated in a way that could be intimidating or suggest a power imbalance (e.g. on a chair separated from the other attendees)