What is exploratory-descriptive qualitative research? (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. Research that is clearly qualitative but that does not espouse any distinct methodology
b. Quantitative research that contains descriptions
c. Research that contains elements of at least two other types of qualitative research
d. Mixed methods research
e. A non-method

Answer 1

ANS: A, E
Qualitative nurse researchers have conducted studies with the purpose of exploring and describing a topic of interest but, at times, have not identified a specific qualitative methodology. Qualitative descriptive research is a legitimate method of research that may be the appropriate "label" for studies that have no clearly specified method or when the method was specified but ended with "a comprehensive summary of an event in the everyday terms of these events." Labeling a study as a specific type (grounded theory, phenomenology, or ethnographic) implies fixed categories of research with distinct boundaries, but the boundaries between methods are more appropriately viewed as permeable. Although the studies result in descriptions and could be labeled as descriptive qualitative studies, most of the researchers are in the exploratory stage of studying the subject of interest.