Discuss the unique features identified with the qualitative approach

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Although the qualitative approach follows the conventional research

approach in presenting a problem, asking a question, collecting and

analyzing data, and seeking to answer the question, it also has several

unique features such as: (1) the researcher begins with a general

approach rather than a highly detailed plan (flexibility is necessary

because of the nature of the research question); (2) the researcher has to

decide when the literature review and theory application should take

place (initial work may involve redefining existing concepts or

reconceptualizing how existing studies have been conducted); (3) the

study presents a detailed view of the topic (qualitative research usually

involves a smaller number of cases and many variables); (4) access to

people or other resources that can provide the necessary data is crucial

(many qualitative researchers generate their own data) and (5)

appropriate research method(s) are important for acquiring useful

qualitative data (qualitative studies are often based on field research

such as observation, participant observation, case studies, ethnography,

and unstructured interviews).