Which of the following statements are true statements about qualitative research methodology? (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. Qualitative researchers develop questions and then determine which philosophical approach to use to answer the question.
b. Qualitative analyses involve using words rather than numbers as the basis of analysis.
c. Because the methods used for sampling, data gathering, and analysis are more flexible for qualitative research than for quantitative research, qualitative research is considered a less rigorous approach to nursing research.
d. As with quantitative research, qualitative researchers are not able to modify sampling and data gathering processes once the study begins, since this leads to problems with internal validity.

Answer 1

ANS: A, B
Qualitative researchers typically first do a literature search and develop their research question and then determine which philosophical approach (e.g., ethnography, phenomenology) needs to be used to address the research question. Note that some qualitative researchers will defer the review of literature until after data collection to avoid biasing their analysis and data interpretation. In qualitative research, narratives (transcriptions of respondents' stories about their experiences) and written observations are analyzed for themes and patterns. Although strict positivists would argue that qualitative methodology is less rigorous than quantitative approaches to research, most nursing researchers believe that qualitative research employs the same careful skills in analytical reasoning and is as rigorous in seeking knowledge about human experience. Internal validity is not a criteria applied to qualitative research. In qualitative approaches, data analysis begins as data are gathered and insights may suggest the need to modify the original methodology. Such changes, however, need to be supported with a clear rationale.