Qualitative researchers employ specific methods in the data collection process. These include participant observation, direct observation and interviewing. Additionally, some qualitative researchers will review documents such as school records or a journal as pieces of data. Participant observation is a key or notable facet of qualitative methodologies. This type of observation allows the researcher to become part of the group or culture being studied. Typically, the researcher goes into the field (e.g., a tribal society, elementary school, urban community) and enmeshes himself with the participants to make observations. In contrast, direct observation permits the researcher to enter the field or community/culture, but only as a non-participant. He observes what the participants do and say from a distance, not becoming part of the group.
A dominant, or key, element of qualitative research is that it does not use numbers or statistics as a basis for examining phenomena. When many students and academics think of the word research, numbers and equations typically come to mind. Instead of rating behaviors on a scale or analyzing numbers and scores, qualitative research strays from statistical practices and embraces detailed statements and often the feelings or emotions of the participants.
Qualitative researchers utilize several different approaches in conducting their studies. Keep in mind that an approach and a method are different elements of the qualitative process. An approach is the overall type of study that a researcher conducts; a method is what the researcher uses to actually collect the data. Qualitative approaches include enthnographies, phenomology, grounded theory and action research. Ethnographies grew from anthropological research in which the researcher conducts in-depth participant based-observational field research. Modern ethnographies include research in social or community settings as well as schools and other organizations. Phenomenology stems from a more philosophical approach, evaluating how the participants construct their own world or reality. Grounded theory uses concrete participant or indirect observations to create (or ground) a specific theory or concept. Action research includes studies in which the researcher is also the participant. Largely used in academic environments, teachers often use this approach to understand classroom/school phenomena.
It is important for beginning qualitative researchers to understand that the primary goal of these types of studies is not to find causal links or explain a phenomenon. Instead, qualitative research aims to explore and describe. This allows the researcher to delve deep into the subject, gaining a unique and often highly personal perspective. For example, if you are looking to better understand how parents perceive their children's learning through after-school programs, then qualitative research can help you gain valuable insight. On the other hand, if you are interested in providing evidence on how an after-school program boosts academic scores, then qualitative methods would not be very helpful.