How to Do Qualitative Research in Counsel

Qualitative research is descriptive rather than statistical and is used widely among social scientists. Research questions tend to be open-ended and participants are selected using certain criteria rather than randomly. Counsel is defined as advice, an exchange of opinions or ideas regarding a topic or act. Conducting qualitative research in counsel is a natural way to study the subject matter because qualitative research is concerned with identifying relationships among subjects and discussing them in narrative form.

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a subtopic of counsel, such as high school guidance counselors. Decide upon a broad area to research, for example, interactions between high school guidance counselors and students.

    • 2

      Write three to four open-ended research questions regarding interactions between counselors and students. An example of an open-ended question for qualitative research is, "What topics of discussion emerge during counselor-student interactions?"

    • 3

      Identify a setting in which to conduct the research. Quantitative research is conducted in natural settings. Therefore, in the case of high school counselors, the research would take place in a high school setting among counselors and students.

    • 4

      Develop a research methodology. In quantitative research, the methodology may include asking interview questions, focus groups, subject observation or a combination of all. Take extensive notes while conducting interviews and focus groups and/or observing.

    • 5

      Study the notes using inductive reasoning and analysis. Search for meaning in how participants think, perceive situations and identify with variables.

    • 6

      Write a descriptive narrative discussing the research results. Quantitative research is more concerned with the process of the research rather than the outcome.

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