Research Design

Introduction to Qualitative Inquiry and Methods of Data Collection and Analysis

Sociologists examine the social world, see a problem or interesting pattern in that world, and set out to study it. They use research methods to design a study - perhaps a positivist, quantitative method for conducting research and obtaining data to explain, predict or control an aspect of social reality; or alternatively,  an ethnographic study utilizing an interpretive framework to produce enhanced understanding of the meaning and process of social action and interaction within complex social environments. Planning the research design is a key step in any sociological study. As described in Module Three, there are multiple layers of research design that need to be taken into consideration.  Using the research onion metaphor developed by Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, the outer layers of the onion (research philosophies, modes of reasoning, and time horizons) point to the various conceptual and logical decisions that inform the process of research inquiry undertaken within particular studies.  In discussing the outer layers of the research onion in Module Three, emphasis was placed on a selection of research philosophies and modes of reasoning that inform the collection and interpretation of empirical evidence in the form of meanings, experiences and motivations.  Those meanings, experiences and motivations that inform the social actions and social interactions of human actors within the contexts of their everyday social realities.  Module Four begins with a brief overview of the conceptual dimensions of qualitative research inquiry before shifting to an examination of the more concrete strategies and methods involved in collecting, summarizing, interpreting and representing various types of qualitative data.

(Overview of Qualitative Research Methods

Researchers who work with qualitative research methods seek to understand social worlds from the perspectives of the participants. Following the lead of Weber's Verstehende sociology (See Module Two) and drawing on the theoretical insights of various classical thinkers (e.g., Simmel, Cooley, Mead, Goffman, DuBois), contemporary social constructionists (e.g.,  Smith, Hochschild) and/or critical thinkers (e.g., Habermas, Foucault, Bourdieu) qualitative researchers generally choose from four widely used data collection strategies.  These strategies include field research, secondary data analysis, case study and participatory action research (PAR).  Every data collection method comes with pluses and minuses, and the topic of study and research question are primary factors in deciding which method or methods are put to use. The various features, strengths and weaknesses of each of these strategies is discussed below.