Research Design

Sociologists have used qualitative research methods to conduct research and obtain data to explain, predict or control an aspect of social reality. These research methods are increasingly being used in the business world to examine and explain consumer behavior and other social interactions that may impact a business. Read this article to explore the goals, sources, and primary methods used in qualitative research.

Learning Objectives

  • Distinguish between between quantitative and qualitative research in terms of focus, philosophical roots, goals, design and data collection methods
  • List and briefly describe the three primary goals of qualitative research
  • List and briefly describe typical sources of qualitative data (e.g., Interviews, focus groups, observations and documents)
  • List and briefly describe the primary methods of qualitative data analysis (i.e., preparing, summarizing and presenting qualitative data)
  • List the primary strategies for determining the validity of qualitative data
  • Explain when qualitative research methods are appropriate for a research study
  • Explain why it is important to communicate research findings to both, specialized academic audiences and general public audiences

Source: Systems Innovations, https://openpress.usask.ca/soc112/chapter/equipping-an-interpretivist-research-tool-box-part-ii-selected-methods-of-data-collection-and-interpretation/
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