As we have already discussed the quantitative methods in our previous article, let us now learn about the qualitative methods. Qualitative And Quantitative Methods Part-II.
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods Part-II.
Qualitative methods of research.
The qualitative method is the investigation and explanation of observations to discover fundamental meaning and patterns. Hence, the qualitative methods help in finding out the patterns, meanings, symbols, goals, etc. Weber with his interpretive approach used Verstehen and Ideal Types for his investigation. However, Deductivism is often used as the basic qualitative approach. Qualitative And Quantitative Methods Part-II
Advantages of qualitative method.
- Qualitative methods provide a complete picture for any investigation.
- These methods carry out an end-to-end analysis with no omission of data.
- They widen the range of sociology.
- The techniques of data collection are comparatively easy.
Limitations of qualitative method.
- This method requires a trained investigator to carry out an analysis.
- Expertise in various empirical skills is mandatory.
- It is difficult to check the reliability and validity of an experiment done using the qualitative method.
- The methods become even more complex if the sample is extensively large, as it becomes hard to manage and study a large sample for the researcher.
Let us now explore some of the widely used qualitative methods in sociological research. Qualitative And Quantitative Methods Part-II
1) Case Studies.
- A case study is a concentrated study of a particular individual or specific perspective.
- For instance, Piaget implemented the method of case studies in his research. He did case studies of children to study their developmental phases in them.
- Freud as the basis for the theory of psychoanalysis considered case studies of some individuals in his investigation.
- However, a case study may be conducted in multiple ways. One can just go with a case study or with a combination of qualitative methods like unstructured interviewing, direct observation, etc. Qualitative And Quantitative Methods Part-II
2) Participant Observation.
- Participant observation is considered to be one of the most demanding and common qualitative methods used for empirical research.
- The main requirement of this method is the consideration of a researcher himself as a participant in the environment (which is to be studied) or the circumstance being observed.
The literature evidence on this method explains well how an investigator can enter the context, the role of the investigator as a participant, the collection of data, and the required information and analysis of data.
3) Direct Observation.
This method differs from the participant observation on various grounds.
- In this method, the investigator need not become a participant in the experimental context. But the direct observer should not be noticed for empirical characters to avoid any biasedness in the observation.
- Direct observation advocates a more separate viewpoint. In this method, the researcher instead of taking part just watch out for the context or situation.
- This method can use technology as a part of the study. For instance, an investigator may videotape or record the process being present in the environment needed to be studied.
- Direct observation is more focused than participant observation as in this method a researcher need not act as a participant or get completely immersed in the context. Thus are less chance of bias. Qualitative And Quantitative Methods Part-II
4) Unstructured Interviewing.
- This method involves direct contact between the scientist and a respondent/ group.
- There is no formal structure of questions that are to be asked. Instead, some initial guiding questions or concepts are considered for starting an interview.
- An interview can take the respondent in any direction of questions of his interest and can get a broader knowledge of a particular topic.
- It is nearly impossible to analyze unstructured interview data as every interview is unique with no pre-planned set of questions in an interview. Qualitative And Quantitative Methods Part-II
