Compare and contrast the major differences between quantitative and qualitative research designs. How is a descriptive research design different from a qualitative research design?

In this activity, you learn about qualitative research designs. 

Qualitative research is quite different from quantitative research. Data collection in qualitative research relies on firsthand observation, interviews, questionnaires (on which participants write descriptively), focus groups, participant-observation, recordings made in natural settings, documents, and artifacts. In qualitative research, the emphasis is on the “lived perspective” of the participants through observation or their own words. Therefore, there are no statistics and there may be few numbers in a qualitative research report. Rather, there are usually many direct quotes and a discussion about themes emerged from the data. The researcher interprets the findings using theory to support their interpretations. 

Select each step in the process to learn more. 

1Selecting a Philosophical Framework and Participants 

Here are the four most common types of qualitative research designs: 

Phenomenological Research 

The frameworks most often used in qualitative research are phenomenological, which is the study of phenomena. This is often thought of as studying the “lived experience” of a certain phenomenon of interest. 

Grounded Theory Research 

This is the study of how humans live. 

Ethnographical Research 

This is the study of ethnic populations (this can include culture, as well as populations like nurses who work in the ICU). 

Historical Research 

Examining critical activities that occurred in the past, viewed in the context of that time. 

After selecting the most appropriate design, you recruit participants from whom you will gather data. Qualitative research technique builds on the relationship between the researcher and the participant or respondent. Researchers will develop a relationship with sources that could be used many times. 

2Developing Data Collection Strategies 

Data Collection Methods 

Data collection in qualitative research may include observations of participants’ activities or follow an interview of open-ended questions. These questions are devised for the study but the researcher can respond and follow up with concepts presented by the respondent. The responses are recorded and transcribed. In the final report, the most representative statements are noted in vignettes. The most representative statements are used as opposed to extreme statements. 

Observation 

Interviews 

Interview schedule 

Open-ended questions 

Text (written narratives) 

3Gathering and Analyzing Data 

Data Management 

Data are analyzed as the collection occurs. The researcher should check the data transcription, make field notes, and review their thoughts about the data while the information is fresh and clear. 

Data Analysis 

After the data are transcribed, there might be thousands of pages of text that need to be analyzed. The researcher must develop and use a system to organize the concepts, honing them until the basic themes are established. 

Thus, you can see that there are substantive differences between qualitative and quantitative research designs. While they both have their advantages and disadvantages, nurses who want to examine a variable about which there is little information or about a segment of a population about whom little is known, the qualitative design enables the researcher to focus on specific aspects and learn from a small group. 

4Disseminating the Findings 

The Critique 

When preparing to disseminate results, all research should be critiqued for applicability in your clinical practice.