Importance Of Qualitative Research

Qualitative research is the significance of observations made in a study rather than the raw numbers themselves (Quantitative Research, 2014). It is most commonly the method of investigation that can include interviews and case studies. Qualitative research is also used in a historical and ethnographic context, when trying to find what did happen and what is happening (Quantitative Research, 2014).

Qualitative research is useful for practitioners because it allows the researcher to establish a bond with the clients, as the practitioner gains an inside view. By allowing the practitioner an inside view, this can open up relationships and dynamic process which otherwise might have been missed (Hughes, C, 2006). For example, by researching a client’s history through interviews and case studies, a practitioner might gain a deeper understanding of the client’s past history and relationships that may directly relate to their case, which a quantitative research method would not provide. Data such as this would be gathered from an oral or written description, with the practitioner interpreting the data once collected. Qualitative research is also helpful in determining what is currently happening, such as using case studies to provide analysis of current trends in the field of social work (Hughes, C, 2006).

However qualitative research has its limitations. Qualitative research is far lengthier than quantitative research, due to the nature of the research. The presence of the practitioner on the client is felt more, and more of the client’s time is needed. There is the potential risk of confidentiality when discussing findings as well (Hughes, C. 2006).

Another limitation that needs to be considered is that when performing qualitative re...

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...n, K., Guest, G., Namey, E. 2005). While quantitative research seeks to prove hypotheses, qualitative research explores an idea. While quantitative research seeks to predict relationships, qualitative research explains relationships. While quantitative research uses close ended questions, qualitative research uses open ended questions. Quantitative research is inflexible and stable, while qualitative research can be altered as new information is gathered (Mack, N., Woodsong, C., MacQueen, K., Guest, G., Namey, E. 2005). With the key difference being the amount of flexibility, qualitative research would be the best methodology to explore and discover new research on my chosen research topic. In the case of a literature review, quantitative methodology is the ideal method for exploring what data already exists, so we can assess the needs for new data to be explored.