What is qualitative research?
One of the most commonly used approaches when undertaking a research project – and particularly a doctoral thesis – is what is known as qualitative research. A high proportion of the future PhD graduates who have their theses printed with our assistance have opted for this approach, as it is the one best suited to their field of research.
Before embarking on any dissertation project, students should consider the differences between qualitative and quantitative research, as well as which approach best suits their needs, in order to make the most of every step they take in their work.
All scientific work seems to be linked to figures and data that are impossible to refute: statistics, reviews of historical cases, patient counts… These elements fall within the scope of what is known as quantitative research.
However, not all situations can be objectively quantified. This is where qualitative research comes in, which refers to cases where situations that cannot be reduced to numbers are analysed. These scenarios require a more critical approach, as they involve analysing concepts, behaviours or situations involving thousands of variables.
Today we’ll explain what qualitative research is used for and what its general characteristics are, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of this approach in the scientific field.
Key features of qualitative research
The characteristics of qualitative research provide an even better understanding of what this type of subjective research—which is generally associated with the social sciences—entails.
- Exploring the why, the what and the how: qualitative research focuses on the underlying causes of the phenomena under study and the responses to them, rather than on the phenomena themselves or how they occur.
- A flexible approach: circumstances may necessitate changes to the research method, the way data is collected, and even the study’s objectives.
- Participation and interaction: qualitative research requires the researcher to play an active role; they cannot remain detached from the events as a mere observer.
Qualitative research methods
The characteristics highlighted in the previous section mean that qualitative research must be conducted in accordance with very specific protocols.
In most cases, methods such as in-depth interviews—which allow for open and reflective responses—focus groups, involving discussions among the various participants; or participant observation, where the researcher becomes part of the lives of the research subjects, are used.
Advantages and disadvantages of qualitative research
Like any research methodology, qualitative research also presents a number of advantages and disadvantages for those writing a doctoral thesis:
|
Qualitative research |
|
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Flexibility in developing strategies. | Difficulties in objectively analysing information and drawing conclusions. |
| It focuses on the ‘whys’ behind certain phenomena, which is ideal for social, ethnographic or psychological research. | The researcher’s subjectivity can result in data being manipulated unconsciously. |
| It offers a wide range of data collection methods that are more flexible and easier for research participants to accept. | Analysing the data obtained is a lengthy and complex process. |
| It is the best approach for topics that have been little researched or are largely unknown. | There is always a degree of unconscious influence exerted by the researcher on the subject under investigation, particularly in the case of social studies. |
Key points for using qualitative research
Most people who have chosen to have their doctoral thesis bound and printed by us and who have conducted quantitative research agree on certain key factors that have been essential to the successful completion of their work.
Generally speaking, they focus on highlighting the importance of choosing the right analytical tool. Furthermore, they consider it particularly important to revise the discussion and conclusions section several times, with the aim of minimising subjectivity as much as possible. In this way, it is possible to produce texts that are accepted by the academic community and well-received by doctoral thesis examination boards, which is the true objective of these works.
