Qualitative Research
There are a number of definitions out there that attempt to encapsulate what Qualitative Research is, but I am for the idea that it is more likely a combination of many of these definitions that provide a more holistic description of what it is. I have come thus far to believe with limited experience that Qualitative Research is a method of deriving, or extrapolating meaning out of different aspects of a specific research subject, providing greater comprehension of it's parts in order to define the whole in a way that can support quantitative data with greater understanding.
Qualitative research entails elements such as the planning phase, or the research design that may include a naturalistic, emergent, and purposeful method (Sanders, 1997); the element of data collection that requires a subjective, open-minded and empathetic neutrality that allows for changes over time with their environment and focus of study (Sanders, 1997); and analysis of the collected data that would require the researcher to understand that each case is unique, and that a holistic approach while inquiring into the depths of the results from different perspectives, as well as allowing natural phenomena to emerge with a balanced objective/subjective disposition allows for an authentic representation of the natural complexities in context to become known (Research Guides, n.d.). It is the experienced researcher that can leverage the fine balance of knowing where to, and how to inject themselves at the right time, place and manner to collect the data necessary with minimal intrusion upon the naturally occurring data that would render the analysis of the data as genuine and trustworthy (Research guides, n.d.).
I have been privy to such processes over the last three years in my job. I have met with and interviewed people for the purposes of acquiring what they know that may answer my boss' questions. In such cases, I would need to determine with whom I was meeting with, gather what I knew about them if anything at all, prepare the meeting area so as to create a comforting, welcoming and safe space; prepare a list of questions as a guide during our dialogue; map out a route from where they will be picked up to their drop off point at the meeting so as to minimize our group's exposure; determine what to wear that will not come off as threatening; ensure the pickup vehicle is setup to keep personnel inside not visible from outside personnel; and to finish the meeting leaving the subject feeling good, and willing to come back. This method of conducting a meeting has proven quite effective, and allows for excellent data collection throughout the meeting. Data collection would be in the form of a conversation while note taking. The conversation is open and relaxed in its atmosphere and context, however, the researcher stays mindful of the subject if they should go off track and would need to keep the conversation focused by gently steering the subject back to relative questions. Humor, appreciation, apologies, empathy, directness, and endearment are just a few techniques that must be carefully used in order to steer the meeting in the right direction, without upsetting, or making the subject suspicious or righteous, inhibiting the flow of relative data. Throughout the meeting, data such as body language, facial expressions, gestures, reactions, and overall disposition is taken into account and noted for review later. After the meetings, objective viewing, while remaining aware of the subjective nature of the subject themselves, of all documents, recordings, notes taken as well as any unique events that may have occurred during the meeting, is taken in for analysis; first for its parts individually, and then to determine its meaning as part of the whole picture in attempt to draw a final conclusion for that particular meeting. Ultimately, each meeting would be part of an on going analysis for subsequent meetings in order to paint a picture over time of the subject's overall reliability to provide honest, accurate, timely and trustworthy information. Often, a 'test' will be designed and implemented to determine if the unwitting subject is who they say they are, and can do what they say they can do.
References
Sanders, M. (1997). Choosing qualitative research: A primer for technology education researchers. Website. Retrieved from http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JTE/v9n1/hoepfl.html.
Research Guides. (n.d.). Organizing your social sciences research paper: Qualitative methods. Website. Retrieved from http://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/qualitative.
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