Embedded Files
What is qualitative data?
What is qualitative data?
Possible data collection methods in qualitative research are diverse and may be generated by research participants, the researcher/s or a third party. Data may be in the form of verbal accounts, written accounts, video recordings, photography, artistic expression or publications, websites or public records. What is meaningful data for a project depends on what makes sense for examining the social reality, perspective or phenomenon of interest. This series will concentrate on the most common forms of data collection used in applied health research - surveys, interview (including focus groups) and documents.
Data collection
Data collection
The data collection process in qualitative research can include not only the data collected from participants, but also data generated by the researcher during the research process - keeping a journal or documenting a series of analytical memos throughout the research process is an important part of the qualitative research process and important for reflexivity - awareness of the role of the researcher in the subjectivist paradigm - important for demonstrating credibility and rigour when it comes time to report research outcomes.
Apply
Apply
What type of data collection method are you using in your project?
Why did you choose this data collection method?
What are the key considerations when using this method to ensure you get data that you can use to answer your research question following your chosen qualitative approach?
What are the benefits and limitations of the data collection method that you are using?
What are the standard steps in the data collection procedure for the method you are using?
If you are not sure, check out textbooks and guidelines for details on steps in data collection methods, be that from research participants or finding data to include in a review.
Page updated
Report abuse