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The following 8-point definition is adapted from Cobb and Hagermaster (1987): 1. Importance of co... more The following 8-point definition is adapted from Cobb and Hagermaster (1987): 1. Importance of context There is attention to the social context in which events occur and have meaning. According to qualitative researchers, this is because events can only be properly understood in context. Contrast this feature with the approach of the quantitative researcher who treats the context as a distraction, a source of error, that is, something that has to be controlled. 2. Emic view of the world There is an emphasis on understanding the social world from the point of view of the participants in it. This is known as an emic point of view. With quantitative methods the researcher is not interested in how subjects see the world except in relation to the variables that are being measured. This is known as an etic point of view. 3. Inductive approach The approach is primarily inductive which means the researcher develops a hunch while in the field and systematically looks for evidence to confirming or refute it. By way of contrast, in quantitative studies the researcher uses theory and empirical research to develop a small number of propositions. In other words, the conclusion of the study is deduced from the theory and experimental or quasi-experimental evidence. 4. Interaction with participants Common data collection procedures include interviewing, participant observation, examination of personal documents and other printed materials. The researcher personally interacts with participants. 5. Focus on understanding and description The concern is primarily with understanding and description rather than explanations based on causal relationships. Understanding, according to qualitative researchers, need not be reduced to a series of statements about causal relationships. 6. Ongoing development of hypotheses Hypotheses are usually developed during the research rather than a priori. The reason for this is simple: the researcher develops a better understanding of the phenomenon being studied the longer they stay in the field. 7. Ongoing development of instruments Procedures for data gathering are subject to ongoing revision in the field. These can't be developed until the hypotheses have been formulated. 8. Narrative form Analysis is usually presented in narrative rather than in numerical form.
The following 8-point definition is adapted from Cobb and Hagermaster (1987): 1. Importance of co... more The following 8-point definition is adapted from Cobb and Hagermaster (1987): 1. Importance of context There is attention to the social context in which events occur and have meaning. According to qualitative researchers, this is because events can only be properly understood in context. Contrast this feature with the approach of the quantitative researcher who treats the context as a distraction, a source of error, that is, something that has to be controlled. 2. Emic view of the world There is an emphasis on understanding the social world from the point of view of the participants in it. This is known as an emic point of view. With quantitative methods the researcher is not interested in how subjects see the world except in relation to the variables that are being measured. This is known as an etic point of view. 3. Inductive approach The approach is primarily inductive which means the researcher develops a hunch while in the field and systematically looks for evidence to confirming or refute it. By way of contrast, in quantitative studies the researcher uses theory and empirical research to develop a small number of propositions. In other words, the conclusion of the study is deduced from the theory and experimental or quasi-experimental evidence. 4. Interaction with participants Common data collection procedures include interviewing, participant observation, examination of personal documents and other printed materials. The researcher personally interacts with participants. 5. Focus on understanding and description The concern is primarily with understanding and description rather than explanations based on causal relationships. Understanding, according to qualitative researchers, need not be reduced to a series of statements about causal relationships. 6. Ongoing development of hypotheses Hypotheses are usually developed during the research rather than a priori. The reason for this is simple: the researcher develops a better understanding of the phenomenon being studied the longer they stay in the field. 7. Ongoing development of instruments Procedures for data gathering are subject to ongoing revision in the field. These can't be developed until the hypotheses have been formulated. 8. Narrative form Analysis is usually presented in narrative rather than in numerical form.