Products of Qualitative
Research
Up to this point, we have talked about some of the tools that qualitative researchers use. We have also talked about the overall procedures that are involved when doing qualitative research.
Now we are going to discuss some of the different types of studies or products that qualitative researchers produce.
In short, qualitative researchers can use a wide combination of tools, in a variety of different ways, but typically they are trying to produce a specific type of outcome or product.
Like I said before, no set way that these
things have to be done in terms of the actual tools that are
used. Qualitative research is a flexible approach.
I Types of Qualitative Research Studies
A Ethnography
By and far, ethnography is the most common type of study you'll probably run into.
An ethnography is a holistic description of what it means to be a member of a specific group in a specific context.
Holistic in the sense that all of the relevant aspects of a given context or situation are identified. Rather than focusing only on specific parts, try to identify key, relevant aspects of what is being studied and how they are tied together.
Focus on culturally shared perceptions of everyday experiences.
Not concerned with idiosyncratic or individual explanations of what is occurring, rather focus in on culturally shared meanings.
Task is to describe a particular culture. What it means to be a "member" of the group.
Goal is to provide enough knowledge that someone from a different culture would understand what is going on.
A "good" ethnography describes a particular culture in such a way that a non-member of the culture could "pass as an insider."
Does not rely on any single method.
B Ethnology
Somewhat similar to ethnography, is an ethnology.
An ethnology is similar to ethnography in that it is interested in cultural meanings. However the purpose of an ethnology is to compare cultures with each other.
Focus on cultural comparisons.
That is, the purpose of ethnology is to compare
two or more cultures with each other -- identifying what is
similar and different between two cultures.
C Case Studies
Case studies have are typically defined by two characteristics.
Study of a single entity which is bound by time and/or activity.
In other words, you are attempting to study a particular group, event or process.
Another characteristic of case studies is that they do not have to focus solely on culturally shared interpretations of what is going on.
Typically allows for idiosyncratic meanings and interpretations.
In other words, you can describe idiosyncratic
meanings, what particular individuals thought, instead of what
the event or focus of study meant to the entire group.
D Grounded Theory
Is a bit different from the other approaches, in that it attempts to develop a theory.
While most qualitative research is inductive in nature - starts with questions, observations, knowledge (patterns or theory) -- grounded theory, in particular, follows this process until a theory is actually developed.
In other words, researchers repeatedly make observations until patterns are observed and theories can be developed.
Involves multiple stages of data collection,
until identifiable patterns or categories emerge from the data
(constant comparison method).
E Symbolic Interaction
The basic premise underlying social interaction is that meaning is derived from interaction with others.
In other words, meaning, about who we are and the roles we play are derived through face-to-face interaction with others.
That is, meaning is derived through interaction.
So, symbolic interaction is unique in that it focuses on how meaning is constructed in face-to-face interaction.
In other words, this approach assumes that by
watching people interact, you can gain insights into what their
roles, identities, and actions mean.
F Ethnomethodological Studies
Attempts to highlight the knowledge people need to know in order to accomplish everyday tasks and social encounters.
That is, trying to identify the rules underlying "mundane" everyday social practices.
G Cultural Studies
One central aspect of this approach has been to highlight the political meanings (power moves) involved in cultural practices.
In short, this approach embraces that idea that all cultural products and practices can be investigated and explored in terms of the ideas they encompass, the attitudes they convey, and the power structures they seek to maintain or establish.
Marked by questions of value, power, and domination.
Goal is typically to produce emancipatory knowledge.