PELAKITA.ID – Qualitative research is a broad field of inquiry that seeks to understand human experiences, social processes, and cultural meanings from the perspective of those who live them.
Unlike quantitative research, which focuses on measurement and numerical data, qualitative research emphasizes depth, context, and interpretation. Its purpose is to reveal the “why” and “how” behind behaviors, decisions, and interactions, not merely the “what” or “how many.”
Because of this orientation, qualitative research methods are widely used in social sciences, education, health, communication, and cultural studies.
Types and Approaches of Qualitative Research
There are several recognized approaches within qualitative research, each with its unique philosophical foundation and methodological focus.
Phenomenology is concerned with exploring the lived experiences of individuals to uncover the essence of a phenomenon.
This approach asks: What is it like to experience this event, emotion, or condition? For instance, a phenomenological study may explore how teachers experience burnout or how cancer patients find meaning in their illness. The goal is to describe experiences as they are lived and perceived, not as they are theorized.
Ethnography originates from anthropology and is used to study cultural groups in their natural settings. Researchers immerse themselves in the daily lives of participants to observe behaviors, rituals, language, and relationships.
For example, an ethnographic study might investigate how traditional fishing communities in Indonesia manage local marine resources and maintain cultural values amidst modernization.
Case Study focuses on an in-depth examination of a single unit—such as a person, group, organization, or event. It is particularly useful for understanding complex issues within real-life contexts.
A case study on a school’s success in inclusive education, for instance, might explore leadership style, teacher collaboration, and community involvement to draw lessons for others.
Grounded Theory seeks to develop a theory grounded in data collected from the field. Instead of testing pre-existing hypotheses, researchers use iterative data collection and analysis to identify emerging patterns.
An example might involve developing a theory of youth engagement in digital activism, based on interviews, observations, and online interactions.
Critical Theory or Critical Approach examines social structures, power relations, and inequality. It questions dominant ideologies and seeks to empower marginalized voices.
For instance, research based on critical theory might analyze how media portrayals influence gender stereotypes or how education systems reproduce social class hierarchies.
Narrative Research centers on stories. It studies how individuals construct meaning through personal narratives and how those stories reflect broader social realities. A narrative study might collect life histories of migrant workers to explore identity, resilience, and belonging.
Historical Research analyzes past events, documents, and records to understand their implications for the present. It helps trace how ideas, institutions, or policies evolved over time, such as the historical development of environmental policies in Indonesia.
Action Research is a collaborative and problem-solving approach in which researchers and participants work together to identify problems, implement solutions, and evaluate outcomes. It is particularly popular in education, where teachers reflect on and improve their classroom practices.
Examples of Qualitative Approaches in Practice
Each of the above approaches finds relevance in real-world contexts:
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Phenomenology: Investigating how teachers experience professional burnout helps policymakers design better support systems.
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Ethnography: Observing traditional fishing communities in Indonesia provides insight into sustainable resource management grounded in local wisdom.
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Case Study: Examining a school’s success in implementing inclusive education reveals strategies for integrating students with disabilities.
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Grounded Theory: Developing a model for youth participation in climate activism contributes to more effective environmental movements.
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Action Research: Teachers collaboratively improving classroom interaction demonstrates how reflection leads to pedagogical innovation.
These examples show that qualitative research not only generates knowledge but also supports transformation and empowerment by engaging with lived realities.
Types and Designs of Qualitative Research
While “approaches” refer to the philosophical or methodological orientation, “designs” describe how research is structured and implemented. Common qualitative research designs include:
Field Study involves collecting data directly in natural settings without manipulating the environment. Researchers observe and interact with participants to understand behaviors in context. For example, studying how farmers adapt to drought conditions provides firsthand insight into resilience and local knowledge.
Action Research as a design emphasizes change and improvement through cycles of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting. It blends practice with inquiry and often leads to practical solutions, such as developing community-based waste management programs.
Qualitative Evaluation Study assesses the processes and impacts of programs or policies through qualitative methods. Instead of focusing on numerical outcomes, it examines participant experiences, program relevance, and contextual challenges. For instance, evaluating a coastal conservation program might explore community perceptions of fairness and effectiveness.
Descriptive Qualitative Study provides a rich and detailed account of a phenomenon without heavy interpretation. It answers questions such as “What is happening?” or “What are the main characteristics of this situation?” and is often used when little prior research exists.
Interpretive Qualitative Study goes beyond description to explore meanings, motivations, and interpretations. Researchers seek to understand why people act as they do, often using interviews and thematic analysis.
Humanistic or Hermeneutic Study emphasizes understanding human experiences through interpretation of texts, narratives, or cultural artifacts. It is grounded in the belief that meaning emerges through dialogue between researcher and subject.
Feminist and Gender Studies analyze how gender, power, and identity shape social experiences. This perspective highlights voices that have been historically marginalized and seeks social justice through awareness and advocacy.
Formulating Problems and Research Questions
In qualitative research, the formulation of problems and research questions is flexible, open-ended, and often evolves as the study progresses. Researchers typically begin with a broad area of interest, then refine their focus as they gather and interpret data.
This adaptive approach allows for deeper understanding and discovery of unanticipated themes.
For example, a researcher might start with the general question: “How do coastal communities perceive the impacts of climate change?” As interviews and observations proceed, the focus might shift toward exploring “How traditional ecological knowledge influences local adaptation strategies.”
Similarly, a feminist researcher may ask: “What factors shape women’s participation in local governance?” and later refine it to explore “How cultural norms and family expectations affect women’s decision-making roles.”
In essence, qualitative research questions are not meant to test hypotheses but to explore experiences, meanings, and processes. They act as guiding lights rather than rigid boundaries, allowing inquiry to unfold naturally.
Conclusion
Dear readers, qualitative research provides invaluable insights into the complexity of human life.
By using diverse approaches—such as phenomenology, ethnography, grounded theory, narrative, and action research—it allows researchers to understand not only what happens but also why and how it happens.
Its flexible designs enable deep engagement with participants, emphasizing empathy, context, and interpretation. Ultimately, qualitative research is both a science and an art of understanding—the bridge between human experience and scientific knowledge.
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References
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Creswell, J. W. (2013). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
→ A foundational text that explains phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, narrative, and case study approaches in detail. -
Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
→ Updated framework integrating philosophical assumptions, design strategies, and data analysis techniques. -
Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (Eds.). (2018). The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research (5th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
→ Comprehensive resource covering theoretical paradigms, data collection methods, and critical approaches. -
Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
→ Focuses on qualitative evaluation designs, triangulation, and application of findings for program improvement. -
Merriam, S. B., & Tisdell, E. J. (2016). Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation (4th ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
→ A practical guide explaining how to design, conduct, and analyze qualitative studies, ideal for applied fields. -
Charmaz, K. (2014). Constructing Grounded Theory (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
→ The most authoritative reference for grounded theory methodology in qualitative research. -
van Manen, M. (2016). Researching Lived Experience: Human Science for an Action Sensitive Pedagogy (2nd ed.). New York: Routledge.
→ Classic work on phenomenological inquiry focusing on lived experiences in education and human sciences. -
Flick, U. (2018). An Introduction to Qualitative Research (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
→ A highly readable and comprehensive introduction covering methodological choices and analytical strategies. -
Smith, J. A., Flowers, P., & Larkin, M. (2009). Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis: Theory, Method and Research. London: Sage Publications.
→ Provides a step-by-step guide to conducting interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). -
Kemmis, S., McTaggart, R., & Nixon, R. (2014). The Action Research Planner: Doing Critical Participatory Action Research. Singapore: Springer.
→ Discusses theory and practical implementation of participatory and critical action research. -
Hesse-Biber, S. N. (2014). Feminist Research Practice: A Primer (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
→ Explores feminist and gender-based qualitative research frameworks and ethics. -
Neuman, W. L. (2014). Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches (7th ed.). Harlow: Pearson Education.
→ Offers a balanced discussion between quantitative and qualitative traditions, including field and historical research. -
Silverman, D. (2021). Interpreting Qualitative Data (6th ed.). London: Sage Publications.
→ An advanced guide on qualitative data interpretation, focusing on conversation and discourse analysis. -
Guba, E. G., & Lincoln, Y. S. (1994). “Competing Paradigms in Qualitative Research.” In N. K. Denzin & Y. S. Lincoln (Eds.), Handbook of Qualitative Research (pp. 105–117). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
→ Seminal work discussing constructivist, critical, and positivist paradigms in qualitative research. -
Stake, R. E. (1995). The Art of Case Study Research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
→ A foundational resource for understanding design, analysis, and presentation in case study research.