I met the doctor and he told me how you will do your study methods

1- Study design : Qualitative approach or strategy, Any philosophical assumptions, Role of

the researcher, Ethical implications
2- Participants: sampling strategy, How many and where will you recruit them, Participants
profile ( for 4 people )
3- Data collection: interview ( my interview individual ), how is it recorded, How did you
develop your interview questions
4- Data analysis: preliminary analysis, Thematic analysis

All points please do it paragraph, references in each

paragraph
Introduction
Qualitative research is a technique of enquiring in-depth knowledgeof understanding human
behavior in their social environment and the factors leading to such behavior. Qualitative
research method is often done using the sample as opposed to the whole population, therefore it
investigate on the how and why of decision made. It also assists in seeking the backing for the
research hypothesis made on a particular research pending the approval. Hence this requires
quiet a number of data collection methods and has several features;
Characteristics of qualitative research

i.

Conditions. The data collection and investigation for the qualitative research
should be done in the neutral and natural conditions thereby eliminating instances
of biasness and uncalled for opinions.

ii.

Focus. A holistic data should be sought to enable a complete picture of the

research is concentrated upon. This makes the researcher to narrow down to what
is required.

iii.

Purpose/objective. The main agenda for qualitative methods is to seek the

understanding of the peoples insight of the behavior.

iv.

Results/outcome. The ultimate goal of the qualitative research work is produce

valid information designed to assist in solving the impending human
predicaments.

Merits of the qualitative research

i.

New areas are covered by the research.

ii.

New theories are built.

iii.

Area to be covered is not limited defined variables

Demerits of qualitative research

i.

It requires a lot of labour as well as more resources.

ii.

The scope is limited due to in-depth approach.

iii.

Due to its subjectivity it results to the procedural technicalities.

How to collect the data

Interviews.This method involves the use of one on one talk with respondents .The notes
are recorded by the interviewer, structured for the future analysis. The information recorded from
the respondentis based on the personal opinions, hencesubjective. Structured interview are
undertaken from already established sources, while the open ended interviews entails various
activities in gathering data like the focus groups whose ideas are sought and the panel surveys
where members avail themselves when required.
Advantages of interviews
i.

Enables one to obtain well detailed information on peoples feelings.

ii.

Response rate is high.

iii.

An exact word from respondent is recorded.

iv.

Respondents are not influenced by others in the group.

v.

More detailed questions can be asked.

Disadvantages

i.

The process is time consuming.

ii.

It creates room for misunderstanding.

iii.

On most instances the process becomes expensive.

Direct observations. Observers do make direct observation on the required variable, be it,
fishing activity, environmental variable and so much more. The people charged with that
responsibility should always stick to data collection and not carry out the activities being
observed.
Advantages of direct observation

i.

Applicability, flexibility and diversity. This involves the process taking diverse
forms, therefore applicable in various ranges.

ii.

Directness. This provides direct access to the under laying phenomena to be studied.

iii.

Provide permanent record. Human behaviors of interest in the study are recorded
during the event which becomes or forms part of the permanent records.
Disadvantages of the direct observation

i.

Time consuming of the process makes observation less practicable

ii.

Subjective-the direct observation is subject to observersbiasness, as he/she will be

the one to give ultimate conclusion

Sampling.This technique involves use of small or a portion the population to investigate the
behavior or the characteristicsof the entire population. Samplingtechnique assist in the cutting
down on the time to be spent in investigation, energy, manpower, and even money. Sampling
techniques involves the following:
i.

Random sampling. Here each member of the population has an equal chance of
being chosen for study. The sample can be gotten through use of random number
tablet.

ii.

Systematic sampling-the samples are regularly distributed and samples are selected
in systematic way. Where they can be regularly numbered.

iii.

Stratified sampling-the population is made up of the sub-sets of specific size, where

the subsets make different quantities of entire population.
Advantages of stratified sampling

i.

Sub-sets enhance comparisons and correlation to be made between them.

ii.

The method is flexible in geographical enquiries.

Disadvantages

i.

Sub-sets proportions have to be known for proper work.

ii.

Its quiet difficult to collect accurate data.