Qualitative Research

Attempts to obtain rich, in-depth and valid data which almost always relate to non-

experimental studies.

Considered as “soft science” concerned with the “subjective” meaning of experience to

an individual.

Qualitative research makes an in depth description of people or events and data collected

through:

o Unstructured interview

o Participant observation

Uses empirical data starting from simple (observed) to complex (theory) data or the

inductive approach.

It is not limited to already existing theories but is also open to a new ideas or events

peculiar to nursing practice.

BRICOLEUR

Is a person who is immersed in a study situation and has the expertise in performing

qualitative research.

Can put together a complex array of data derived from a variety of sources and methods

called bricolage , ranging from interviewing to observing to interpreting personal and

historical data to intensive reflection and introspection (Polit and Beck:2004)

TYPES OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

a. Phenomenological Studies.

the study of lived experiences

the goal is to describe the “lived experiences” and lived human relations or being

in the world of people” that are of interest to the researcher or to

phenomenologists (Denzin: 1989)

This study involves the following steps:

1. Bracketing – refers to identifying and holding in abeyance preconceived beliefs and

opinions about the phenomenon under study.

2. Intuiting – The researcher is open to meanings attributed to the phenomenon by those

who have experienced it.

3. Analyzing - dissecting significant meanings of statement and events.

4. Describing – Defining and interpreting the meaning of the phenomenon under study.

Prepared by: Michelle Andrea A. Demaguil RN

Examples:

Purely Qualitative Research:

“Lived Experiences of Sexually Abused, and Abandoned Children”

“Psycho-social and Emotional Trauma Experienced by Children of Separated

Parents and Overseas Workers”

May be Quantitative or Qualitative Research

“A patient experiencing chronic pain”

b. Ethnographic Studies

systematic study of cultures

Collection and analysis of data on the lifestyle and daily activities of ethnics.

Example:

“The Lifestyle, Beliefs and Health Habits of the Aetas of Mt. Pinatubo”

“ The Parental Style, Attitude and Child Rearing Practices of the Mangyans

in Oriental Mindoro”

c. Grounded Theory Studies

data are collected, analyzed, and used to develop a theoretical explanation and

generate hypotheses for further research.

Example: The experience of caring for a woman with high-risk pregnancy,

during which the theory of Newman (1989) is developed, with the nurse and

the client as partners in a relationship of care, characterized by negotiation,

reciprocity and empowerment (Parker:1990)

d. Historical Studies

examines social phenomena by studying their historical context or their past.

Involves identification, location, critical evaluation and synthesis of past events.

Example:

“Florence Nightingale’s political power in the 19th century which effected

change in Nursing Practice”

Prepared by: Michelle Andrea A. Demaguil RN