Qualitative research provides a plethora of ways to determine the nature of a specific phenomenon, locate key themes in an observed situation, or identify essential characteristics of a particular object. Traditionally, when mentioning qualitative research, several main types of it are discussed. The most common ones include phenomenology, ethnography, and grounded theory. Phenomenology is traditionally applied to examine the nature of a certain phenomenon, as its name suggests. In turn, ethnography implies learning specific characteristics and signifiers of a selected culture by immersing the researcher in its environment (Hall & Roussel, 2020). Finally, the grounded theory method means that a specific theoretical explanation of an observed phenomenon is developed based on the available evidence.
The application of the qualitative research method is usually more common than the choice of the quantitative framework in the academic setting. The propensity toward choosing qualitative research over quantitative can be attributed to the context that they provide. Since the qualitative method offers a unique understanding and in-depth exploration of an issue, choosing it would be reasonable to examine key problems in a variety of areas (Abdalla et al., 2018). Moreover, due to its focus on the understanding of key properties and nature of the studied phenomenon, the application of the qualitative method allows incorporating evidence-based practice (EBP) into the analysis. In turn, the EBP-driven framework leads to insightful conclusions, thus, driving the research forward (Udo et al., 2019). Indeed, as the Scripture states, “As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20, New International Version). The specified verse indicates that factual evidence needs to be presented and interwoven into the academic narrative to continue scientific progress. Thus, the role of research and especially its qualitative aspects needs to be emphasized continuously.
References
Abdalla, M. M., Oliveira, L. G. L., Azevedo, C. E. F., & Gonzalez, R. K. (2018). Quality in qualitative organizational research: Types of triangulation as a methodological alternative. Administração: Ensino e Pesquisa, 19(1), 66-98.
Hall, H. R., & Roussel, L. A. (2020). Evidence-based practice: An integrative approach to research, administration, and practice (2nd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Udo, C., Forsman, H., Jensfelt, M., & Flink, M. (2019). Research use and evidence-based practice among Swedish medical social workers: A qualitative study. Clinical Social Work Journal, 47(3), 258-265.