Qualitative Research Methods

[Name of the Author]

Qualitative Research Methods

Introduction

This paper focuses on qualitative data collection and data management techniques. It further discusses my personal choice of data collection and management techniques and also my rationale behind that choice.

Discussion

Data collection methods

Observation

The method of observational data collection is based on direct collection of primary data or the subjects under study. This method emphasizes on the observation of processes or behaviors under study. This method is exploratory as it lets the observer collect natural data, and not readings of a controlled experiment. The observer directly evaluates processes, flow and behavior of the project under study and through this observation he can find out cause and effect of the project under study in a more contextual perspective.

This observational study can also be done in a non participant manner. Non participant style of observation is when the observer's identity is concealed or the observer himself is concealed to the project or subjects under examination. This concealed and covert observational technique allows the investigator to explore aspects of the project or subjects under study, which, these subject or the project maybe unwilling or unable to discuss or demonstrate when they know that they are being investigated.

The observational study has several implications. Its advantages mainly include the direct access of information about the behavior or flow of the project or subjects under study. Also this method of data collection does not have limits or boundaries, unexpected outcomes are one of the most sought after aspects of this type of study. The evaluator has the opportunity of analyzing the whole context of a situation or event. All of these factors make this type of study very tempting for researchers but still it has some disadvantages, the first and foremost being time and resources that observational study requires. Also, the ...