I. Foreword
In today’s era, human society is experiencing unprecedented changes and challenges. In the face of many complex problems, we need to have a more comprehensive and profound way of thinking to explore the root causes behind them and seek effective solution strategies. In this context, the field of qualitative research has gradually become popular and has received increasing attention. Then, what is qualitative research? What are its unique features? In this article, we will unveil the mystery and bring you to appreciate the charm of qualitative research!
Second, the qualitative research overview
Qualitative research, as the name suggests, is a research method based on non-quantitative data (such as text, images, sound, etc.). It emphasises the understanding and interpretation of the essence of things, and draws insightful conclusions through in-depth excavation and detailed analysis. Compared with quantitative research, qualitative research pays more attention to the background, environment and individual differences of the research subjects, rather than simply pursuing significance in the statistical sense. Therefore, qualitative research is more inclined to explore ‘why’ rather than ‘how much’.
Third, the characteristics of qualitative research
1. In-depth excavation: Due to the relatively small sample size, qualitative research pays more attention to in-depth excavation, focusing on revealing the inner connection and development of things.
2. Focus on the background and environment: qualitative research attaches importance to the background and environment in which the research object is located, and believes that these factors have an important impact on the research results.
3. Emphasis on Interpretation: The core of qualitative research lies in interpretation, which tries to reveal the reasons and mechanisms behind the phenomena through in-depth analyses.
4. Non-predetermined: qualitative research does not set clear assumptions, but gradually constructs the characteristics and relationships of the research object through observation and analysis.
Fourth, the application field of qualitative research
Qualitative research has been widely used in many fields, including but not limited to the following:
1. Social sciences: In the field of social sciences, qualitative research has been widely used to study social phenomena, interpersonal relationships, and cultural heritage. For example, Ethnography is a typical qualitative research method that aims to gain insight into social and/or cultural phenomena in a particular environment or group.
2. Pedagogy: In the field of pedagogy, qualitative research is used to study the motivation of students to learn, the teaching methods of teachers, and the mode of school management. For example, Qualitative Research is a common qualitative research method, which uses in-depth interviews and observation records to obtain rich information about educational practices.
3. Psychology: In the field of psychology, qualitative research is used to study human emotions, cognition, and behaviour. For example, Phenomenological Research is a typical qualitative research method, which explores the nature and laws of human psychological activities through in-depth description and reflection on individual experiences.
Conclusion
As a unique research method, qualitative research can not only help people better understand and grasp the world, but also inspire innovative thinking and promote knowledge growth. On the road of future research, qualitative research will certainly play a greater role and make more contributions to the progress of human society!
