Overview
Based on the module readings and additional resources respond to the following:
1) What are the differences between qualitative and quantitative research questions approaches.
2) Write two research questions for your area of interest. Explain your reasoning.
Qualitative Research: Questions and Ethics
Welcome to Module 2.
Qualitative research provides opportunities to obtain extensive data sets. The type of data is unlike what quantitative researchers use. The development of questions for qualitative research must be balanced so that information obtained from interviews and focus groups are organic. Due to the closeness researchers have with their subjects in qualitative studies, the ethical considerations are of utmost importance.
Please proceed to readings and participate in Threaded Discussions.
Recommended:
- Formulate the research question for your case study assignment.
- Consider ethical issues that may need to be addressed in connection with researching your question.
| Objectives |
- Define qualitative inquiry, its vocabulary, key concepts, and describe common theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of qualitative inquiry
- Determine the types of research questions for which a qualitative study is most appropriate.
Reading and Background Material
Required Reading:
Demirci, J.R. (2023). About research: Conducting better qualitative interviews. Journal of Human Lactation, 40(1), 21-24. https://doi.org/10.1177/08903344231213651
Rosenberg, G.R. (2023, October 15). A practical guide to conducting interviews in qualitative studies [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5Uw6PTFlUg (15:09)
Clarke, V. (2025, October 10). Qualitative interviewing Braun et al. Part 2 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMNKL02S12Q&t=18s (29:23)
Brailas, A. (2025). The appreciative qualitative interview: A research method for empowering people. Methodology, 21(1), Article e15421. https://doi.org/10.5964/meth.15421
Schuttler, R. (2022, November 21). Mastering the art of interview question alignment [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=zFYEi5MOizk (28:32)
Research Methods - University of Salford. (2021, January 21). Developing qualitative research questions [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZZhhZgVNis (22:44)
Mirza, H., Fouzi, B., & Mirza, C. (2023). Ethical considerations in qualitative research: Summary guidelines for novice social science researchers.
Social Studies and Research Journal, 11(1), 441-449. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370838199_Ethical_Considerations_in_Qualitative_Research_Summary_Guidelines_for_Novice_Social_Science_Researchers
Taquette, S. R., & Borges da Matta Souza, L. M. (2022). Ethical dilemmas in qualitative research: A critical literature review. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 21. https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069221078731
| Objectives |
- Define qualitative inquiry, its vocabulary, key concepts, and describe common theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of qualitative inquiry
- Determine the types of research questions for which a qualitative study is most appropriate.