Qualitative Research Essay

1214 Words5 Pages
There are a wide variety of methods that are common in qualitative measurement. In fact, the methods are largely limited by the imagination of the researcher. Here I discuss case study, narrative, and phenomenology, which are only a few types of research methodologies in qualitative research. A case study, also known as a case report, is an intensive study of a specific individual or specific context. The case study is common in social sciences and life sciences. Case studies may be descriptive or explanatory. The latter type is used to explore causation in order to find underlying principles. They may be prospective or retrospective in which criteria are established for selecting cases from historical records for inclusion in the study. Another suggestion is that case study should be defined as a research strategy, an empirical inquiry that investigates a phenomenon within its real-life context. Case study research can mean single and multiple case studies, can include quantitative evidence, relies on multiple sources of evidence, and benefits from the prior development of theoretical propositions. Case studies should not be confused with qualitative research and they can be based on any mix of quantitative and qualitative evidence. Case study research excels at bringing us to an understanding of a complex issue or object and can extend experience or add strength to what is already known through previous research. Case studies emphasize detailed contextual analysis of a limited number of events or conditions and their relationships. Researchers have used the case study research method for many years across a variety of disciplines. Another type of research methodologies is a narrative methodology which is a constructive format such as, as a work of speech, writing, song, film, television, video games, photography or theatre, which describes a sequence of
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