9.6.1 When to Apply Qualitative Research

Knows When to Apply Qualitative Research Methodologies: Grounded Theory, Phenomenological and Ethnographic

Qualitative research methods are commonly used in healthcare research to explore complex phenomena that cannot be easily quantified. The following are some of the situations in which qualitative research methodologies are particularly useful:

Grounded theory:

Grounded theory is a qualitative research methodology that involves developing a theory based on empirical data collected through interviews, observations, and other qualitative methods. Grounded theory is particularly useful when little is known about a particular topic or when existing theories are inadequate.

Example: Grounded theory may be used to explore how patients with chronic conditions manage their illnesses and navigate the healthcare system.

Phenomenological research:

Phenomenological research is a qualitative research methodology that involves exploring how individuals experience a particular phenomenon. This type of research is particularly useful when the goal is to understand how individuals make sense of their experiences.

Example: Phenomenological research may be used to explore how individuals experience the transition from hospital to home after a serious illness or injury.

Ethnographic research:

Ethnographic research is a qualitative research methodology that involves studying a particular culture or social group in-depth. This type of research is particularly useful when the goal is to understand the social and cultural context of a particular phenomenon.

Example: Ethnographic research may be used to explore how cultural beliefs and practices affect healthcare decisions and behaviours among immigrant populations.

A table Summarizing the key Features and When to apply three Common Qualitative Research Methodologies:

Methodology	Key Features	When to Apply
Grounded Theory	– Iterative and systematic process – Emergence of themes and categories from data – Focus on generating the theory	– When little is known about a phenomenon – When exploring complex or poorly understood phenomena – When seeking to generate a theory
Phenomenological	– Focus on lived experiences of participants – Emphasis on understanding participant perspectives and meanings – Interpretive analysis of data	– When studying the subjective experiences of individuals – When seeking to understand how people make meaning of their experiences – When exploring the essence of a phenomenon
Ethnographic	– Immersion in the setting or culture being studied – Emphasis on understanding cultural practices, values, and beliefs – Participant observation and interviews	– When studying a specific culture or subculture – When seeking to understand how culture shapes behaviour and beliefs – When exploring the social context of a phenomenon

References:

1. Charmaz, K. (2014). Constructing grounded theory (2nd ed.). Sage.
2. Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage publications.