What is qualitative research?
Qualitative research is a process of naturalistic inquiry that seeks an in-depth understanding of social phenomena within their natural setting. It focuses on the "why" rather than the "what" of social phenomena and relies on the direct experiences of human beings as meaning-making agents in their every day lives. Rather than by logical and statistical procedures, qualitative researchers use multiple systems of inquiry for the study of human phenomena including biography, case study, historical analysis, discourse analysis, ethnography, grounded theory, and phenomenology.
University of Utah College of Nursing, (n.d.). What is qualitative research? [Guide] Retrieved from //nursing.utah.edu/research/qualitative-research/what-is-qualitative-research.php#what
The following video will explain the fundamentals of qualitative research.
Research is a process of systematic inquiry that entails collection of data; documentation of critical information; and analysis and interpretation of that data/information, in accordance with suitable methodologies set by specific professional fields and academic disciplines.
Research is conducted to...
- Evaluate the validity of a hypothesis or an interpretive framework.
- To assemble a body of substantive knowledge and findings for sharing them in appropriate manners.
- To help generate questions for further inquiries.
If you would like further examples of specific ways different schools at Hampshire think about research, see:
School Definitions of Research »
What is "research" that needs to be reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board at Hampshire before proceeding?
Research should
be reviewed by the IRB only when human subjects are involved, and the term research should be considered under a more narrow definition. Specifically, when the researcher is conducting research as outlined above AND has direct interaction with participants or data linked to personal identifiers, it should always fall under the purview of the IRB. Even if you have not directly
collected the data yourself, as the researcher, your research may fall under the purview of the IRB.
In reviewing such research, the IRB is concerned with the methodology of data collection in the "field" (e.g. collection, experimentation, interview, participant observation, etc.) and the use of the data. The broader validity of the hypotheses or research questions, and the quality of inferences that may result (unless, of course, the research methodologies severely compromise the data collection and data usage directly), is not something they will be evaluating.
What if I am using information that is already available?
If you are doing research that is limited to secondary analysis of data, records, or specimens that are either publicly available, de-identified, or otherwise impossible to be linked to personal identities, you may still need IRB approval to do your project. Sometimes a data use agreement between the researcher and the data custodian may still be required to verify that the researcher will not have access to identifying codes. This "de-linking" of data from personal identifiers allows the IRB to make this determination. Regardless, you should submit an IRB proposal so the IRB can determine whether your project needs IRB review, and if so, the type of review required.
For specifics of what research should be reviewed by the IRB and the category of review required, see the flow chart and examples provided.
Research. Function: noun, verb transitive
Etymology: Middle French recerche, from recerchier to investigate thoroughly, from Old French, from re- + cerchier to search
Date: 1577
Research is a process of investigation. An examination of a subject from different points of view. It's not just a trip to the library to pick up a stack of materials, or picking the first five hits from a computer search. Research is a hunt for the truth. It is getting to know a subject by reading up on it, reflecting, playing with the ideas, choosing the areas that interest you and following up on them. Research is the way you educate yourself.
Research is the systematic process of collecting and analyzing information to increase our understanding of the phenomenon under study. It is the function of the researcher to contribute to the understanding of the phenomenon and to communicate that understanding to others.
Research is a process through which we attempt to achieve systematically and with the support of data the answer to a question, the resolution of a problem, or a greater understanding of a phenomenon.
Research is defined as human activity based on intellectual application in the investigation of matter. The primary aim for applied research is discovering, interpreting, and the development of methods and systems for the advancement of human knowledge on a wide variety of scientific matters of our world and the universe.
DIAGRAMATIC REPRESENTATION OF RESESARCH PROCESS:
WHAT IS REPORT?
An account presented usually in detail.
A formal account of the proceedings or transactions of a group.
In writing, a report is a document characterized by information or other content reflective of inquiry or investigation, which is tailored to the context of a given situation and audience. The purpose of reports is usually to inform.
Reports may include persuasive elements, such as recommendations, suggestions, or other motivating conclusions that indicate possible future actions the report reader might take.
Reports can be public or private, and often address questions posed by individuals in government, business, education, and science.
KINDS OF RESEARCH REPORT:
DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH:
This research is the most commonly used and the basic reason for carrying out descriptive research is to identify the cause of something that is happening. For instance, this research could be used in order to find out what age group is buying a particular brand of cola, whether a company’s market share differs between geographical regions or to discover how many competitors a company has in their marketplace.