Qualitative Research Designs
Qualitative research design focuses on understanding human experiences, behaviors, and social phenomena through rich, detailed data. It’s especially useful in clinical and health equity-focused research, where context, meaning, and lived experiences are central. Thus, qualitative research questions are open-ended and exploratory.
- Book Chapter: Creswell, J. W. (2007). Five qualitative approaches to inquiry. In J. W. Creswell (Eds.) Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (pp. 53-84). Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.
- To borrow a copy of this book, contact Neha Arora
- Presentation: Introduction to Qualitative Research – Dr. Meredith Vanstone, Spring Retreat
- Presentation: Overview of Qualitative Methods – Dr. Meredith Vanstone, Research Knowledge and Skill Builder [Video | Slides]
- Book: Giacomini M. Theory matters in qualitative health research. The SAGE handbook of qualitative methods in health research. 2010 Aug 19:125-56.
Types of Qualitative Study Designs
Qualitative Description
It is a research design aimed at providing a straightforward, factual account of participants’ experiences, perceptions, or events. It emphasizes low-inference interpretation, meaning the researcher stays close to the data and avoids deep theoretical or philosophical analysis.
- Journal article: Sandelowski, M. (2000). Whatever happened to qualitative description? Research in nursing & health, 23(4), 334-340.
- Journal article: Sandelowski, M. (2010). What’s in a name? Qualitative description revisited. Research in nursing & health, 33(1), 77-84.
Phenomenology
Itis a qualitative research design focused on exploring and understanding the lived experiences of individuals. It seeks to uncover the essence or meaning of a phenomenon as perceived by those who have experienced it.
- Journal Article: Wojnar, D. M., & Swanson, K. M. (2007). Phenomenology: an exploration. Journal of holistic nursing, 25(3), 172-180.
Grounded Theory
It is a qualitative research design used to develop a theory that is grounded in systematically collected and analyzed data. Rather than starting with a hypothesis, researchers allow patterns and concepts to emerge from the data itself.
- Presentation: Grounded Theory, Phenomenology & Narrative Methodologies: Designing methodologically rigorous qualitative studies – Dr. Meredith Vanstone, Research Knowledge and Skill Builder [Video | Slides]
Case Study
It is a research design used to explore a case in depth and within its real-life context. The case can be an individual, group, organization, event, or program.