Root out friction in every digital experience, super-charge conversion rates, and optimize digital self-service
Uncover insights from any interaction, deliver AI-powered agent coaching, and reduce cost to serve
Increase revenue and loyalty with real-time insights and recommendations delivered to teams on the ground
Know how your people feel and empower managers to improve employee engagement, productivity, and retention
Take action in the moments that matter most along the employee journey and drive bottom line growth
Whatever they’re are saying, wherever they’re saying it, know exactly what’s going on with your people
Get faster, richer insights with qual and quant tools that make powerful market research available to everyone
Run concept tests, pricing studies, prototyping + more with fast, powerful studies designed by UX research experts
Track your brand performance 24/7 and act quickly to respond to opportunities and challenges in your market
Explore the platform powering Experience Management
- Free Account
- Product Demos
- For Digital
- For Customer Care
- For Human Resources
- For Researchers
- Financial Services
- All Industries
Popular Use Cases
- Customer Experience
- Employee Experience
- Net Promoter Score
- Voice of Customer
- Customer Success Hub
- Product Documentation
- Training & Certification
- XM Institute
- Popular Resources
- Customer Stories
- Artificial Intelligence
Market Research
- Partnerships
- Marketplace
The annual gathering of the experience leaders at the world’s iconic brands building breakthrough business results, live in Salt Lake City.
- English/AU & NZ
- Español/Europa
- Español/América Latina
- Português Brasileiro
- REQUEST DEMO
- Experience Management
- Qualitative Research Questions
Try Qualtrics for free
How to write qualitative research questions.
11 min read Here’s how to write effective qualitative research questions for your projects, and why getting it right matters so much.
What is qualitative research?
Qualitative research is a blanket term covering a wide range of research methods and theoretical framing approaches. The unifying factor in all these types of qualitative study is that they deal with data that cannot be counted. Typically this means things like people’s stories, feelings, opinions and emotions , and the meanings they ascribe to their experiences.
Qualitative study is one of two main categories of research, the other being quantitative research. Quantitative research deals with numerical data – that which can be counted and quantified, and which is mostly concerned with trends and patterns in large-scale datasets.
What are research questions?
Research questions are questions you are trying to answer with your research. To put it another way, your research question is the reason for your study, and the beginning point for your research design. There is normally only one research question per study, although if your project is very complex, you may have multiple research questions that are closely linked to one central question.
A good qualitative research question sums up your research objective. It’s a way of expressing the central question of your research, identifying your particular topic and the central issue you are examining.
Research questions are quite different from survey questions, questions used in focus groups or interview questions. A long list of questions is used in these types of study, as opposed to one central question. Additionally, interview or survey questions are asked of participants, whereas research questions are only for the researcher to maintain a clear understanding of the research design.
Research questions are used in both qualitative and quantitative research , although what makes a good research question might vary between the two.
In fact, the type of research questions you are asking can help you decide whether you need to take a quantitative or qualitative approach to your research project.
Discover the fundamentals of qualitative research
Quantitative vs. qualitative research questions
Writing research questions is very important in both qualitative and quantitative research, but the research questions that perform best in the two types of studies are quite different.
Quantitative research questions
Quantitative research questions usually relate to quantities, similarities and differences.
It might reflect the researchers’ interest in determining whether relationships between variables exist, and if so whether they are statistically significant. Or it may focus on establishing differences between things through comparison, and using statistical analysis to determine whether those differences are meaningful or due to chance.
- How much? This kind of research question is one of the simplest. It focuses on quantifying something. For example:
How many Yoruba speakers are there in the state of Maine?
- What is the connection?
This type of quantitative research question examines how one variable affects another.
For example:
How does a low level of sunlight affect the mood scores (1-10) of Antarctic explorers during winter?
- What is the difference? Quantitative research questions in this category identify two categories and measure the difference between them using numerical data.
Do white cats stay cooler than tabby cats in hot weather?
If your research question fits into one of the above categories, you’re probably going to be doing a quantitative study.
Qualitative research questions
Qualitative research questions focus on exploring phenomena, meanings and experiences.
Unlike quantitative research, qualitative research isn’t about finding causal relationships between variables. So although qualitative research questions might touch on topics that involve one variable influencing another, or looking at the difference between things, finding and quantifying those relationships isn’t the primary objective.
In fact, you as a qualitative researcher might end up studying a very similar topic to your colleague who is doing a quantitative study, but your areas of focus will be quite different. Your research methods will also be different – they might include focus groups, ethnography studies, and other kinds of qualitative study.
A few example qualitative research questions:
- What is it like being an Antarctic explorer during winter?
- What are the experiences of Yoruba speakers in the USA?
- How do white cat owners describe their pets?
Qualitative research question types
Marshall and Rossman (1989) identified 4 qualitative research question types, each with its own typical research strategy and methods.
- Exploratory questions
Exploratory questions are used when relatively little is known about the research topic. The process researchers follow when pursuing exploratory questions might involve interviewing participants, holding focus groups, or diving deep with a case study.
- Explanatory questions
With explanatory questions, the research topic is approached with a view to understanding the causes that lie behind phenomena. However, unlike a quantitative project, the focus of explanatory questions is on qualitative analysis of multiple interconnected factors that have influenced a particular group or area, rather than a provable causal link between dependent and independent variables.
- Descriptive questions
As the name suggests, descriptive questions aim to document and record what is happening. In answering descriptive questions , researchers might interact directly with participants with surveys or interviews, as well as using observational studies and ethnography studies that collect data on how participants interact with their wider environment.
- Predictive questions
Predictive questions start from the phenomena of interest and investigate what ramifications it might have in the future. Answering predictive questions may involve looking back as well as forward, with content analysis, questionnaires and studies of non-verbal communication (kinesics).
Why are good qualitative research questions important?
We know research questions are very important. But what makes them so essential? (And is that question a qualitative or quantitative one?)
Getting your qualitative research questions right has a number of benefits.
- It defines your qualitative research project Qualitative research questions definitively nail down the research population, the thing you’re examining, and what the nature of your answer will be.This means you can explain your research project to other people both inside and outside your business or organization. That could be critical when it comes to securing funding for your project, recruiting participants and members of your research team, and ultimately for publishing your results. It can also help you assess right the ethical considerations for your population of study.
- It maintains focus Good qualitative research questions help researchers to stick to the area of focus as they carry out their research. Keeping the research question in mind will help them steer away from tangents during their research or while they are carrying out qualitative research interviews. This holds true whatever the qualitative methods are, whether it’s a focus group, survey, thematic analysis or other type of inquiry.That doesn’t mean the research project can’t morph and change during its execution – sometimes this is acceptable and even welcome – but having a research question helps demarcate the starting point for the research. It can be referred back to if the scope and focus of the project does change.
- It helps make sure your outcomes are achievable
Because qualitative research questions help determine the kind of results you’re going to get, it helps make sure those results are achievable. By formulating good qualitative research questions in advance, you can make sure the things you want to know and the way you’re going to investigate them are grounded in practical reality. Otherwise, you may be at risk of taking on a research project that can’t be satisfactorily completed.
Developing good qualitative research questions
All researchers use research questions to define their parameters, keep their study on track and maintain focus on the research topic. This is especially important with qualitative questions, where there may be exploratory or inductive methods in use that introduce researchers to new and interesting areas of inquiry. Here are some tips for writing good qualitative research questions.
1. Keep it specific
Broader research questions are difficult to act on. They may also be open to interpretation, or leave some parameters undefined.
Strong example: How do Baby Boomers in the USA feel about their gender identity?
Weak example: Do people feel different about gender now?
2. Be original
Look for research questions that haven’t been widely addressed by others already.
Strong example: What are the effects of video calling on women’s experiences of work?
Weak example: Are women given less respect than men at work?
3. Make it research-worthy
Don’t ask a question that can be answered with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’, or with a quick Google search.
Strong example: What do people like and dislike about living in a highly multi-lingual country?
Weak example: What languages are spoken in India?
4. Focus your question
Don’t roll multiple topics or questions into one. Qualitative data may involve multiple topics, but your qualitative questions should be focused.
Strong example: What is the experience of disabled children and their families when using social services?
Weak example: How can we improve social services for children affected by poverty and disability?
4. Focus on your own discipline, not someone else’s
Avoid asking questions that are for the politicians, police or others to address.
Strong example: What does it feel like to be the victim of a hate crime?
Weak example: How can hate crimes be prevented?
5. Ask something researchable
Big questions, questions about hypothetical events or questions that would require vastly more resources than you have access to are not useful starting points for qualitative studies. Qualitative words or subjective ideas that lack definition are also not helpful.
Strong example: How do perceptions of physical beauty vary between today’s youth and their parents’ generation?
Weak example: Which country has the most beautiful people in it?
Related resources
Qualitative research design 12 min read, primary vs secondary research 14 min read, business research methods 12 min read, qualitative research interviews 11 min read, market intelligence 10 min read, marketing insights 11 min read, ethnographic research 11 min read, request demo.
Ready to learn more about Qualtrics?
Have a language expert improve your writing
Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.
- Knowledge Base
Methodology
- What Is Qualitative Research? | Methods & Examples
What Is Qualitative Research? | Methods & Examples
Published on June 19, 2020 by Pritha Bhandari . Revised on September 5, 2024.
Qualitative research involves collecting and analyzing non-numerical data (e.g., text, video, or audio) to understand concepts, opinions, or experiences. It can be used to gather in-depth insights into a problem or generate new ideas for research.
Qualitative research is the opposite of quantitative research , which involves collecting and analyzing numerical data for statistical analysis.
Qualitative research is commonly used in the humanities and social sciences, in subjects such as anthropology, sociology, education, health sciences, history, etc.
- How does social media shape body image in teenagers?
- How do children and adults interpret healthy eating in the UK?
- What factors influence employee retention in a large organization?
- How is anxiety experienced around the world?
- How can teachers integrate social issues into science curriculums?
Table of contents
Approaches to qualitative research, qualitative research methods, qualitative data analysis, advantages of qualitative research, disadvantages of qualitative research, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about qualitative research.
Qualitative research is used to understand how people experience the world. While there are many approaches to qualitative research, they tend to be flexible and focus on retaining rich meaning when interpreting data.
Common approaches include grounded theory, ethnography , action research , phenomenological research, and narrative research. They share some similarities, but emphasize different aims and perspectives.
Approach | What does it involve? |
---|---|
Grounded theory | Researchers collect rich data on a topic of interest and develop theories . |
Researchers immerse themselves in groups or organizations to understand their cultures. | |
Action research | Researchers and participants collaboratively link theory to practice to drive social change. |
Phenomenological research | Researchers investigate a phenomenon or event by describing and interpreting participants’ lived experiences. |
Narrative research | Researchers examine how stories are told to understand how participants perceive and make sense of their experiences. |
Note that qualitative research is at risk for certain research biases including the Hawthorne effect , observer bias , recall bias , and social desirability bias . While not always totally avoidable, awareness of potential biases as you collect and analyze your data can prevent them from impacting your work too much.
Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.
Each of the research approaches involve using one or more data collection methods . These are some of the most common qualitative methods:
- Observations: recording what you have seen, heard, or encountered in detailed field notes.
- Interviews: personally asking people questions in one-on-one conversations.
- Focus groups: asking questions and generating discussion among a group of people.
- Surveys : distributing questionnaires with open-ended questions.
- Secondary research: collecting existing data in the form of texts, images, audio or video recordings, etc.
- You take field notes with observations and reflect on your own experiences of the company culture.
- You distribute open-ended surveys to employees across all the company’s offices by email to find out if the culture varies across locations.
- You conduct in-depth interviews with employees in your office to learn about their experiences and perspectives in greater detail.
Qualitative researchers often consider themselves “instruments” in research because all observations, interpretations and analyses are filtered through their own personal lens.
For this reason, when writing up your methodology for qualitative research, it’s important to reflect on your approach and to thoroughly explain the choices you made in collecting and analyzing the data.
Qualitative data can take the form of texts, photos, videos and audio. For example, you might be working with interview transcripts, survey responses, fieldnotes, or recordings from natural settings.
Most types of qualitative data analysis share the same five steps:
- Prepare and organize your data. This may mean transcribing interviews or typing up fieldnotes.
- Review and explore your data. Examine the data for patterns or repeated ideas that emerge.
- Develop a data coding system. Based on your initial ideas, establish a set of codes that you can apply to categorize your data.
- Assign codes to the data. For example, in qualitative survey analysis, this may mean going through each participant’s responses and tagging them with codes in a spreadsheet. As you go through your data, you can create new codes to add to your system if necessary.
- Identify recurring themes. Link codes together into cohesive, overarching themes.
There are several specific approaches to analyzing qualitative data. Although these methods share similar processes, they emphasize different concepts.
Approach | When to use | Example |
---|---|---|
To describe and categorize common words, phrases, and ideas in qualitative data. | A market researcher could perform content analysis to find out what kind of language is used in descriptions of therapeutic apps. | |
To identify and interpret patterns and themes in qualitative data. | A psychologist could apply thematic analysis to travel blogs to explore how tourism shapes self-identity. | |
To examine the content, structure, and design of texts. | A media researcher could use textual analysis to understand how news coverage of celebrities has changed in the past decade. | |
To study communication and how language is used to achieve effects in specific contexts. | A political scientist could use discourse analysis to study how politicians generate trust in election campaigns. |
Qualitative research often tries to preserve the voice and perspective of participants and can be adjusted as new research questions arise. Qualitative research is good for:
- Flexibility
The data collection and analysis process can be adapted as new ideas or patterns emerge. They are not rigidly decided beforehand.
- Natural settings
Data collection occurs in real-world contexts or in naturalistic ways.
- Meaningful insights
Detailed descriptions of people’s experiences, feelings and perceptions can be used in designing, testing or improving systems or products.
- Generation of new ideas
Open-ended responses mean that researchers can uncover novel problems or opportunities that they wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.
Researchers must consider practical and theoretical limitations in analyzing and interpreting their data. Qualitative research suffers from:
- Unreliability
The real-world setting often makes qualitative research unreliable because of uncontrolled factors that affect the data.
- Subjectivity
Due to the researcher’s primary role in analyzing and interpreting data, qualitative research cannot be replicated . The researcher decides what is important and what is irrelevant in data analysis, so interpretations of the same data can vary greatly.
- Limited generalizability
Small samples are often used to gather detailed data about specific contexts. Despite rigorous analysis procedures, it is difficult to draw generalizable conclusions because the data may be biased and unrepresentative of the wider population .
- Labor-intensive
Although software can be used to manage and record large amounts of text, data analysis often has to be checked or performed manually.
If you want to know more about statistics , methodology , or research bias , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.
- Chi square goodness of fit test
- Degrees of freedom
- Null hypothesis
- Discourse analysis
- Control groups
- Mixed methods research
- Non-probability sampling
- Quantitative research
- Inclusion and exclusion criteria
Research bias
- Rosenthal effect
- Implicit bias
- Cognitive bias
- Selection bias
- Negativity bias
- Status quo bias
Quantitative research deals with numbers and statistics, while qualitative research deals with words and meanings.
Quantitative methods allow you to systematically measure variables and test hypotheses . Qualitative methods allow you to explore concepts and experiences in more detail.
There are five common approaches to qualitative research :
- Grounded theory involves collecting data in order to develop new theories.
- Ethnography involves immersing yourself in a group or organization to understand its culture.
- Narrative research involves interpreting stories to understand how people make sense of their experiences and perceptions.
- Phenomenological research involves investigating phenomena through people’s lived experiences.
- Action research links theory and practice in several cycles to drive innovative changes.
Data collection is the systematic process by which observations or measurements are gathered in research. It is used in many different contexts by academics, governments, businesses, and other organizations.
There are various approaches to qualitative data analysis , but they all share five steps in common:
- Prepare and organize your data.
- Review and explore your data.
- Develop a data coding system.
- Assign codes to the data.
- Identify recurring themes.
The specifics of each step depend on the focus of the analysis. Some common approaches include textual analysis , thematic analysis , and discourse analysis .
Cite this Scribbr article
If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.
Bhandari, P. (2024, September 05). What Is Qualitative Research? | Methods & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved September 9, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/qualitative-research/
Is this article helpful?
Pritha Bhandari
Other students also liked, qualitative vs. quantitative research | differences, examples & methods, how to do thematic analysis | step-by-step guide & examples, get unlimited documents corrected.
✔ Free APA citation check included ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts
- Request new password
- Create a new account
Doing Research in the Real World
Student resources, multiple choice quiz.
Take the quiz to test your understanding of the key concepts covered in the chapter. Try testing yourself before you read the chapter to see where your strengths and weaknesses are, then test yourself again once you’ve read the chapter to see how well you’ve understood.
Tip: Click on each link to expand and view the content. Click again to collapse.
PART A: PRINCIPLES AND PLANNING FOR RESEARCH
1. Which of the following should not be a criterion for a good research project?
- Demonstrates the abilities of the researcher
- Is dependent on the completion of other projects
- Demonstrates the integration of different fields of knowledge
- Develops the skills of the researcher
b. Is dependent on the completion of other projects
2. Which form of reasoning is the process of drawing a specific conclusion from a set of premises?
- Objective reasoning
- Positivistic reasoning
- Inductive reasoning
- Deductive reasoning
d: Deductive reasoning
3. Research that seeks to examine the findings of a study by using the same design but a different sample is which of the following?
- An exploratory study
- A replication study
- An empirical study
- Hypothesis testing
b: A replication study
4. A researcher designs an experiment to test how variables interact to influence job-seeking behaviours. The main purpose of the study was:
- Description
- Exploration
- Explanation
d: Explanation
5. Cyber bullying at work is a growing threat to employee job satisfaction. Researchers want to find out why people do this and how they feel about it. The primary purpose of the study is:
c: Exploration
6. A theory:
- Is an accumulated body of knowledge
- Includes inconsequential ideas
- Is independent of research methodology
- Should be viewed uncritically
a: Is an accumulated body of knowledge
7. Which research method is a bottom-up approach to research?
- Deductive method
- Explanatory method
- Inductive method
- Exploratory method
c: Inductive method
8. How much confidence should you place in a single research study?
- You should trust research findings after different researchers have replicated the findings
- You should completely trust a single research study
- Neither a nor b
- Both a and b
a: You should trust research findings after different researchers have replicated the findings
9. A qualitative research problem statement:
- Specifies the research methods to be utilized
- Specifies a research hypothesis
- Expresses a relationship between variables
- Conveys a sense of emerging design
d: Conveys a sense of emerging design
10. Which of the following is a good research question?
- To produce a report on student job searching behaviours
- To identify the relationship between self-efficacy and student job searching behaviours
- Students with higher levels of self-efficacy will demonstrate more active job searching behaviours
- Do students with high levels of self-efficacy demonstrate more active job searching behaviours?
d: Do students with high levels of self-efficacy demonstrate more active job searching behaviours?
11. A review of the literature prior to formulating research questions allows the researcher to :
- Provide an up-to-date understanding of the subject, its significance, and structure
- Guide the development of research questions
- Present the kinds of research methodologies used in previous studies
- All of the above
d: All of the above
12. Sometimes a comprehensive review of the literature prior to data collection is not recommended by:
- Ethnomethodology
- Grounded theory
- Symbolic interactionism
- Feminist theory
b: Grounded theory
13. The feasibility of a research study should be considered in light of:
- Cost and time required to conduct the study
- Access to gatekeepers and respondents
- Potential ethical concerns
14. Research that uses qualitative methods for one phase and quantitative methods for the next phase is known as:
- Action research
- Mixed-method research
- Quantitative research
- Pragmatic research
b: Mixed-method research
15. Research hypotheses are:
- Formulated prior to a review of the literature
- Statements of predicted relationships between variables
- B but not A
- Both A and B
c: B but not A
16. Which research approach is based on the epistemological viewpoint of pragmatism?
- Qualitative research
- Mixed-methods research
c: Mixed-methods research
17. Adopting ethical principles in research means:
- Avoiding harm to participants
- The researcher is anonymous
- Deception is only used when necessary
- Selected informants give their consent
a: Avoiding harm to participants
18. A radical perspective on ethics suggests that:
- Researchers can do anything they want
- The use of checklists of ethical actions is essential
- The powers of Institutional Review Boards should be strengthened
- Ethics should be based on self-reflexivity
d: Ethics should be based on self-reflexivity
19. Ethical problems can arise when researching the Internet because:
- Everyone has access to digital media
- Respondents may fake their identities
- Researchers may fake their identities
- Internet research has to be covert
b: Respondents may fake their identities
20. The Kappa statistic:
- Is a measure of inter-judge validity
- Compares the level of agreement between two judges against what might have been predicted by chance
- Ranges from 0 to +1
- Is acceptable above a score of 0.5
b: Compares the level of agreement between two judges against what might have been predicted by chance
PART B: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
1. Which research paradigm is most concerned about generalizing its findings?
a: Quantitative research
2. A variable that is presumed to cause a change in another variable is called:
- An intervening variable
- A dependent variable
- An independent variable
- A numerical variable
c: An independent variable
3. A study of teaching professionals posits that their performance-related pay increases their motivation which in turn leads to an increase in their job satisfaction. What kind of variable is ‘motivation”’ in this study?
- Extraneous
- Confounding
- Intervening
- Manipulated
c: Intervening
4. Which correlation is the strongest?
5. When interpreting a correlation coefficient expressing the relationship between two variables, it is important not to:
- Assume causality
- Measure the values for X and Y independently
- Choose X and Y values that are normally distributed
- Check the direction of the relationship
a: Assume causality
6. Which of the following can be described as a nominal variable?
- Annual income
- Annual sales
- Geographical location of a firm
d: Geographical location of a firm
7. A positive correlation occurs when:
- Two variables remain constant
- Two variables move in the same direction
- One variable goes up and the other goes down
- Two variables move in opposite directions
b: Two variables move in the same direction
8. The key defining characteristic of experimental research is that:
- The independent variable is manipulated
- Hypotheses are proved
- A positive correlation exists
- Samples are large
a: The independent variable is manipulated
9. Qualitative research is used in all the following circumstances, EXCEPT:
- It is based on a collection of non-numerical data such as words and pictures
- It often uses small samples
- It uses the inductive method
- It is typically used when a great deal is already known about the topic of interest
d: It is typically used when a great deal is already known about the topic of interest
10. In an experiment, the group that does not receive the intervention is called:
- The experimental group
- The participant group
- The control group
- The treatment group
c: The control group
11. Which generally cannot be guaranteed in conducting qualitative studies in the field?
- Keeping participants from physical and emotional harm
- Gaining informed consent
- Assuring anonymity rather than just confidentiality
- Maintaining consent forms
c: Assuring anonymity rather than just confidentiality
12. Which of the following is not ethical practice in research with humans?
- Maintaining participants’ anonymity
- Informing participants that they are free to withdraw at any time
- Requiring participants to continue until the study has been completed
d: Requiring participants to continue until the study has been completed
13. What do we call data that are used for a new study but which were collected by an earlier researcher for a different set of research questions?
- Secondary data
- Field notes
- Qualitative data
- Primary data
a: Secondary data
14. When each member of a population has an equal chance of being selected, this is called:
- A snowball sample
- A stratified sample
- A random probability sample
- A non-random sample
c: A random probability sample
15. Which of the following techniques yields a simple random sample of hospitals?
- Randomly selecting a district and then sampling all hospitals within the district
- Numbering all the elements of a hospital sampling frame and then using a random number generator to pick hospitals from the table
- Listing hospitals by sector and choosing a proportion from within each sector at random
- Choosing volunteer hospitals to participate
b: Numbering all the elements of a hospital sampling frame and then using a random number generator to pick hospitals from the table
16. Which of the following statements are true?
- The larger the sample size, the larger the confidence interval
- The smaller the sample size, the greater the sampling error
- The more categories being measured, the smaller the sample size
- A confidence level of 95 percent is always sufficient
b: The smaller the sample size, the greater the sampling error
17. Which of the following will produce the least sampling error?
- A large sample based on convenience sampling
- A small sample based on random sampling
- A large snowball sample
- A large sample based on random sampling
d: A large sample based on random sampling
18. When people are readily available, volunteer, or are easily recruited to the sample, this is called:
- Snowball sampling
- Convenience sampling
- Stratified sampling
- Random sampling
b: Convenience sampling
19. In qualitative research, sampling that involves selecting diverse cases is referred to as:
- Typical-case sampling
- Critical-case sampling
- Intensity sampling
- Maximum variation sampling
d: Maximum variation sampling
20. A test accurately indicates an employee’s scores on a future criterion (e.g., conscientiousness). What kind of validity is this?
a: Predictive
PART C: DATA COLLECTION METHODS
1. When designing a questionnaire it is important to do each of the following EXCEPT
- Pilot the questionnaire
- Avoid jargon
- Avoid double questions
- Use leading questions
d: Use leading questions
2. One advantage of using a questionnaire is that:
- Probe questions can be asked
- Respondents can be put at ease
- Interview bias can be avoided
- Response rates are always high
c: Interview bias can be avoided
3. Which of the following is true of observations?
- It takes less time than interviews
- It is often not possible to determine exactly why people behave as they do
- Covert observation raises fewer ethical concerns than overt
b: It is often not possible to determine exactly why people behave as they do
4. A researcher secretly becomes an active member of a group in order to observe their behaviour. This researcher is acting as:
- An overt participant observer
- A covert non-participant observer
- A covert participant observer
- None of the above
c: A covert participant observer
5. All of the following are advantages of structured observation, EXCEPT:
- Results can be replicated at a different time
- The coding schedule might impose a framework on what is being observed
- Data can be collected that participants may not realize is important
- Data do not have to rely on the recall of participants
b: The coding schedule might impose a framework on what is being observed
6. When conducting an interview, asking questions such as: "What else? or ‘Could you expand on that?’ are all forms of:
- Structured responses
- Category questions
7. Secondary data can include which of the following?
- Government statistics
- Personal diaries
- Organizational records
8. An ordinal scale is:
- The simplest form of measurement
- A scale with an absolute zero point
- A rank-order scale of measurement
- A scale with equal intervals between ranks
c: A rank-order scale of measurement
9. Which term measures the extent to which scores from a test can be used to infer or predict performance in some activity?
- Face validity
- Content reliability
- Criterion-related validity
- Construct validity
c: Criterion-related validity
10. The ‘reliability’of a measure refers to the researcher asking:
- Does it give consistent results?
- Does it measure what it is supposed to measure?
- Can the results be generalized?
- Does it have face reliability?
a: Does it give consistent results?
11. Interviewing is the favoured approach EXCEPT when:
- There is a need for highly personalized data
- It is important to ask supplementary questions
- High numbers of respondents are needed
- Respondents have difficulty with written language
c: High numbers of respondents are needed
12. Validity in interviews is strengthened by the following EXCEPT:
- Building rapport with interviewees
- Multiple questions cover the same theme
- Constructing interview schedules that contain themes drawn from the literature
- Prompting respondents to expand on initial responses
b: Multiple questions cover the same theme
13. Interview questions should:
- Lead the respondent
- Probe sensitive issues
- Be delivered in a neutral tone
- Test the respondents’ powers of memory
c: Be delivered in a neutral tone
14. Active listening skills means:
- Asking as many questions as possible
- Avoiding silences
- Keeping to time
- Attentive listening
d: Attentive listening
15. All the following are strengths of focus groups EXCEPT:
- They allow access to a wide range of participants
- Discussion allows for the validation of ideas and views
- They can generate a collective perspective
- They help maintain confidentiality
d: They help maintain confidentiality
16. Which of the following is not always true about focus groups?
- The ideal size is normally between 6 and 12 participants
- Moderators should introduce themselves to the group
- Participants should come from diverse backgrounds
- The moderator poses preplanned questions
c: Participants should come from diverse backgrounds
17. A disadvantage of using secondary data is that:
- The data may have been collected with reference to research questions that are not those of the researcher
- The researcher may bring more detachment in viewing the data than original researchers could muster
- Data have often been collected by teams of experienced researchers
- Secondary data sets are often available and accessible
a: The data may have been collected with reference to research questions that are not those of the researcher
18. All of the following are sources of secondary data EXCEPT:
- Official statistics
- A television documentary
- The researcher’s research diary
- A company’s annual report
c: The researcher’s research diary
19. Which of the following is not true about visual methods?
- They are not reliant on respondent recall
- The have low resource requirements
- They do not rely on words to capture what is happening
- They can capture what is happening in real time
b: The have low resource requirements
20. Avoiding naïve empiricism in the interpretation of visual data means:
- Understanding the context in which they were produced
- Ensuring that visual images such as photographs are accurately taken
- Only using visual images with other data gathering sources
- Planning the capture of visual data carefully
a: Understanding the context in which they were produced
PART D: ANALYSIS AND REPORT WRITING
1. Which of the following is incorrect when naming a variable in SPSS?
- Must begin with a letter and not a number
- Must end in a full stop
- Cannot exceed 64 characters
- Cannot include symbols such as ?, & and %
b: Must end in a full stop
2. Which of the following is not an SPSS Type variable?
3. A graph that uses vertical bars to represent data is called:
- A bar chart
- A pie chart
- A line graph
- A vertical graph
a: A bar chart
4. The purpose of descriptive statistics is to:
- Summarize the characteristics of a data set
- Draw conclusions from the data
a: Summarize the characteristics of a data set
5. The measure of the extent to which responses vary from the mean is called:
- The normal distribution
- The standard deviation
- The variance
c: The standard deviation
6. To compare the performance of a group at time T1 and then at T2, we would use:
- A chi-squared test
- One-way analysis of variance
- Analysis of variance
- A paired t-test
d: A paired t-test
7. A Type 1 error occurs in a situation where:
- The null hypothesis is accepted when it is in fact true
- The null hypothesis is rejected when it is in fact false
- The null hypothesis is rejected when it is in fact true
- The null hypothesis is accepted when it is in fact false
c: The null hypothesis is rejected when it is in fact true
8. The significance level
- Is set after a statistical test is conducted
- Is always set at 0.05
- Results in a p -value
- Measures the probability of rejecting a true null hypothesis
d: Measures the probability of rejecting a true null hypothesis
9. To predict the value of the dependent variable for a new case based on the knowledge of one or more independent variables, we would use
- Regression analysis
- Correlation analysis
- Kolmogorov-Smirnov test
a: Regression analysis
10. In conducting secondary data analysis, researchers should ask themselves all of the following EXCEPT:
- Who produced the document?
- Is the material genuine?
- How can respondents be re-interviewed?
- Why was the document produced?
c: How can respondents be re-interviewed?
11. Which of the following are not true of reflexivity?
- It recognizes that the researcher is not a neutral observer
- It has mainly been applied to the analysis of qualitative data
- It is part of a post-positivist tradition
- A danger of adopting a reflexive stance is the researcher can become the focus of the study
c: It is part of a post-positivist tradition
12. Validity in qualitative research can be strengthened by all of the following EXCEPT:
- Member checking for accuracy and interpretation
- Transcribing interviews to improve accuracy of data
- Exploring rival explanations
- Analysing negative cases
b: Transcribing interviews to improve accuracy of data
13. Qualitative data analysis programs are useful for each of the following EXCEPT:
- Manipulation of large amounts of data
- Exploring of the data against new dimensions
- Querying of data
- Generating codes
d: Generating codes
14. Which part of a research report contains details of how the research was planned and conducted?
- Introduction
b: Design
15. Which of the following is a form of research typically conducted by managers and other professionals to address issues in their organizations and/or professional practice?
- Basic research
- Professional research
- Predictive research
a: Action research
16. Plagiarism can be avoided by:
- Copying the work of others accurately
- Paraphrasing the author’s text in your own words
- Cut and pasting from the Internet
- Quoting directly without revealing the source
b: Paraphrasing the author’s text in your own words
17. In preparing for a presentation, you should do all of the following EXCEPT:
- Practice the presentation
- Ignore your nerves
- Get to know more about your audience
- Take an advanced look, if possible, at the facilities
b: Ignore your nerves
18. You can create interest in your presentation by:
- Using bullet points
- Reading from notes
- Maximizing the use of animation effects
- Using metaphors
d: Using metaphors
19. In preparing for a viva or similar oral examination, it is best if you have:
- Avoided citing the examiner in your thesis
- Made exaggerated claims on the basis of your data
- Published and referenced your own article(s)
- Tried to memorize your work
c: Published and referenced your own article(s)
20. Grounded theory coding:
- Makes use of a priori concepts from the literature
- Uses open coding, selective coding, then axial coding
- Adopts a deductive stance
- Stops when theoretical saturation has been reached
d: Stops when theoretical saturation has been reached
Qualitative And Quantitative Research Quiz
Welcome to our comprehensive Qualitative and Quantitative Research Quiz, designed to test your knowledge and deepen your understanding of these two fundamental research methodologies. Whether you're a student, an academic, or a professional researcher, this quiz offers a robust challenge that covers a wide range of topics related to both qualitative and quantitative approaches. In this quiz, you'll encounter questions about qualitative methods such as interviews, focus groups, and ethnography, which are essential for gathering in-depth insights and understanding the complexities of human behavior. Additionally, you'll be tested on your knowledge of quantitative techniques, including statistical analysis, experimental design, and Read more data interpretation, which are crucial for deriving objective and generalizable findings. Each question is crafted to not only assess your familiarity with basic concepts but also to challenge your ability to apply these principles in real-world research scenarios. By participating in our quiz, you'll reinforce your existing knowledge and perhaps discover areas that need further exploration. Get ready to engage with this exciting area of study and sharpen your research skills!
Qualitative and Quantitative Research Questions and Answers
The most basic distinction between types of data is that some data are quantitative while other data are qualitative. quantitative data generally consists of:.
Open-ended responses
Survey and questionnaire data
Any data can be considered quantitative.
Rate this question:
Qualitative data generally can include:
Only written material that respondents provide in response to open-ended items.
Any sort of data that can be summarized with numbers.
Text, pictures, videos, sound recordings.
Survey and questionnaire data.
The most fundamental difference between qualitative data and quantitative data is that:
The type of judgment that is used to make meaning of the data, and how the data are manipulated.
The research questions can be addressed using each of the types of data.
The topics about which the data are being collected.
The respondents provided the data.
There really is no difference.
Considering the way researchers handle data, it is helpful to remember that:
It is not possible to convert qualitative data into quantitative data.
If qualitative data are converted into quantitative data, validity always suffers.
Researchers often will often use quantitative data so that they avoid any subjective or qualitative judgments.
A researcher who converts qualitative data into quantitative data ensures that the validity of the research will be improved.
Although some data are collected quantitatively, there are many qualitative judgments that go into how those responses are collected.
The "Levels of Measurement" are typically placed in a sequence in which higher levels contain the attributes of the lower levels but add some attributes. At the lowest level, it is not even meaningful to average the numbers, while at the highest level, it is possible to use inferential statistics. The sequence of "levels of measurement" from lowest to highest is:
(lowest) nominal-->ordinal-->interval-->ratio (highest)
(lowest) interval-->nominal-->ordinal-->ratio (highest)
(lowest) ratio-->interval-->ordinal-->nominal (highest)
(lowest) interval-->ordinal-->nominal-->ratio (highest)
(lowest) nominal-->ratio-->interval-->nominal (highest)
In research, data are generally being collected that are meant to describe, measure, or otherwise characterize a construct. A construct is most correctly described as:
The process by which the data will be analyzed.
How correct the data are relative to what they are supposed to describe.
Whether the right kind of data are collected for the research question to be answered.
The theoretical idea or concept that is being described or analyzed in the process of research.
The term "construct" has no set meaning in research.
In research, the term validity refers to:
How meaningful it is to generalize based on the research.
How well the researcher did what was planned.
The accuracy of the measures used.
The same as "reliability".
How well the researcher explains what she/he means by the key terms used in the research.
What is the primary advantage of using mixed-methods research?
It allows for the simultaneous collection of digital and analog data.
It enables the researcher to validate qualitative data with quantitative analysis.
It combines the depth of qualitative research with the breadth of quantitative research.
It simplifies the data collection process by combining methods.
What does triangulation in the context of research methods refer to?
Using multiple theories to explain a phenomenon.
The use of multiple data points to calculate exact locations in field research.
Employing multiple methods or data sources to cross-check and validate findings.
The process of narrowing down research findings to three key points.
In qualitative research, what role does member checking play?
It involves the participants checking the financial contributions of members involved in the study.
It is a technique for testing the programming code used in data analysis.
It serves as a method for researchers to ensure the accuracy of their findings by involving participants in the review process.
It refers to researchers checking each other's membership status in professional research organizations.
When numbers are used in a study as labels--in place of names--the numbers are said to be at a level of a measurement called ______ data.
When the numbers that are collected as data in research have a true "0" point, such the numbers can be correctly manipulated mathematically; the data are said to be at a level of a measurement called _____ data., the approximate truth of propositions, inferences, or conclusions in research is referred to as ________..
Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
- Current Version
- Jun 18, 2024 Quiz Edited by ProProfs Editorial Team
- Feb 28, 2010 Quiz Created by Ecrobeck
Related Topics
- Time Management
Recent Quizzes
Featured Quizzes
Popular Topics
- Analytical Quizzes
- Basic Computer Quizzes
- Communication Quizzes
- Critical Thinking Quizzes
- Leadership Quizzes
- Management Quizzes
- Mathematical Quizzes
- Office Skill Quizzes
- Presentation Skill Quizzes
- Public Speaking Quizzes
Related Quizzes
Wait! Here's an interesting quiz for you.
- Show all results for " "
Qualitative Methodology Fundamentals Quiz
More actions.
- PDF Questions
- Make a copy
Questions and Answers
What is the primary goal of qualitative research.
- To gather and analyze non-numerical data to understand individuals' social reality (correct)
- To establish cause-and-effect relationships
- To conduct experiments to test hypotheses
- To collect numerical data for statistical analysis
Which method is NOT typically utilized in qualitative research?
- Surveys with closed-ended questions (correct)
- In-depth interviews
- Focus groups
- Observations
When is qualitative research often used?
- To test cause-and-effect relationships
- To conduct large-scale surveys for generalization
- To explore complex phenomena or gain insight into people's experiences (correct)
What is the basis of observation as a qualitative research method?
<p>Subjective methodologies</p> Signup and view all the answers
When is qualitative research particularly useful?
<p>When researchers want to understand the meaning that people attach to their experiences</p> Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a key characteristic of qualitative research?
<p>Gathering and analyzing non-numerical data</p> Signup and view all the answers
What is a common method used in qualitative research to collect rich, detailed data?
<p>In-depth interviews</p> Signup and view all the answers
<p>To explore complex phenomena</p> Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary focus of observation as a qualitative research method?
<p>Collecting systematic data using subjective methodologies</p> Signup and view all the answers
What is the main purpose of qualitative research?
<p>To gain insight into people's experiences and perspectives</p> Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Primary goals of qualitative research.
- Aims to understand human behavior, experiences, and social phenomena from a subjective perspective.
- Seeks to capture complex realities through in-depth insights rather than numerical analysis.
Methods NOT Typically Utilized in Qualitative Research
- Quantitative methods, such as structured surveys or experiments, are not commonly employed.
Instances of Qualitative Research Use
- Frequently utilized when exploring new or complex phenomena where numerical data is inadequate.
- Beneficial in fields such as social sciences, psychology, and anthropology for understanding context and depth.
Basis of Observation as a Qualitative Research Method
- Observation focuses on gathering data by watching subjects in their natural settings, allowing for organic insights that structured methods may miss.
Situations Where Qualitative Research is Particularly Useful
- Useful in exploratory phases of research where hypotheses need to be generated.
- Effective for understanding deeply individual or cultural experiences and practices.
Key Characteristics of Qualitative Research
- Characterized by flexibility in data collection methods and a focus on context.
- Emphasizes participant perspectives and meanings rather than strict statistical representations.
Common Methods for Data Collection in Qualitative Research
- Interviews and focus groups are prevalent for collecting rich, detailed narratives and personal insights from participants.
Primary Focus of Observation as a Qualitative Research Method
- Concentrates on understanding the context and environment in which behavior occurs, revealing patterns and interactions.
Main Purpose of Qualitative Research
- Aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of complex issues by interpreting experiences and meanings directly from participants.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your understanding of qualitative methodology with this quiz. Explore the fundamentals of gathering and analyzing non-numerical data to gain insights into individuals' social reality, including attitudes, beliefs, and motivation. Assess your knowledge of in-depth interviews, focus groups, and observations used in qualitative research.
More Quizzes Like This
Basic Assumptions Behind Observational Methods
Qualitative Research Methods Exploration
PG52-58 Qualitative Research Methods: Strengths and Limitations
Qualitative Research Methods
Upgrade to continue
Today's Special Offer
Save an additional 20% with coupon: SAVE20
Upgrade to a paid plan to continue
Trusted by top students and educators worldwide
We are constantly improving Quizgecko and would love to hear your feedback. You can also submit feature requests here: feature requests.
Create your free account
By continuing, you agree to Quizgecko's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy .
Multiple Choice Quiz | |||
The correct answer for each question is indicated by a |
1 | ||||
preserves the form and content of human interaction. | ||||
is not empirically based. | ||||
is interested in isolating one aspect of the communication phenomenon to study. | ||||
aims for objectivity. | ||||
2 | ||||
transformed to numerical equivalents. | ||||
the set of naturally occurring messages used as data. | ||||
subjected to statistical testing. | ||||
the statement written by the researcher about the people observed. | ||||
3 | ||||
is the same as deductive reasoning. | ||||
is achieved when researchers create distance between the research participants and themselves. | ||||
is the discovery and development of theory as they emerge from qualitative data. | ||||
moves from general to specific. | ||||
4 | ||||
the research process is not linear. | ||||
cannot be planned in its entirety before entering the scene. | ||||
research questions guide the investigation. | ||||
interpretation and analysis can begin as soon as data are collected or shortly after. | ||||
All of the above. | ||||
5 | ||||
multiple interpretations are likely in qualitative research. | ||||
researchers using qualitative methods want to prove that some reality exists. | ||||
qualitative research is objective. | ||||
researchers using qualitative methods want to demonstrate the quality of their interpretations. | ||||
a and d | ||||
6 | ||||
find more data. | ||||
find three themes to answer each research question. | ||||
bring participants in to the interpretation process. | ||||
enhance credibility of their findings. | ||||
None of the above. | ||||
7 | ||||
are quite similar to research questions for quantitative research. | ||||
provide the researcher with a focus. | ||||
give the researcher considerable latitude. | ||||
usually ask "how" or "what." | ||||
all except a. | ||||
8 | ||||
is restricted to what can be counted. | ||||
have few restrictions. Anything that can be observed or captured could count as data | ||||
must be at the microlevel of evidence. | ||||
includes the interpretation of the researcher. | ||||
9 | ||||
data are accurate and complete. | ||||
the interpretation is objective. | ||||
when data that fail to fit the explanation or interpretation are not addressed. | ||||
the researcher does not consider why some data are more salient than others. | ||||
10 | ||||
they enhance credibility of data interpretation for participants. | ||||
they give participants a chance to comment on or even edit the preliminary research report. | ||||
participants’ contributions are often the source of valuable insight for the researcher. | ||||
all of the above | ||||
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Qualitative Research MCQ Quiz With Answers
Building the survey questions. 1. define and clarify variables (use literature, focus groups, expert opinions) 2. formulate the questions (face validity, closed or open, not assumptive complex or lengthy) 3. implement the survey (sampling, response rates, how survey is carried out, what's quality) 4. pilot and revise. longitudinal research.
Qualitative Research Quiz. What are the five qualities that make up a qualitative study? Click the card to flip 👆. 1. Small sample size (usually between 5-25 participants) 2. Analyze data through coding of themes. 3. Triangulation is used to ensure the reliability and validity of the research (ie finding other historical documents, getting ...
Qualitative research focuses on.... - tendencies and generalities. - NOT FACTS. The social world is socially constructed, made and remade by.... - human activity. - all things open to change. Quantitative measures stable patterns to define social structures while qualitative... - gives deeper understanding of exceptions and special cases or ...
Multiple Choice Quizzes | Online Resources
Qualitative research, on the other hand, seeks to explore phenomena in-depth, often using emergent design and semi-structured methods to gather rich, descriptive data. Rate this question: 3 0. 7. Data analysis in qualitative research, as contrasted with quantitative research, is generally. A.
How to Write Qualitative Research Questions
Qualitative research methods. Each of the research approaches involve using one or more data collection methods.These are some of the most common qualitative methods: Observations: recording what you have seen, heard, or encountered in detailed field notes. Interviews: personally asking people questions in one-on-one conversations. Focus groups: asking questions and generating discussion among ...
Description. Test your knowledge on qualitative research methods with questions on human understanding, data analysis, research approaches, and combining qualitative and quantitative research. Take our qualitative research quiz to test your knowledge of methods and techniques. Learn and improve your understanding with our interactive flashcards!
Qualitative Research MCQ [Free PDF] - Objective Question ...
Multiple Choice Quiz | Online Resources
Qualitative and Quantitative Research Quiz
Test your understanding of qualitative methodology with this quiz. Explore the fundamentals of gathering and analyzing non-numerical data to gain insights into individuals' social reality, including attitudes, beliefs, and motivation. Assess your knowledge of in-depth interviews, focus groups, and observations used in qualitative research.
In qualitative research, research questions: A) are quite similar to research questions for quantitative research. B) provide the researcher with a focus. C) give the researcher considerable latitude. D) usually ask "how" or "what." E) all except a. 8: In qualitative research, data: A) is restricted to what can be counted. B) have few ...
the researcher must identify special life events. The unique perceptions of individuals are most likely to be viewed by qualitative researchers as: In qualitative research differences among types of purposive sample are based on differences in: In qualitative research, the role of the researcher is to: become highly familiar with the context of ...
Qualitative research is just the opinion of the researcher and is based only on idiosyncratic and anecdotal information. Qualitative research uses an inductive mode of science and often focuses on exploration and discovery. _______ research usually focuses on the relationships among variables, while ______ attempts to understand concrete human ...
15 questions. 1. Multiple Choice. 2. Multiple Choice. 3. Multiple Choice. Which is the key instrument of qualitative research? Photographs, drawings, and videos can give additional information on the data being gathered in writing a qualitative study.
Quiz yourself with questions and answers for Research: Quiz I: Qualitative and Quantitative Research, so you can be ready for test day. Explore quizzes and practice tests created by teachers and students or create one from your course material.
Qualitative Research Questions - Research Writing and Analysis
This series provides researchers and students with step-by-step, practical instruction on established and emerging qualitative methods. Authors are leaders in their respective areas of expertise who demystify the research process and share innovative practices and invaluable insider advice. The basics of each method are addressed, including philosophical underpinnings, and guidance is offered ...
1. Multiple Choice. True or False? Qualitative research generally uses smaller pools of participants than quantitative research. 2. Multiple Choice. True or False? Qualitative research uses statistical analysis to prove or disprove a particular hypothesis based on theory or previous studies. 3.
The qualitative data that sits behind those images is what really gives us the richness in this mixed methods research. We see here that 13 times luxury and cost were used on the same excerpt. If it's meaningful to our research that people talk about cost and luxury at the same time, we might want to go and look at those excerpts.
Previous qualitative research on the impact of pain flares for people with low back pain described the highly distressing and disabling nature of a flare for this patient population, including a strong link between low mood and psychological changes (Tan et al., 2019). This may suggest the need for additional clinical support for patients ...
1.Introduction. When considering the development of the research workforce, the transition to independence is a critical point in the career of a researcher (Venegas et al., 2019).The transition is not always straightforward, not least because a boom in the supply of scientists in the developed world post war, has resulted in an increased competition for the few posts left for the current ...
Qualitative Research Designs quiz for University students. Find other quizzes for Professional Development and more on Quizizz for free! ... Types of inquiry within the qualitative research approach that provide specific direction for procedures when conducting research. None of the options presented. 7. Multiple Choice. Edit. 5 seconds. 1 pt.
The Comprehensive ESRD Care (CEC) Model was designed to identify, test, and evaluate new ways to improve care for Medicare beneficiaries with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Through the CEC Model, CMS partnered with health care providers and suppliers to test the effectiveness of a new payment and service delivery model in providing beneficiaries with person-centered, high-quality care.
20 Qs. Antonyms. 1.7K plays. KG - 1st. Qualitative Research Design quiz for 11th grade students. Find other quizzes for English and more on Quizizz for free!
a. Results are limited as they provide less elaboration of human perceptions. b. Data created through qualitative research are always accepted. c. Data analysis involving numerical data is difficult. d. There is a limited review of related literature or in-depth information about the topic. 5.