Qualitative Inquiry: Research Methods For Art EducationBy Terry Garcia on November 12, 2010 Category: Health Magazines Qualitative Inquiry is a research method used in many different academic disciplines. Qualitative researchers aim to gather an in-depth understanding of human behavior and the reasons that govern such behavior. The qualitative method investigates the why and how of decision making not just what, where, when. Hence, smaller but focused samples are more often needed, rather than large samples. Quantitative methods can be used to verify which of such hypotheses are true. Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research What are the differences between qualitative and quantitative research methods? Qualitative Inquiry is relatively subjective. Individuals' interpretations of events is important, (e.g., the researcher uses participant observation, in-depth interviews, etc.) Qualitative data is more 'rich', time consuming, and less able to be generalized. The researcher tends to become subjectively immersed in the subject matter. In qualitative research the aim is a complete, detailed description. Data is in the form of words, pictures or objects. In contrast, quantitative methods are primarily number-based. The researcher uses tools, such as questionnaires or equipment to collect numerical data. Data is in the form of numbers and statistics. The researcher tends to remain objectively separated from the subject matter. Quantitative data is more efficient, able to test hypotheses, but may miss contextual detail. Six Features of Qualitative Study field-focused constructed so the researcher is an instrument interpretive in nature expressive in language highly detailed persuasive (Eisner, 1991) Elements of Qualitative Research reviewing literature (Know what’s been done.) developing research questions (What do you want to know?) gaining access (Getting permission and initiating relationships with participants.) getting approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) achieving reciprocity (What will participants gain? Will you pay them? Will they enjoy the experience?) data collection (Interviewing, observing, taking field notes, video, photos) content Analysis (The study of recorded human communications.) comparative analysis coding (Sorting and tagging data to help the researcher identify patterns or commonalities.) interpretation (Stockrocki, 1997) Characteristics of Qualitative Research Qualitative Inquiry is a systematic process of describing, analyzing and interpreting insights discovered in everyday life. (Wolcott, 1994) Similar to quantitative research, qualitative methods begin with [empirical] observation of a phenomenon and its characteristics. (“Empirical”-dependent on evidence or consequences that are observable by the senses.) In quantitative studies, the logic of inference is one of directly observed comparison, resulting in new insights and reclassifications. (Willis, 1978) It broadens our field of knowledge or refutes our accepted beliefs through comparisons with other cases. (Zimmerman, 1997) (It is often said that qualitative research generates more questions than it answers.) Qualitative research is a naturalistic inquiry, which is a careful study of human activity in it’s natural and complex state. (Lincoln & Guba, 1985 and Stake, 1988) Qualitative types of research depend on personal, social, and idiosyncratic meanings that are valued for themselves. (Stockrocki, 1997) Different Kinds of Qualitative Inquiry ethnography microethnography educational criticism phenomenology case study historical narrative inquiry ethnomethodolgy (Stockrocki, 1997) Qualitative Research Methods Defined Ethnography – the study of a group’s "way of life" trying to understand an experience from the participants point of view (from anthropology). (Stockrocki, 1997) Microethnography – study of a smaller experience, or a slice of everyday reality, such as instruction. The process of data collection, content analysis, and comparative analysis of everyday situations for the purpose of formulating insights (Smith, 1978) Educational Criticism – an evaluation stance, similar in process to aesthetic criticism, which consists of descriptive, analytic and thematic stages. (Eisner, 1991) Phenomenology – is the study of of experience and its essences. It entails a line-by line search for essential statements and an in-depth Thematic analysis of them. (Van Manen, 1984) (Also see Schutz.) Case Study – originated in psychology, depicts a problem in all of its personal and social complexity, a search for understanding of an idiosyncratic, complex case. (See Stake.) Historical – The historical method comprises the techniques and guidelines by which historians use historical sources and other evidence to research and then to write history. Narrative Inquiry – is focused on discovery, insight, and understanding from the perspectives of those involved. Narrative studies are exploratory, inductive, and emphasize process rather than outcome. Narrative inquiry acknowledges the centrality of the researcher's experiences: her or his own tellings and retellings. Ethnomethodology – a method for understanding the social orders people use to make sense of the world through analyzing their accounts and descriptions of their day-to-day activities Choosing a Methodology First you must decide whether to chose qualitative or quantitative methods. For most people this is an easy decision. It's almost like the method chooses you rather than the other way around. If you decide to conduct qualitative research, the next task is to choose the methodology. This requires considerable reflection about the phenomenon to be investigated, the participants, the setting, and the researchers's strengths and preferences. My advice is to stay current. Our field is always evolving. In addition to reading the foundational literature on qualitative inquiry, search for qualitative research from the last 3 years for the most current views. According to Zimmerman, (1997), new methods are being developed and older methods adapted that enhance our knowledge of art and educational theory and practice. online research papers |
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