Qualitative research

Last updated on Nov 3, 2021

Definition: Research which uses non-numerical data, such as textual responses, images, videos or other artefacts, to explore in-depth concepts, theories, or experiences. There are a wide range of qualitative approaches, from micro-detailed exploration of language or focusing on personal subjective experiences, to those which explore macro-level social experiences and opinions.

Alternative definition: In Psychology, the epistemology of qualitative research is typically concerned with understanding people’s perspectives. Such epistemology proposes assuming the equity of researchers and participants as human beings, and in consequence, the need of sympathetic human understanding instead of data-driven conclusions

References: Aspers and Corte (2019), & Levitt et al. (2017)

Drafted and Reviewed by: Madeleine Pownall, Mahmoud Elsherif, Helena Hartmann, Oscar Lecuona, Claire Melia, Flávio Azevedo

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