Qualitative Description as an Introductory Method to Qualitative Research for Master’s-Level Students and Research Trainees
Qualitative description (QD) offers an accessible entry point for master’s-level students and research trainees embarking on a qualitative research learning journey, emphasizing direct, rich descriptions of experiences and events without extensive theorization or abstraction. This method, rooted in...
Main Authors: | , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
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SAGE Publishing
2024-03-01
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Series: | International Journal of Qualitative Methods |
Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069241242264 |
_version_ | 1797244604407349248 |
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author | Steven Hall Linda Liebenberg |
author_facet | Steven Hall Linda Liebenberg |
author_sort | Steven Hall |
collection | DOAJ |
description | Qualitative description (QD) offers an accessible entry point for master’s-level students and research trainees embarking on a qualitative research learning journey, emphasizing direct, rich descriptions of experiences and events without extensive theorization or abstraction. This method, rooted in naturalistic inquiry, allows for flexibility in theoretical approaches, sampling techniques, and data collection strategies, making it well-suited for a wide range of disciplines, particularly in health research. QD’s strengths lie in its straightforward approach, focusing on participants’ perspectives and staying close to the data. Despite its advantages, QD faces challenges regarding perceived academic credibility and its limited contribution to theoretical development due to its simplicity and focus on low inference interpretation. Nonetheless, QD’s role in fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, and an understanding of qualitative methodologies in novice researchers highlights its significance as a foundational method in qualitative research education. |
first_indexed | 2024-04-24T19:13:39Z |
format | Article |
id | doaj.art-fcfb8031ea31456896b6250d5da1c531 |
institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
issn | 1609-4069 |
language | English |
last_indexed | 2024-04-24T19:13:39Z |
publishDate | 2024-03-01 |
publisher | SAGE Publishing |
record_format | Article |
series | International Journal of Qualitative Methods |
spelling | doaj.art-fcfb8031ea31456896b6250d5da1c5312024-03-26T09:04:27ZengSAGE PublishingInternational Journal of Qualitative Methods1609-40692024-03-012310.1177/16094069241242264Qualitative Description as an Introductory Method to Qualitative Research for Master’s-Level Students and Research TraineesSteven HallLinda LiebenbergQualitative description (QD) offers an accessible entry point for master’s-level students and research trainees embarking on a qualitative research learning journey, emphasizing direct, rich descriptions of experiences and events without extensive theorization or abstraction. This method, rooted in naturalistic inquiry, allows for flexibility in theoretical approaches, sampling techniques, and data collection strategies, making it well-suited for a wide range of disciplines, particularly in health research. QD’s strengths lie in its straightforward approach, focusing on participants’ perspectives and staying close to the data. Despite its advantages, QD faces challenges regarding perceived academic credibility and its limited contribution to theoretical development due to its simplicity and focus on low inference interpretation. Nonetheless, QD’s role in fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, and an understanding of qualitative methodologies in novice researchers highlights its significance as a foundational method in qualitative research education.https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069241242264 |
spellingShingle | Steven Hall Linda Liebenberg Qualitative Description as an Introductory Method to Qualitative Research for Master’s-Level Students and Research Trainees International Journal of Qualitative Methods |
title | Qualitative Description as an Introductory Method to Qualitative Research for Master’s-Level Students and Research Trainees |
title_full | Qualitative Description as an Introductory Method to Qualitative Research for Master’s-Level Students and Research Trainees |
title_fullStr | Qualitative Description as an Introductory Method to Qualitative Research for Master’s-Level Students and Research Trainees |
title_full_unstemmed | Qualitative Description as an Introductory Method to Qualitative Research for Master’s-Level Students and Research Trainees |
title_short | Qualitative Description as an Introductory Method to Qualitative Research for Master’s-Level Students and Research Trainees |
title_sort | qualitative description as an introductory method to qualitative research for master s level students and research trainees |
url | https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069241242264 |
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