It is not unusual for participants, settings, and research questions to be manipulated during the course of a qualitative study. A True B False
The correct answer and explanation is:
Answer: A True
In qualitative research, it is common for participants, settings, and research questions to be adjusted or refined throughout the study. This flexibility is a defining characteristic of qualitative methods, which often aim to explore complex phenomena in-depth and from multiple perspectives.
Qualitative research typically involves an iterative process, meaning data collection and analysis occur simultaneously. As data is gathered and analyzed, new insights often emerge that may prompt the researcher to modify the focus, add or change participants, or explore different settings. This adaptive approach allows the study to become more responsive to the realities uncovered during the research process.
For example, a researcher studying community health might initially plan to interview a specific group but, after early interviews, discover that another group holds important perspectives. The researcher might then include participants from that group to gain a more comprehensive understanding. Similarly, research questions can evolve as new themes emerge, helping to refine the study’s direction and deepen the inquiry.
This flexibility contrasts with quantitative research, where research questions, participants, and methods are typically fixed before data collection begins. In qualitative studies, rigid adherence to initial plans can limit the richness and relevance of the findings.
The settings can also change in qualitative studies, especially in ethnography or case studies, where the researcher may move across different locations to observe varied contexts or phenomena. This responsiveness enhances the study’s ecological validity by capturing real-world complexities.
Ultimately, this evolving design helps qualitative research capture the nuances and depth of human experience that structured, predetermined methods might miss. The adaptability inherent in qualitative research ensures that the study remains relevant, comprehensive, and true to the context being examined.