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What Are Two Types of Research Methods in Sociology? Qualitative Research Methods in Sociology Qualitative Vs. Quantitative Research Methods What Are the Advantages & Disadvantages of Non-Experimental Design? Pros & Cons of Qualitative & Quantitative Research Qualitative Research Pros & Cons

By Sachiko Schott
Qualitative research is often done through interviews or observation.

Qualitative research is a technique that focuses on the intangibles of people's behavior: their feelings, perspectives, and understanding. This technique is useful for research questions that cannot be answered numerically. However, the non-numerical nature of qualitative research precludes the use of statistics, which makes it difficult to apply research findings to the broader population.

What is Qualitative Research?

Qualitative research aims to discover the meanings behind people's behavior, how people interpret situations, and what their perspectives are. The data is obtained through observation and by conducting interviews among a small group of people. The interviews are unstructured, allowing people to give their own answers instead of obliging them to select one from a list.

Pros of Qualitative Research

Because qualitative research is not limited to numerical results, it can explore topics in great depth and detail. Often, the openness of mind required gives a qualitative researcher the freedom to explore research questions from many angles. The methods used in qualitative research -- observation and interviews -- are unobtrusive, and allow the researcher to observe their natural behavior.

Cons of Qualitative Research

The non-numerical aspect of qualitative research can also be a drawback, because it means that qualitative research cannot be approached statistically. Because statistics cannot be applied, it is improper to generalize the findings of qualitative research to a larger population. The personal interaction involved can also make it difficult for the researcher to maintain objectivity.

When to Use Qualitative Research

It is a good idea to use qualitative research when the goal of that research is to explore a topic, or to gain insight into some aspect of your target population. Qualitative research can also add depth to quantitative research, by helping the researcher to understand the reasons behind the statistics. Broadly speaking, if you are interested in meanings, perspectives or understandings, then you should use quantitative research.



Sachiko Schott has been writing since 2001, and has been published in "Twilight Song," "Liaisons" and "Young Voices Magazine." She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology from the University of Guelph.





Schott, Sachiko. "Qualitative Research Pros & Cons." Synonym, https://classroom.synonym.com/qualitative-research-pros-cons-8111415.html. Accessed 18 December 2018.
Schott, Sachiko. (n.d.). Qualitative Research Pros & Cons. Synonym. Retrieved from https://classroom.synonym.com/qualitative-research-pros-cons-8111415.html
Schott, Sachiko. "Qualitative Research Pros & Cons" accessed December 18, 2018. https://classroom.synonym.com/qualitative-research-pros-cons-8111415.html

