Definitions
All definitions on this guide unless otherwise stated, are from the Oxford English Dictionary.
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Oxford English Dictionary This link opens in a new windowDefinitions for most of the words in the English language. Also information on their origins and quotations showing their range of meanings from the time they entered the language to the present. Coverage: Historical and current.
Librarian
What is Qualitative Research?
Moser and Korstiens have defined Qualitative Research as follows:
- Qualitative research studies phenomena in the natural contexts of individuals or groups
- Qualitative researchers try to gain a deeper understanding of people’s experiences, perceptions, behavior and processes and the meanings they attach to them
- During the research process, researchers use ‘emerging design’ to be flexible in adjusting to the context
- Data collection and analysis are iterative processes that happen simultaneously as the research progresses
Image: Rauschenberg, Robert, 1925-. Interview. 1955. Artstor, library.artstor.org/asset/ARTSTOR_103_41822001599040
Practical Guidance to Qualitative Research
Moser A, Korstjens I. Series: Practical guidance to qualitative research. Part 1: Introduction. Eur J Gen Pract. 2017 Dec;23(1):271-273. doi: 10.1080/13814788.2017.1375093. PMID: 29185831; PMCID: PMC8816396.
