Qualitative Research Methods Overview
Darya Lebedeva
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Abstract
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This paper provides an overview of qualitative research methods, highlighting their significance in understanding complex human experiences and social contexts. It differentiates qualitative methods from quantitative approaches by emphasizing the flexible and exploratory nature of qualitative data collection, such as participant observation, in-depth interviews, and focus groups. The document also addresses the ethical considerations necessary for conducting qualitative research, including the protection of participant confidentiality and the need for ethics training.
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1 There are many overviews of qualitative research (history, methods, etc.). Among them are: Miles and Huberman [1994], Flick [1998; 2004], Denzin and Lincoln [1998a; 1998b], etc. One of the most important bibliography is about the field of ethnography and was prepared by Borut Telban: Bibliography offieldwork, research methods and ethnography in sociocultural anthropology [2001].
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