Oliver, P. (2021). Using Qualitative Methods to Answer Your Research Question. Open University Press.
In this section of our blog, we list books, scientific articles, and other educational materials that may be useful for the preparation and development of a qualitative research project.
On this occasion, we invite you to read Paul Oliver's book (2021), as it allows students and researchers who are beginning to explore the qualitative research method to delve deeper into the issues of qualitative research and its methodological approach in a didactic way.
Why is this material recommended for qualitative researchers?
First, it presents clear and didactic examples of how to formulate topics in qualitative research and the steps to be followed from a methodological point of view. Furthermore, it addresses data collection techniques and their implementation with the subjects and groups under study, taking into account their suitability to our objectives and ethical considerations.
Similarly, a central aspect of qualitative research concerns the conception of the research subject; therefore, the theories that underpin qualitative research are presented, which also influence the understanding of the methodology to be adopted and the analysis of the results. For example, when validating the results, participants are included in the data analysis process, and the researcher's perspective, which influences this process, is also taken into account.
Book structure and guide in qualitative research.
Part I
The book is organized into 4 sections, totaling 16 chapters. The first part introduces the reader to the differences between qualitative and quantitative methods, allowing the student to decide which approach is most appropriate for their research. In turn, the theoretical foundations that enable an understanding of the principles of qualitative research and its perspective for addressing social phenomena are presented.
Part II
Next, in the second section, considerations for formulating the research question are discussed, as well as the structuring of the hypotheses for the inductive study. An essential aspect is the approach to the cultural context in multicultural studies or studies with ethnic groups, in addition to taking into account the variables that influence the research process and its results, such as the power relations between the participant and the researcher.
On the other hand, the chapter outlines strategies for defining the study sample, including methods for selecting participants using the snowball effect and key informants. This section is fundamental for initiating the methodological path and approaching the field of study rigorously.
The author includes ethical considerations to ensure the research continues, and works on... ethics In the relationship with the participant, throughout the entire research process or in the event of any change in the study. In this case, the participant must receive information about these changes and about the importance of their consent.
In this sense, the principle of benefit and non-maleficence should prevail. When working with vulnerable communities, variables such as the age and educational level of the participants are essential for clarification and the modalities of informed consent.
Part III
In the third section, the book shares tools for developing a research plan, in accordance with the logical coherence of the research process. It highlights aspects such as the research question, the study variables, the theoretical foundations, the data collection strategies, the analysis, and the strategies for presenting the results.
Next, the author introduces the reader to the main qualitative methods such as... ethnography, life history, oral history and autobiographical research.
For its part, it also presents symbolic interactionism, case studies, and action research, highlighting their foundations, possibilities for application, and main methodological challenges.
Part IV
Finally, in the last section, Chapter 15 offers an overview of the types of qualitative data. It considers field notes, diaries, interview transcripts, official documents, images, videos, audios, and data triangulation. In this sense, this segment, along with Chapter 8, provides an understanding of data collection techniques and the information obtained. Thus, it also presents the types of interviews and their conduct in qualitative research.
There are several techniques for collecting data, depending on the study's objective: diary or field notes, observation, informal conversations, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups. However, in the same study, it is possible to use several of these instruments and subsequently perform data triangulation.
Finally, the book addresses the analysis of qualitative data. Thus, it guides the reader in coding data, identifying themes and concepts, and developing categories of analysis.
Final considerations on the material and its contribution to research.
This book guides the reader through the exploration of different aspects in developing a research plan, justifying methodological decisions in qualitative research. Therefore, this material is suitable for an introduction to qualitative research and for improving data collection techniques and strategies.
One of the main contributions of this work is to present qualitative research as an integrated process, articulating theoretical foundations, planning, ethical aspects, data production strategies, qualitative methods, and data analysis. This organization facilitates the understanding of the methodological path, especially for students who are beginning in research.
