preview

The Importance Of Qualitative Research

Decent Essays

A general definition of research is the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions. Research is an important part of many people’s lives both personally and professionally. What kind of car to buy? What are the most recent therapies to combat breast cancer? What is the best stock to invest in? Research needs to continually and systematically be conducted for society to move forward. Qualitative research is one type of research “that encompasses a number of philosophical orientations and approaches.” Early in the 20th century, scientists, such as anthropologists and sociologists went out into the world to ask the questions of how and why the societal and cultural world was the way that it was. Inquiry was done to better understand social phenomenon. As time went on, different professional fields such as education, law, health, and social work also embraced qualitative research. Today hundreds of books and journals exist on qualitative research, as well as various strategies, paradigms, and methods for conducting such research.
The definition and meaning of qualitative research is broad and complex. There have been philosophical, historical and disciplinary influences on the emergence of qualitative research. Basically, qualitative research is conducted to discover what type of meaning people have given to the world. Researchers are interested in finding out how people are able to make

Get Access