qualitative approach says only real way to find out about the subject reality of our research participants its to ask them, and athe answer will come back in words, not numbers.

Qualaitative= data in text form

Quantitative= data in numbers

Data are plural and given either from quantative obs/ measurement or qualitative discussion. Data are not the same thing as information.

Information is something you hope to get from the data once you have analyzed them.

Changing Realities;

-researcher's reality

-research participant's reality

-the mutual reality of the researcher and research participant

Value awareness: putting aside your own values when researching

Disinterested: Ability to accept evidence running against your values

Quantitiative researchers: putting values aside

Qualitiative researchers: emersion in values

A qualitative studay has thirteen sequential steps. On the other hand qualitative does not have specific steps. Stactivities are phases interacting with each other (8 phases)fig. 6.1

The phases (listed out):

Problem identification and Question formulation

- Identify a problem

- Formulate research question (eg. do ethnic minorities have access to health services) include your key concepts in your question

Designing the Research Study

- Create list of key concepts and only loosly defined variables

- Select a qualitative research approach by asking yourself a series of (6) basic intuitive questions (p. 140)

- A common design type is the Case Study

major qualitative research design. A case can be a person, group, community, org, or event. Many social phenomena within any one case.

Phase 4

Collecting the Data

-Interview is interactive. Immerse yourself into research setting (eg. understand being social service client)

-Collection process vulnerable to bias. Be aware of biases

- data collection is two way street. Listen/explain understanding

- Collection involves multiple data sources and multiple collection methods

Analyzing and Interpreting the Data

Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting the data are intermingled. Read data you collected and simply look for patterns, themes. Don't impose outside meaning to your data. Capture participant experience.

Presentation and Dissemination of Findings

- Lengthier than Quantitative

- Present text quotes and summary notes (rather than tables/graphs)

-Philosophical differences

-Perceptions of reality

-Ways of knowing

-Value bases

-Applications

quan = single reality outside of person

qual = each person has own reality

quan = examining specific parts of experiences (w/ rules/tests)

qual = examining the whole experience of a few cases

quan =

qual =