Qualitative Description as an Introductory Method to Qualitative Research for Master’s-Level Students and Research Trainees

IF 3.9 2区社会学 Q1 SOCIAL SCIENCES, INTERDISCIPLINARY

International Journal of Qualitative Methods Pub Date : 2024-01-01 DOI:10.1177/16094069241242264

Steven Hall, Linda Liebenberg

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Abstract

Qualitative description (QD) offers an accessible entry point for master’s-level students and research trainees embarking on a qualitative research learning journey, emphasizing direct, rich descriptions of experiences and events without extensive theorization or abstraction. This method, rooted in naturalistic inquiry, allows for flexibility in theoretical approaches, sampling techniques, and data collection strategies, making it well-suited for a wide range of disciplines, particularly in health research. QD’s strengths lie in its straightforward approach, focusing on participants’ perspectives and staying close to the data. Despite its advantages, QD faces challenges regarding perceived academic credibility and its limited contribution to theoretical development due to its simplicity and focus on low inference interpretation. Nonetheless, QD’s role in fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, and an understanding of qualitative methodologies in novice researchers highlights its significance as a foundational method in qualitative research education.

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定性描述作为硕士生和研究实习生定性研究的入门方法

定性描述（QD）为开始定性研究学习之旅的硕士生和研究实习生提供了一个容易接受的切入点，它强调对经验和事件进行直接、丰富的描述，而不需要大量的理论化或抽象化。这种方法植根于自然探究，可以灵活运用理论方法、取样技术和数据收集策略，因此非常适合各种学科，尤其是健康研究。QD 的优势在于其直截了当的方法，注重参与者的观点，贴近数据。尽管 QD 有其优势，但也面临着学术可信度方面的挑战，而且由于其简单性和注重低推理解释，QD 对理论发展的贡献有限。尽管如此，定性研究方法在培养新研究人员的批判性思维、分析能力和对定性方法的理解方面所起的作用，凸显了它作为定性研究教育中一种基础方法的重要意义。

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来源期刊

International Journal of Qualitative Methods SOCIAL SCIENCES, INTERDISCIPLINARY-

CiteScore

6.90

自引率

11.10%

发文量

139

审稿时长

12 weeks

期刊介绍： Journal Highlights Impact Factor: 5.4 Ranked 5/110 in Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary – SSCI Indexed In: Clarivate Analytics: Social Science Citation Index, the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), and Scopus Launched In: 2002 Publication is subject to payment of an article processing charge (APC) Submit here International Journal of Qualitative Methods (IJQM) is a peer-reviewed open access journal which focuses on methodological advances, innovations, and insights in qualitative or mixed methods studies. Please see the Aims and Scope tab for further information.