Module 3 Assignment 1

Qualitative Research

A qualitative research design basically involves the collection of extensive amounts of narrative and written data via interviews in order to gain insight into behavioral science events, occurrences, strategies, and phenomena. The data analysis technique employed involves coding data and producing or developing a verbal synthesis (inductive process). Research using the qualitative approach includes historical and ethnographic research. Historical research involves the study of the past, while ethnographic research is the study of current events rather than historical ones.

The ethnographic approach to qualitative research design concerns the present and involves an extensive investigation of narrative (nonnumerical) data undertaken on many variables over an extended period of time in a naturalistic setting. The methods often used by the research investigator to garner the necessary data are the use of extensive observations, in-depth interviews, and case studies.

Some examples of historical qualitative research in behavioral sciences are studying the factors leading to the development of a code of ethics for forensic psychology professionals, the effects of Supreme Court rulings on pedophiles, or even trends in expert testimony. Examples of ethnographic research studies might include a case study of the different types of learning mediums for forensic psychology professionals, a multicase study of the sexual harassment of employees in a work environment, or a forensic expert studying jurist communication systems.

To further explore qualitative research, take a moment to read the following article from the Argosy University online library resources (Click the “Look for Full Text” link): Qualitative Research Methods. The Fifth Force in Psychology

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