Qualitative Methods

Welcome to the qualitative methods guide! Here, you will find information on qualitative methods research and ways the Rutgers University library can help you. Additionally, you may find information on upcoming workshops led by our specialist, Anastasia Perez

Workshops

Coming soon!

Glossary

Qualitative Research: A type of research that focuses on collecting and analyzing non-numerical data, like text or descriptions, on gaining a deep understanding of people's experiences, perceptions, beliefs, and motivations, often through methods like in-depth interviews, focus groups, and observations, to answer "why" and "how" questions rather than "how many" or "how much.”
Participant Observation: A method where researchers immerse themselves in a community or setting, observing and interacting to gain deeper insights.
Thematic Analysis: A method for identifying, analyzing, and reporting patterns or themes within qualitative data.
Narrative Analysis: A technique focusing on participants' stories to understand their experiences and perspectives.
Grounded Theory: A method for developing theory grounded in systematically gathered and analyzed data, commonly used for exploratory research.
Field Notes: Detailed notes recorded by researchers during or after their observations, capturing contextual insights and observations.
Reflexivity: The process of reflecting on the researcher’s influence, biases, and assumptions, ensuring transparency and ethical awareness in research.
Positionality: An awareness of how a researcher’s background, identity, and perspective may impact the research process and interpretation.
Focus Group: A qualitative method where a small group discusses a topic guided by a moderator, allowing for interaction and collective insights.
Triangulation: The use of multiple data sources, methods, or researchers to enhance the credibility and validity of research findings.
Case Study: An in-depth analysis of a specific individual, group, or event used to explore complex issues in real-world contexts.
Saturation: The point in data collection when no new themes or insights emerge, indicating sufficient data has been gathered.
Snowball sample: Where a researcher asks people who agree to be interviewed to put him or her in touch with others who fit the criteria
Stratified sample: Some people from each of two or more defined subsamples, such as adults and children 
Purposive Sampling: The process of selecting participants based on specific characteristics relevant to the research question, often used in qualitative studies.
Emic vs. Etic Perspective: Emic refers to understanding from the insider’s (participant's) viewpoint, while etic involves an outsider’s (researcher’s) perspective.
Member Checking: A process where researchers share findings with participants to verify accuracy and resonance with their experiences.
Thick Description: Detailed, contextualized descriptions of social actions and interactions, aiming to convey meaning and cultural context.
Phenomenology: A qualitative approach that seeks to understand and describe individuals’ lived experiences regarding a particular phenomenon.

Qualitative Methods - Graduate Specialists