What is Qualitative in Qualitative Research

TLDR

Qualitative research lacks a precise definition, and the literature on its distinctive qualitative nature is sparse. The article systematically searches, identifies, and analyzes 89 sources that attempt to define “qualitative” research. Using scattered ideas and Becker’s marijuana consumption study, the authors formulate and illustrate a definition capturing qualitative research’s core elements. They define qualitative research as an iterative process that advances scientific understanding by generating significant distinctions through closer engagement with phenomena, offering a tool to improve designs, integrate qualitative dimensions into quantitative work, and bridge gaps between methodological traditions while addressing critiques and providing a standard for evaluation.

Abstract

What is qualitative research? If we look for a precise definition of qualitative research, and specifically for one that addresses its distinctive feature of being "qualitative," the literature is meager. In this article we systematically search, identify and analyze a sample of 89 sources using or attempting to define the term "qualitative." Then, drawing on ideas we find scattered across existing work, and based on Becker's classic study of marijuana consumption, we formulate and illustrate a definition that tries to capture its core elements. We define qualitative research as an iterative process in which improved understanding to the scientific community is achieved by making new significant distinctions resulting from getting closer to the phenomenon studied. This formulation is developed as a tool to help improve research designs while stressing that a qualitative dimension is present in quantitative work as well. Additionally, it can facilitate teaching, communication between researchers, diminish the gap between qualitative and quantitative researchers, help to address critiques of qualitative methods, and be used as a standard of evaluation of qualitative research.