What is Qualitative Research?

Abstract

What is qualitative research?" "Is it a valid research methodology?" A few years ago I submitted a manuscript of my dissertation research that utilized a qualitative research method for possible publication. These were the comments I received from one of the reviewers. In our science-based world as medical laboratory professionals, we focus on the numbers. What are the standard deviation, the coefficient of variation, and the p value? What does a ROC curve or an ANOVA comparison indicate? We are accustomed to analyzing numbers, Levey-Jennings control charts, and graphs. However, even in our world of numbers some information is best collected and analyzed utilizing a qualitative research method.