The real-world setting is the first characteristic of qualitative research In qualitative research methods like observation method, ethnographic research, focus group, one-to-one interviews, the behavior of the participants of study is observed, and the conclusion is drawn based on their answers and their behavior

Grounded theory has considerable significance because it (a) provides explicit, sequential guidelines for conducting qualitative research; (b) offers specific strategies for handling the analytic phases of inquiry; (c) streamlines and integrates data collection and analysis; (d) advances conceptual analysis of

Theoretical memoing is “the core stage of grounded theory methodology” (Glaser 1998) “Memos are the theorizing write-up of ideas about substantive codes and their theoretically coded relationships as they emerge during coding, collecting and analyzing data, and during memoing” (Glaser 1998)

Characteristics of Qualitative Observational Research

• Naturalistic Inquiry Qualitative observational research is naturalistic because it studies a group in its natural setting
• Inductive analysis
• Holistic perspective
• Personal contact and insight
• Dynamic systems
• Unique case orientation
• Context sensitivity
• Empathic neutrality

Characteristics of Research

• The research should focus on priority problems
• The research should be systematic
• The research should be logical
• The research should be reductive
• The research should be replicable
• The research should be generative
• The research should be action-oriented

Quantitative research is more preferred over qualitative research because it is more scientific, objective, fast, focused and acceptable However, qualitative research is used when the researcher has no idea what to expect It is used to define the problem or develop and approach to the problem

Qualitative observations are made when you use your senses to observe the results (Sight, smell, touch, taste and hear) Quantitative observations are made with instruments such as rulers, balances, graduated cylinders, beakers, and thermometers These results are measurable

Examples of quantitative observation include age, weight, height, length, population, size and other numerical values while examples of qualitative observation are color, smell, taste, touch or feeling, typology, and shapes

Most data can be put into the following categories: Qualitative12 Data: Quantitative Data & Qualitative Data

Some examples of qualitative observations are texture (smooth or rough), taste (sweet or salty), temperature (hot or cold), and even mood (angry or happy) We use qualitative observations every day, from buying vegetables in the grocery store to assessing employees in our workplace

A popular and helpful categorization separate qualitative methods into five groups: ethnography, narrative, phenomenological, grounded theory, and case study John Creswell outlines these five methods in Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design

Scientific Observation Examples

• A scientist looking at a chemical reaction in an experiment
• A doctor watching a patient after administering an injection
• An astronomer looking at the night sky and recording data regarding the movement and brightness of the objects he sees