Qualitative methods in physical activity research: An overview

Abstract

Physical activity research is dominated by quantitative methods of data collection. However, qualitative methods have been integrated into some physical activity research to better our understanding of people's perceptions and beliefs about physical activity, physical activity interventions, and physical and social environments that impact their physical activity. In physical activity research, these data are typically collected by interview or focus groups, and less frequently by observation and document review. As described by Steckler, McLeroy et al. (1992), in health research in general, qualitative methods are used to compliment quantitative methods in four ways. First, qualitative data are collected to inform the development of survey questions that are appropriate to the population targeted in the research. Second, qualitative data are collected after the collection of quantitative data to explain and understand the quantitative findings. Third, qualitative methods are used to understand a problem, and quantitative data are then collected to verify the qualitative findings and document the magnitude of the problem in the larger population. Last, qualitative and quantitative methods are used in tandem to meet study objectives. This presentation will discuss each of these ways of integrating quantitative and qualitative methods and will provide practical examples from physical activity research.