Research Process: An overview of the Qualitative Approach

Abstract

Introduction: Research process is tedious to even professionals let alone the neophytes in the field. Breaking down the process will help to make the process seamless for all researchers. The qualitative design seems more intriguing as its rigors and methods transcend beyond the traditional methods. Purpose: This essay aims to shed light on the Research Process with emphasis on the qualitative approach. Summary: The essay explains 'research problem' and 'research question,' emphasizing how and why they are identified and developed. The essay also describes 'literature review,' with emphasis on why and how it is done. The essay equally explains what design means in research. Furthermore, the essay explains sample selection and the significance of sample size in research. Finally, the essay examines qualitative research vis-à-vis data collection and tools involved, data analysis and tools used, and how 'result' is reported and its significance. Conclusion: A research problem is a difficult situation, a dicey phenomenon, an event with contradictory causes or explanations, gaps in knowledge, or missing points in a theme that a researcher aims to address. Research problems are usually identified from two main sources: real-life experience, and the scholarly arena.