Abstract
Qualitative research is featuring more frequently in health sciences research, a field in which the ‘hard sciences’ and statistics have traditionally dominated. For example, within the fields of exercise science and sports medicine, qualitative research methods are included to evaluate intervention programmes. These methods are also being used in studies that require measurement of behavioural perspectives, such as an understanding of individuals’ motivations, attitudes, beliefs and perceptions. Qualitative research methods are also becoming increasingly useful in the investigation of contextual factors that impact on physical activity and sporting performance. The purpose of this article is to clarify the role of qualitative research in exercise science and sports medicine and provide the reader with a basic understanding of the basis of qualitative research. Qualitative data collection and analysis, sampling strategies in qualitative research, the role of the qualitative researcher, and issues of scientific rigour regarding qualitative research will be addressed.
Highlights
Qualitative research methods are the strategies used in the process of collecting, organising and interpreting text obtained through observation, or from communication with individuals or groups.[1]
The purpose of this article is to clarify the role of qualitative research in exercise science and sports medicine and provide the reader with a basic understanding of qualitative research
Where qualitative research is used in exercise science and sports medicine Within the fields of exercise science and sports medicine, qualitative research methods are being included more frequently in studies designed to evaluate programmes
Summary
Qualitative, in the context of research, refers to ‘quality in the sense of hallmarks, features, character, nuances, complexity, or nature of the phenomenon under study’.1 Qualitative research methods are the strategies used in the process of collecting, organising and interpreting text obtained through observation, or from communication with individuals or groups.[1]. In programme evaluation qualitative research methods are helpful when evaluating less tangible outcomes that are difficult to quantify, e.g. an evaluation of the participants’ experiences of the programme. If these methods are properly implemented they can provide valuable insight into factors contributing to success and/ or failure of programmes, including both individual and contextual factors, as well as the strengths and weakness of a programme. Sometimes studies in exercise science and sports medicine require measurement of behavioural perspectives such as an understanding of individuals’ motivations, attitudes, beliefs and perceptions These factors are difficult to assess without using qualitative research methods. Qualitative methods are becoming increasingly useful in the investigation of contextual factors that impact on physical activity and sporting performance
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