MSLD 500 Module 6- Qualitative Research

Though numerical results tend to provide some evidence and understanding to research, analyzing another research or thought provides researchers the opportunity to not only gain understanding, but also apply and establish further thinking. This is also known as qualitative research: a research that produces findings without statistical or any quantification (Hoepfl, 1997).

Qualitative research is often found to be richer in information compared to quantitative research. Numbers might be used as proof or see some sort of trend, but numbers itself isn’t enough for critical thinking. The hiring process might come across and notice this difference. Grade point averages (GPA) are often shown in one’s resume to inform the reader that they have prior education. People will almost always assume that ones with a high GPA is highly intelligent. Though the number does stand out and might be desirable, a high GPA doesn’t always mean that they are qualified for the job. Since GPA itself does not provide enough information, we do job interviews to gather further information. After conducting interviews, you apply your “research”. For this case, maybe you are looking for someone who has excellent computer programming skills. The person with the high GPA seemed like he was qualified, but during the interview, you realize that the person did get a high GPA on a computer programming education, but never had enough hands-on experience. You then apply this knowledge to your preference to determine whether the individual is or is not qualified for the position.

Personally, I believe the whole concept of qualitative research is similar to the systems of thinking. Systems of thinking is the concept of thinking of the main idea by breaking it down to smaller pieces (Nosich, 2012). Just like looking at numbers, looking at “the top of the pile” results in insufficient information. Qualitative research is rich in details because they look at the big picture and break it down smaller to understand and come up with other thoughts. Businesses often come across approach. As an example, people may persuade a business to establish a particular product because it’s a current trend. As the owner of the business, you may assume that following trends are a good thing, but for your business specifically, you might ask yourself, “is this trend a good idea”? You then breakdown this idea and analyze other similar businesses and consider other factors such as location to determine whether the idea is good or not: another thought.

Sources

Hoepfl, M. (1997). Choosing Qualitative Research: A Primer for Technology Education Researchers. Journal of Technology Education, 9(1). Retrieved from http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JTE/v9n1/hoepfl.html

Nosich, G. (2012). Learning to Think Things Through: A Guide to Critical Thinking Across the Curriculum. Boston: Pearson Education.