Getting Started with Qualitative Research Methods
Summarized by Jessica L. Walter, Ed.D., M.A.
Vice Chair, Scholarship Committee, Western Regional Representative
The following insights are derived from the recent primer, “Getting Started with Qualitative Research Methods,” presented by Nicolas Fernandez, Ph.D., Associate Professor at the Université de Montréal, at the September 2025 Virtual Research Roundtable (VRR).
Key Takeaways: Getting Started with Qualitative Research Methods
Research is understood to exist on a continuum from descriptive to interpretation to experimental. Qualitative research helps us along this continuum, and both requires and possesses scientific rigor, though achieved through different means than quantitative methods.
The basis of qualitative research
Researchers must address foundational philosophical concepts when framing their work. This starts with ontology, addressing the question of “What is real?” Epistemology addresses the question of “How it is known?” These questions can be approached through a positivist mindset (evidence derived from knowledge) or pragmatic mindset (meaning derived from experience). In practice, science draws on both ways of knowing. Let’s look at how qualitative methods helps informs science
Qualitative methods are primarily suitable in situations such as the following: First, when there is limited information available (“What?” questions). They are also used to explore how people experience phenomena (see, feel, etc.) or when the goal is “Why?” or “How?” (to dig deeper). In quantitative research, questions are different because they aim to test hypotheses about relationships between variables.
Unlike quantitative questions answered via numbers and deductive reasoning, qualitative questions utilize semantic data and inductive reasoning. Semantic data encompasses a wide range of formats, including verbal, textual, visual, interview data, and observations. The core process involves “listening to the voices in the words” to uncover themes and findings.
Getting started with qualitative methods
Qualitative research typically starts with defining the research question. Unless employing grounded theory (which is rare), qualitative research adopts a conceptual framework that grounds the current research question in prior knowledge. After data is collected, analysis involves several critical steps:
- Coding, which requires multiple reviews.
- Analysis, which may include discourse, structural, or thematic analysis (the most common type).
- For research validity and rigor, interpretation must include checks and balances. Three of the more common methods are:
- Reflexivity
- Triangulation
- Member checking
Practical considerations for researchers
- Saturation: Researchers typically reach saturation around 12 interviews, though this number can vary depending on the study.
- Themes: Many published papers limit their final reporting to 3 to 5 themes.
- Research Team Dynamics: Qualitative research is best done with friends! The stages of coding, developing themes, and structuring findings necessitate consistent conversation with other people.
View a recording of this VRR. Learn more about upcoming VRR, virtual journal clubs, and workshops.
