Resources > Resource Packs > Introduction to Qualitative Research

There are broadly two approaches to collecting information for research purposes: quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative research is concerned with investigating things which can be observed and measured in some way. Such observations and measurements can be made objectively and repeated by other researchers. Qualitative research on the other hand is concerned with developing explanations of social phenomena. It aims to understand the world in which we live and why things are the way they are. It is concerned with the opinions, experiences and feelings of individuals and this produces subjective data.

This resource pack has a general introduction into the nature of qualitative research. It includes identification of the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research in a brief comparison with quantitative research. The main qualitative approaches and way of collecting information are described, and guidance is given on techniques for analysing and presenting information. The purpose is for primary health care professionals to gain a basic understanding of qualitative research and show the potential for this type of research in primary health care.

This resource packs suggests further reading.


Download a pdf version of Introduction to Qualitative Research (updated 2007)

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