Qualitative research is an approach in the research field that is used the gathering of data to enable one to gain an understanding of social life in specific target populations. The differences between qualitative and quantitative research are the use and non-use of numerical data. It is also used to determine the preference in music where qualitative research focuses on understanding the motivation and opinions towards certain types of music. Consequently, qualitative research focuses on the numerical aspect gathered concerning music interests. In the primary analysis, one is obliged to understand the purpose of the study while using methods such as interviews, observations and surveys. These methods have distinct aims in attaining the results of the research. The exploration also looks at the interpretive and critical methods employed to gain understanding and social justice.
A qualitative research method involves the collection and analysis of non-numerical data. It further entails interpreting this data to help one comprehend social life through the examination of specific places or even populations. In the field of sociology, this type of research enables researchers to examine the meaning people give to their activities, behaviours and interactions (Taylor, 2015). Qualitative research is empirical. Data is collected through direct observation, open-ended surveys, focus groups, interviews, content analysis and oral history. Additionally, participant and ethnographic observation are other methods that can be employed.
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The exploratory qualitative research aims to find out the reasons to, motivations and opinions of people in particular issues. It is used in small size population by observations or participation. One can additionally use interviews to collect this data. Quantitative research is employed to find out the numerical information that can be converted into statistical data (Choy, 2014). Therefore quantitative analysis will objectify finding the number of opinions, behaviour and also attitudes. It is used in large populations, and the methods to collect data involve surveys, and systematic observations. Some of these evaluations may be online surveys, telephone interviews and online polls. When researching music preference, qualitative or quantitative methods may be used. Qualitative research will involve finding out the styles of music choices between a set target groups. It will consider the characteristics such as instrumentation and lyrics and the responses concerning music options. It will further find out the reasons where particular demography may prefer a specific genre of music. For example, why would Christians prefer gospel music? In quantitative research, the study will aim at finding out the number of people that prefer a particular type of music. It also focuses on the statistics on which artists’ targets their audiences. The quantitative data is used to make a comparison of different groups’ music taste.
In the primary research, one can involve the use of interviews, surveys and observation. When involving interviews, the researcher aims to find out the personal perception of an individual. This method depends on the ability of the investigator to make interrogations. He or she uses open-ended questions to make inquiries, therefore, enabling them to establish profound insights into the respondents’ opinions and perceptions. The research questions are developed and may involve structured semi-structured and unstructured formats. In structured consultations, predetermined questions are conveyed to the interviewees. The exploration is forthright as the researcher can match and distinguish the different responses provided for the same problem (Driscoll, 2011 ). When involving unstructured interviews, the research questions are not prearranged; therefore, may result in biases. The semi-structured approach the interviewer establishes the problem that is given to the respondents besides including more question during the interview to seek further clarifications on specific matters.
When using surveys, the researcher gathers the respondent’s information that is provided. In this approach, the examiner employs open-ended and close-ended questions to collect data. It is essential to make the survey short so as not to lose the interest of the person they are taking data from. It focuses on identifying opinions, behaviour, experiences and preference responses from the target (Driscoll, 2011). The information collected reflects individual and demographic feedback. It involves sampling techniques, as it is not applicable to collect data from a whole population. For its effectiveness, the individuals involved have to possess characters that mirror the people targeted. This approach also aims to gain data from a diverse category, for instance, conducting a survey in rural and urban settings or using both women and men. The methods used in the collection of data encompass questionnaires and interviews. The questionnaires have demographic questions that are mailed to participants or used directly; hence exploiting various techniques in the survey will guarantee enhanced coverage. The interviews used in investigation aim to identify nonverbal and visual reactions. Use of surveys is useful and would necessarily work in the current digital world by utilizing online resources. It is more convenient as the respondent can reply to the questions and send them back to the researcher in due time.
Additionally, they use observation of targeted populations. The researcher aims to collect data without interfering with society. The reaction is recorded to develop interpretations on beliefs, behaviours and attitudes (Driscoll, 2011). The primary research is conducted in the natural environment. Apart from recording the observation, sustained engagement in the location is used. Furthermore, the researcher uses tactical inventions to establish a comprehensive understanding of the target's interest. When using participant observation, the researcher involves them in the environment while maintaining a professional distance as they collect the data. They can also use non-participant observation, where they acquire data without interaction with the target population.
While interpretive approaches focus on prejudiced involvement, small engagements and comprehension, critical approaches centre on the way power shape understanding and experience. The interpretive method is based on a specific discipline. An interpretive process looks at the meanings that are socially constructed through human or human to object interactions (Hesse-Biber, 2010). The human interpretation is at the centre of these meanings. The most significant methods of gaining knowledge are the importance of traditional perspective and experience. Therefore in the effort towards understanding social reality, one has to focus on the viewpoint involved. It may include symbolic interactionism, where meaning is communicated through mutual symbols. It considers the different behaviours expressed by different individuals in distinctive conditions and towards different objects encountered. Therefore the sources of these disparate reactions are used to bestow meaning to specific individuals. Interpretive research also involves dramaturgy where people’s actions are analyzed depending on the behaviours they exhibit in front of others, besides when isolated from social reality. Additionally, phenomenology in interpretive approach centres on how individuals are conscious of their practice.
Multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary situations are involved in critical approaches. This approach understands that power has been created and recreated depend on the shifting power. The critical approach looks at the society, which follows the majority’s idea about power. The knowledge in this research is acquired through the study of different power shifting grounds (Hesse-Biber, 2010). This approach aims to look at other ideologies apart from the socially constructed dominant beliefs. It, therefore, establishes a platform to tackle hegemonic knowledge development that weakens oppressive substantial and representative supremacy relations. For instance, in the struggle towards gaining social justice, feminist perspectives are established to discourse women and girls concerns that had earlier been debarred from knowledge composition. It assumes that different assessments are indispensable in the classified society. Knowledge seeking implies gaining and understanding of the manifestation of social behaviour while social justices aim to bring balance, fairness and equality in the community.
Conclusion
When conducting research, it is necessary to have an objective. It shapes and determines how research is lead. For instance, if one desires statistical data, they will opt for quantitative analysis as opposed to qualitative research. The study generally provides us with the causes of a particular behaviour. The target population ought to be carefully selected, depend on the method of analysis on applies. The use of interviews, observation and survey should contain inquiry that helps the researcher gather the information that is sufficient for evaluation. Interpretive and critical approaches provide the researcher with the knowledge that entails meaning is socially constructed variables. The interpretive approach is more inclined to human interactions that structure the understanding of social reality. Consequently, the critical approach enables one to have a more diverse understanding considering historical aspects.
References
Choy, L. T. (2014). The strengths and weaknesses of research methodology: Comparison and complimentary between qualitative and quantitative approaches. IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science , 19 (4), 99-104.
Driscoll, D. L. (2011). Introduction to primary research: Observations, surveys, and interviews. Writing spaces: Readings on writing , 2 , 153-174.
Hesse-Biber, S. N., & Leavy, P. (2010). The practice of qualitative research . Sage.
Taylor, S. J., Bogdan, R., & DeVault, M. (2015). Introduction to qualitative research methods: A guidebook and resource . John Wiley & Sons.
