Qualitative research
Research Methods
Definition. Qualitative research studies meanings, experiences and social processes through non-numerical data such as interviews, observations and documents.
Explanation
Its defining features include a naturalistic setting, the researcher as instrument and inductive analysis (Alam & Asmawi, 2024). Reporting guidance increasingly favours a values-based approach that respects the diversity of qualitative traditions (Braun & Clarke, 2025).
Related concepts
Thematic analysis Grounded theory Gioia methodology Mixed methods research Case study research
Read on The Health Topics
- Qualitative Research: Features and Guiding Principles
- Big Q: Guidelines for Qualitative Research Reporting
References
Alam, M. S., & Asmawi, A. (2024). Qualitative research: Defining features and guiding principles. In Forum for Education Studies (Vol. 2, No. 2, p. 1262).
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2025). Reporting guidelines for qualitative research: a values-based approach. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 22 (2), 399–438. https://doi.org/10.1080/14780887.2024.2382244.
Cite this entry: Kurutkan, M. N. (2026). Qualitative research. In The Health Topics glossary. https://healthtopic.org/glossary/qualitative-research/