A health researcher's guide to qualitative methodologies.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of qualitative methodologies for health researchers in order to inform better research practices.


METHODS
Different possible goals in health research are outlined: quantifying relationships between variables, identifying associations, exploring experience, understanding process, distinguishing representations, comprehending social practices and achieving change. Three important issues in understanding qualitative approaches to research are discussed: the partiality of our view of the world, deductive and inductive approaches to research, and the role of the researcher in the research process. The methodologies of phenomenology, grounded theory, discourse analysis, ethnography, ethnomethodology and action research are illustrated.


CONCLUSIONS
In order to undertake high-quality qualitative research, it is important for researchers to consider their analytic focus and methodological position.
Dew
Kevin
K
Department of Public Health, University of Otago, New Zealand. kevin.dew@otago.ac.nz
D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D009520:New Zealand; D036301:Qualitative Research