Qualitative research designs, also referred to as qualitative research types, are the strategies or blueprints chosen by researchers to structure their qualitative research studies. These designs guide the methods and procedures used in the study, including data collection and analysis.
Common types of qualitative research designs include:
Case Study: This design focuses on an in-depth analysis of a particular case, which could be an individual, group, or event.
Ethnography: This design involves studying a culture or social group over an extended period of time.
Grounded Theory: This design is used to develop a theory that explains patterns in data, and is grounded in reality.
Narrative Research: This design focuses on studying a single person’s life and experiences as told through their stories.
Phenomenology: This design is used to understand the lived experiences of individuals around a certain phenomenon.
Each of these designs serves a unique purpose and is chosen based on the research question, the researcher’s philosophical orientation, and the practical considerations of the study.
