Learn to Count Qualitative Methods
Qualitative methods study how and why things happen through stories, observations, and deep engagement. Interviews, ethnography (immersive observation), focus groups, content analysis. These methods reveal context that pure numbers miss.
The Core Idea
Qualitative research asks: what does this mean? How does it feel? Why does this happen? Example: you could survey 1000 kids on anxiety levels (quantitative) OR interview 10 deeply about what triggers their anxiety (qualitative). Both are valuable. Qualitative is intensive but rich.
Common Methods
Semi-structured interview: guided questions + follow-up freedom. Ethnography: live among the group youre studying. Focus group: 6-10 people discuss a topic. Case study: deep dive into one organization. Content analysis: systematic review of documents. Each method suits different questions.
What does ethnography involve?
Going Deeper
Margaret Mead lived with Samoan families in the 1920s to write "Coming of Age in Samoa." Clifford Geertz studied Balinese cockfights for cultural meaning. Ethnography can take years but produces rich understanding. Qualitative research has its own rigor and elegance.
Mini Interview
Observation
Can qualitative research be rigorous?
Who famously studied Samoa?
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