J Prev Med Public Health.
2023 Mar;56(2):100-110. 10.3961/jpmph.22.471.
Qualitative Research in Healthcare: Data Analysis
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Preventive Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
- 2Ulsan Metropolitan City Public Health Policy’s Institute, Ulsan, Korea
- 3Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- KMID: 2540839
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.22.471
Abstract
- Qualitative research methodology has been applied with increasing frequency in various fields, including in healthcare research, where quantitative research methodology has traditionally dominated, with an empirically driven approach involving statistical analysis. Drawing upon artifacts and verbal data collected from in-depth interviews or participatory observations, qualitative research examines the comprehensive experiences of research participants who have experienced salient yet unappreciated phenomena. In this study, we review 6 representative qualitative research methodologies in terms of their characteristics and analysis methods: consensual qualitative research, phenomenological research, qualitative case study, grounded theory, photovoice, and content analysis. We mainly focus on specific aspects of data analysis and the description of results, while also providing a brief overview of each methodology’s philosophical background. Furthermore, since quantitative researchers have criticized qualitative research methodology for its perceived lack of validity, we examine various validation methods of qualitative research. This review article intends to assist researchers in employing an ideal qualitative research methodology and in reviewing and evaluating qualitative research with proper standards and criteria.
