How to design an appropriate qualitative research model?

Designing an appropriate qualitative research model requires careful planning to systematically answer research questions through non-numerical data. It is feasible by deliberately selecting and aligning epistemological assumptions, methodological strategies, and specific data collection/analysis methods. The core principle involves coherence between the research question, philosophical stance (e.g., interpretivism, constructivism), and chosen methodology (e.g., ethnography, phenomenology, grounded theory). Purposeful sampling is critical to identify information-rich participants relevant to the inquiry. Rigorous data collection techniques—interviews, focus groups, observations, document analysis—must match the methodology and address the question. Ensuring trustworthiness through strategies like triangulation, member checking, reflexivity, and thick description is essential. Ethical considerations permeate the entire design process. Begin by clearly defining the research problem and questions suitable for qualitative exploration. Select a guiding methodological framework aligned with your ontological and epistemological position. Develop a detailed plan for participant recruitment (sampling strategy), data collection procedures (specific techniques), and data analysis methods (e.g., thematic analysis, narrative analysis). Integrate ethical safeguards and procedures for ensuring credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. Implement the design iteratively, allowing for emerging insights to refine subsequent data collection, leading to rich findings and insightful interpretations.