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Qualitative Research Methods

ProtoGenie developers are currently launching a development program that will build on ProtoGenie's generic foundation to support qualitative research methods.  Many qualitative method researchers feel that the benefits of statistically-based "quantitative" research are seriously limited because, in their opinion, the formal logic of quantitative research ignores context and concentrates on fragments of phenomena instead of phenomena as wholes.  Moreover, these critics contend that the users of quantitative research methods tend to make the mistake of believing that their models "are" reality rather than formalistic "depictions of reality" and do not recognize that such depictions are heavily influenced by subjective perceptions and predispositions.  
 
Nevertheless, most researchers agree that both qualitative research and quantitative research are necessary.  There continues to be considerable specialization in one or the other method through personal and disciplinary preference and philosophical dispositions.  However, there is a trend toward using both methods in the same study.  One version of this employs the methods sequentially, as in the case of an "exploratory" phase from which population information and null hypotheses are gleaned for use in a quantitative phase.  Other studies use these methods in combination, as in gathering contextual information using qualitative research methods for use in quantitative models.
 
To develop a strong capability to support qualitative research methods, ProtoGenie has added another "category" of research methods called "Qualitative Methods" to our original list of methods, which included archival research, case study research, clinical trials, classical & quasi experimental designs, cohort research, laboratory experiments, observational research, and combined methods research. 
 
Among the "Types" of methods that will be supported under qualitative research methods are:
 
  •   Participant Observation 
  •   Direct Observation, 
  •   Unstructured Interviewing 
  •   Case Studies
  •   Content Analysis
  •   Focus Groups

    The capability to conduct qualitative research already exists to a considerable extent in ProtoGenie's generic design and wide-ranging tools.  For example, ProtoGenie supports "seat-of-the-pants" or "on-the-fly" operations such that researchers at any time can stop the execution of a protocol, change a stimulus or measurement, and resume the protocol.   The next step is to build on the generic design of ProtoGenie and its wide array of tools and to add features to support specific operations as in conducting focus group or participant observation studies.

    We welcome the input of researchers who are experienced in qualitative research and we are looking for opportunities to work with individuals and groups in institutional settings toward the development of qualitative applications in those settings.  To contact us with your suggestions for this program or to express your interests in participating in the collaborative development of ProtoGenie to fit your departmental or institutional needs, click here.