If you want to become a successful qualitative researcher then there is a need to understand these techniques and methods.
The job responsibilities in Qualitative Research include designing, formulation and conducting of Social Research Projects. Working as a Qualitative Researcher, individuals are required to assemble various kinds of information, assess them and thereon evaluate them to frame an organized and precise report demonstrated verbally or in a written form.
Moreover, they will constantly need to judge and evaluate their own research and question the existing norms. In case of any unusual event it is the task of the researcher to get beyond the basics of what, when, how and where. This is especially significant in the human behavior research patterns. For example, survey research dealing with consumer products is qualitative, along with being quantitative. The survey results that they come up with contribute to the further shaping of future policy and also help measure the credibility of the existing ones.
There are certain qualitative research methods that provide you with theoretical scientific validity, along with providing you with a deeper insight to such methodologies.
1. To implement qualitative research methods you should understand the basic differences between the two research methods and then choose your career option.
2. Your selection of topics should be based on comprehensive and in-depth understanding. You can implement qualitative research methods by writing down questions that require such answers.
3. Qualitative research methods need to be understood in details, and all experiments should be coordinated with this notion. You should be able to select the apt qualitative method for a particular research like phenomenon, case study, grounded theory, ethnography and historical.
4. The research design and method of data collection should compliment your hypothesis. You need to set a realistic time period for the research along with budget restrictions. Other considerations here include a selection of apt implementation procedures like interactive interviewing, written descriptions, and observation techniques to collect the required information.
In general, individuals with a Degree in any discipline can enter this job sector. But employers tend to prefer candidates with a relevant background in the Social Sciences. Hence a degree in Sociology, Politics, Social Policy, Economics, Business Studies, Psychology, Statistics or Mathematics is surely more suitable.
Candidates can directly start with a career in Qualitative Research once they have attained a degree in relevant discipline. But recently employers prefer other criteria including a Masters Degree in Social Research, an MSc, MPhil or PhD in any of the Social Sciences as well.
A qualitative researcher can be involved in any market, which is mainly centered on consumer products. But the qualitative analysis systems is a time consuming process which requires a lot more effort when compared to quantitative research.
Different methods can be used for this including non-reactive observation like content analysis, where the subject is not aware about the observational method.
As the job of qualitative research includes collection of data, analysis, and reporting findings, things can get complicated with overlapping reports. Hence professionals need to have necessary technical skills to use computer software programs for qualitative data interpretation for successful understanding.
He/she needs to have the necessary focus to understand the in-depth consumer behavior. Subjective analysis of data can prevent significant losses, and improvise consumer-producer relations.
The researcher should also have the skill to put away all personal biases which may significantly affect the analytical process and its final outcome.
Training for this job mostly takes place right on the job. Researchers get to learn from their seniors and colleagues. An added advantage can be drawn from certain pertinent external courses in Statistical Methods, Evaluation Skills, and Presentation Techniques.
Candidates can also join extensive training programs run by the Social Research Association focusing on lectures, seminars, workshops, quantitative data analysis, research management and report writing. You can also check out with the Government Social Research (GSR) Unit for other information if you want to train for a career in qualitative social research in any of the government departments.
A few years of previous work experience in a relevant field may be helpful when getting job in the field of qualitative research. This will prove that a candidate has quality communication skills, time management skills, the capacity to organize effectively, and has the ability to work and perform even under pressure.
Right now there are thousands of qualitative researchers working in the various government departments and policy administration agencies throughout the country. Highly qualified qualitative researchers can either work in specialized research centers or in University teaching departments on a contract basis. A considerable number of qualitative researchers are also employed by business organizations as well as non profit organizations.
Qualitative researchers are well paid while at the same time they enjoy this mentally satisfying job identifying the problems of the consumers. This subjective analysis helps in improving a product and modifying it as per the demands of the consumer. The salaries of qualitative researches can range from $20,000 for beginners and go up to $65,000 for experienced researchers.
