Conducting Qualitative Research Study: A Step-by-Step Process

Abstract

Recent years have seen an increase in the acceptance and recognition of engineering education research (EER) on a global scale. In particular, over the past ten years, EER has increased in India. Since EER is still in its early stages in India, it is important to comprehend the various EER research methodologies so that the most appropriate ones can be used when carrying out EER-related activities. Three methodologies are used in EER: quantitative, qualitative, and mixed. This paper's goal is to provide a thorough explanation of all the steps used in qualitative research methods for EER, along with relevant examples. Qualitative research is an investigation of a research topic under consideration by collecting non-numerical data to understand perceptions, opinions, experiences or beliefs of individuals or group of individuals. In qualitative research studies, data is collected through interviews, observations, focus group discussions, studying documents, etc. Qualitative research methods are used to fundamentally gain a unique in-depth understanding of a research topic which otherwise is difficult to explore through surveys used in quantitative research.

The various steps involved in a qualitative research study typically consist of (1) concentrating on your interests and choosing a research topic, (2) framing research questions to be investigated, (3) conducting a thorough literature review, (4) choosing/creating an appropriate framework to guide the study, (5) designing the research, (6) choosing the research site and research participants, (7) collecting data, (8) analyzing the collected data, (9) documenting significant findings, and (10) publishing results. Qualitative research has many benefits, including the collection of rich data, detailed evaluation of the data, an open-ended research process, the development of specific insights, etc. As a process document to direct themselves when conducting qualitative research projects, this paper will be helpful to beginning engineering education researchers.