1.5 Qualitative Research

Learning Outcomes

After completing this module, the student will be able to:

  • Articulate the purpose and significance of qualitative research methods.
  • Determine when it is appropriate to use qualitative methods to address research question(s).
  • Illustrate ethical considerations in the conduct of qualitative methods.
  • Define the major qualitative research techniques, their strengths, limitations, and contexts in which they are best used.
  • Define and illustrate the importance of “Community-based Participatory Research” (CBPR) as a research design often involving qualitative methods.

Content created by Lois McCloskey, DrPH, Associate Professor, Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health and Lisa J. Messersmith, PhD, Associate Professor, Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health.