Qualitative Research

The databases used for the literature search will vary according to the topic of the qualitative research. Some of the major databases used for this purpose are listed below.

Other useful resources

​SAGE Video

SAGE Research Methods

SAGE Research Methods is a research methods tool created to help researchers, faculty and students with their research projects. Researchers can explore methods concepts to help them design research projects, understand particular methods or identify a new method, conduct their research, and write up their findings. Since SAGE Research Methods focuses on methodology rather than disciplines, and so can be used in health sciences, social sciences and other disciplines.

Type “Qualitative Research” in the search box to see a large range of resources on the topic. Alternatively, click on “Methods Lists” – “All Methods Lists” to select – “Qualitative Research” or “Qualitative Data Analysis”

Another way of doing this is to select the “Methods Map” – pulldown box from “Methodologies” and then make the following choices:

Methodology »  Concepts & philosophies »  Research methods »  Qualitative research

Cochrane Qualitative and Implementation Methods Group

The focus of this group is on methods and processes involved in the synthesis of qualitative evidence and the integration of qualitative evidence with Cochrane intervention reviews of effects. The purpose being to advise the Cochrane Collaboration and its network of people on policy and practice and qualitative evidence synthesis, develop and maintain methodological guidance, and provide training to those undertaking Cochrane reviews. 

Source: Joanna Briggs Institute. (2011). Joanna Briggs Institute reviewers' manual: 2011 edition. Retrieved from http://joannabriggs.org/assets/docs/sumari/reviewersmanual-2011.pdf

Encyclopaedias, Dictionaries, Handbooks

Websites

A guide to using Qualitative research methodology

This guide to using qualitative research methodology is designed to help you think about all the steps you need to take to ensure that you produce a good quality piece of work. The guide starts by telling you what qualitative methodology is and when to use it in the field (understand people’s belief system, perspectives, experiences). It also flags the most important ethical issues that you will encounter.

The second part of the guide tackles how you can concretely develop qualitative research designs. The third part details how you can actually obtain the data - what methods can you use to get the information you want?

How to use qualitative research evidence when making decisions about interventions

This guide has been developed to help people working in health promotion and disease prevention to make better use of qualitative research evidence. Qualitative research can provide valuable evidence and information to guide your decision making about interventions, policy and practice.

National statement on ethical conduct in human research (2007) (Updated May 2015). Chapter 3.1: Qualitative methods.

Qualitative research involves disciplined inquiry that examines people’s lives, experiences and behaviours, and the stories and meanings individuals ascribe to them.[4] It can also investigate organisational functioning, relationships between individuals and groups, and social environments. Approaches to data collection and guidelines for qualitative research are discussed here.

Videos

Fundamentals of qualitative research [Yale University]

Qualitative research is a strategy for systematic collection, organization, and interpretation of phenomena that are difficult to measure quantitatively. Dr. Leslie Curry of Yale University takes you through six modules covering essential topics in qualitative research, including what is qualitative research and how to use the most common methods, in-depth interviews and focus groups.