» Qualitative research focuses on words instead of numbers to give meaning to a phenomenon
or events.
» Qualitative research uses induction to inquire about topics with little evidence and/or to
develop a theory.
» Individuals who volunteer for qualitative studies are known as participants. Purposive sampling
is used to obtain a sample.
» Sampling continues until data saturation is achieved. Typically, sample sizes are small in
qualitative studies.
» The three main sources of data in qualitative research are in-depth interviews, direct observa-
tion, and artifacts.
» Data come from fieldwork and can involve participant observation.
» Analysis and interpretation are conducted simultaneously with data collection.
» The four essential elements of evaluation are credibility, transferability, dependability, and
confirmability.
RAPID REVIEW
Apply What You Have Learned
The EBP committee has found another qualitative study about hand hygiene compliance.
Read Jackson et al. (2014). Enter the citation, and place N/A in the intervention and comparison
columns. Why? Because qualitative studies do not have interventions. See the example about
Salmon and McLaws (2015) provided in the grid. Reflect on this article to determine how
consistent the authors were with qualitative methods regarding the following:
» Sampling method and size
» Data collection methods
» Analysis and interpretation
» Strategies used to maintain scientific rigor
» Ethical considerations
9.3 Keeping It Ethical 247