ABSTRACT
The research methods of participant observation and case studies fall within the category of qualitative research. Recall from discussions in Chapter 2 that this type of research differs considerably from quantitative and evaluative methodologies. Generally speaking, qualitative researchers attempt to describe and interpret a human phenomenon, with specific focus on the research paradigm, methods, and assumptions. In the first segment of this chapter, we describe the fundamental characteristics of the qualitative approach. This sets the stage for an in-depth discussion of the participant observation and case study methods of research.
