ABSTRACT
Qualitative methodology is increasingly used to lead and support ergonomics and human factors (E/HF) studies in a range of contexts. This chapter provides an insight into the practical use of qualitative methodology in E/HF and outlines the theory and principles which underpin the use of such methodologies. We present an overview of the main qualitative approaches and provide guidance on undertaking a qualitative project; to support this, we describe the use of thematic analysis, including examples of computer-aided analysis; discuss validity, reliability, and critical appraisal in relation to research design and analysis and introduce a qualitative data management software package (NVivo).
