ABSTRACT
Based on a phenomenological paradigm, qualitative research refers to observation and analysis of data that are not predetermined by the researcher. It assumes that reality is socially constructed through individual or collective definitions of the situation or environment. The goal of qualitative research is to capture the understanding of the social phenomenon as participants experience it. Therefore, qualitative research is not mainly concerned with establishing cause-and-effect relationships among variables of interest. Rather, it helps to identify new variables and questions for further research. The researcher is part of the phenomenon of interest. Another school of thought argues that qualitative research can also develop causal explanations of the phenomenon. Common qualitative research designs include ethnographies, grounded theory, case studies, participant observation, interviewing, and focus groups.
