Qualitative research answers the questions that surveys can’t. Quantitative data can tell you how much or how many but doesn’t answer the ‘how?’, ‘why?’, ‘in what way?’ questions. Through in-depth exploration and analysis, qualitative research provides robust explanations and generates solutions.
ResearchAbility carries out qualitative research in the social, policy and not for profit sectors. With over 30 years’ experience, we have managed and delivered over 40 projects for 20 different clients in central and local government, charities, health and funding bodies. These include small, fast, low cost projects to big budget, mixed method evaluations or longitudinal studies running for several years.
As well as conducting our own research, we also work in collaboration and on a consultancy basis on contracted projects.
Our approach to qualitative research methodology
Clarity about the objectives and scope of the research are fundamental to a successful project. This relates both to practical issues (timetables and cost) as well as methodological and ethical considerations: who the research participants are and how the research can include them appropriately.
The validity and reliability of qualitative research begins with sampling. ResearchAbility samples purposively. This involves identifying the key characteristics of the population relevant to the research objectives, for example, gender, age, geographical region, experience of a particular service, being a student parent and so on. Sample size should be large enough to map the diversity and range of the target population, providing the foundations for generalisability.
Having identified who to include in the sample, the next stage of the process is working out how to recruit participants. Ethical issues and data security are key considerations at this stage. Recruitment can be time-consuming and challenging, particularly if the research population are hard to reach. ResearchAbility have a strong track record in successful recruitment with these populations.
Having identified who to include in the sample, the next stage of the process is working out how to recruit participants. Ethical issues and data security are key considerations at this stage. Recruitment can be time-consuming and challenging, particularly if the research population are hard to reach. ResearchAbility have a strong track record in successful recruitment with these populations.
The analytical potential of qualitative research depends on the quality of the data produced during fieldwork. Jenny and Alice are highly skilled qualitative interviewers, with particular expertise in carrying out challenging and sensitive in-depth interviews.
ResearchAbility’s range of fieldwork methods includes:
Validity and reliability are again key considerations at analysis and reporting stage. We take a thematic approach to analysis whereby all data is systematically and comprehensively interrogated and analysed, resulting in reliable, evidence-based outputs. A particular advantage at this stage is the teamwork between Jenny and Alice: having two heads working together to ensure rigorous analysis and thorough understanding of the data.
ResearchAbility is committed to producing useful research: reports that will be read; recommendations that can be implemented; findings that stimulate debate and trigger change. We tailor our findings to suit the audience. This may result in a number of different outputs from a study as well as a range of dissemination activities.