Chapter Summary

Key Takeaways

This chapter introduced the purpose of qualitative research—to explore how people make meaning of their experiences in rich, detailed ways. It covered four main data collection methods: in-depth interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and archival/media review. Each method offers unique insights into social processes and context. The chapter also highlighted key issues in qualitative research, including the importance of power dynamics, ethical researcher-participant relationships, and reflexivity.