historical analysis qualitative research

Qualitative study design: Historical

• Qualitative study design
• Phenomenology
• Grounded theory
• Ethnography
• Narrative inquiry
• Action research
• Case Studies
• Field research
• Focus groups
• Observation
• Surveys & questionnaires
• Study Designs Home

Looking at the past to inform the future.

Describing and examining past events to better understand the present and to anticipate potential effects on the future. To identify a need for knowledge that requires a historical investigation. Piecing together a history, particularly when there are no people living to tell their story.  

• Oral recordings

Can provide a fuller picture of the scope of the research as it covers a wider range of sources. As an example, documents such as diaries, oral histories and official records and newspaper reports were used to identify a scurvy and smallpox epidemic among Klondike gold rushers (Highet p3).

Unobtrusiveness of this research method.

Limitations

Issues with validity – can only use the historical information that is available today.

Primary sources are hard to locate.  

Hard to triangulate findings (find other resources to back up the information provided in the original resource). 

Example questions

• What caused an outbreak of polio in the past that may contribute to the outbreaks of today? 
• How has the attitude to LGBTQIA+ changed over the past 50 years?

Example studies

• Hallett, C. E., Madsen, W., Pateman, B., & Bradshaw, J. (2012). " Time enough! Or not enough time!" An oral history investigation of some British and Australian community nurses' responses to demands for "efficiency" in health care, 1960-2000 . Nursing History Review, 20, 136-161. 
• Navarro, J. A., Kohl, K. S., Cetron, M. S., & Markel, H. (2016). A tale of many cities: a contemporary historical study of the implementation of school closures during the 2009 pA(H1N1) influenza pandemic. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 41(3), 393-422. Retrieved from  http://ezproxy.deakin.edu.au/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,sso&db=lhh&AN=20163261834&site=ehost-live&scope=site   

Edith Cowan University Library. (2019). Historical Research Method. Retrieved from  https://ecu.au.libguides.com/historical-research-method   

Godshall, M. (2016). Fast facts for evidence-based practice in nursing: Implementing EBP in a nutshell (2nd ed.). New York: Springer Publishing Company. 

Highet, M. J. (2010). "It Depends on Where You Look": The Unusual Presentation of Scurvy and  Smallpox Among Klondike Gold Rushers as Revealed Through Qualitative Data Sources. Past Imperfect, 16, 3-34. doi:10.21971/P7J59D 

Saks, M., & Allsop, J. (2012). Researching health: qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods (2nd ed.). London: SAGE. 

Taylor, B. J., & Francis, K. (2013). Qualitative research in the health sciences: methodologies, methods and processes. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge. 

University of Missouri-St. Louis. Qualitative Research Designs. Retrieved from http://www.umsl.edu/~lindquists/qualdsgn.html     

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Home » Historical Research – Types, Methods and Examples

Historical Research – Types, Methods and Examples

Table of Contents

Historical Research

Definition:

Historical research is the process of investigating and studying past events, people, and societies using a variety of sources and methods. This type of research aims to reconstruct and interpret the past based on the available evidence.

Types of Historical Research

There are several types of historical research, including:

Descriptive Research

This type of historical research focuses on describing events, people, or cultures in detail. It can involve examining artifacts, documents, or other sources of information to create a detailed account of what happened or existed.

Analytical Research

This type of historical research aims to explain why events, people, or cultures occurred in a certain way. It involves analyzing data to identify patterns, causes, and effects, and making interpretations based on this analysis.

Comparative Research

This type of historical research involves comparing two or more events, people, or cultures to identify similarities and differences. This can help researchers understand the unique characteristics of each and how they interacted with each other.

Interpretive Research

This type of historical research focuses on interpreting the meaning of past events, people, or cultures. It can involve analyzing cultural symbols, beliefs, and practices to understand their significance in a particular historical context.

Quantitative Research

This type of historical research involves using statistical methods to analyze historical data. It can involve examining demographic information, economic indicators, or other quantitative data to identify patterns and trends.

Qualitative Research

This type of historical research involves examining non-numerical data such as personal accounts, letters, or diaries. It can provide insights into the experiences and perspectives of individuals during a particular historical period.

Data Collection Methods

Data Collection Methods are as follows:

• Archival research : This involves analyzing documents and records that have been preserved over time, such as government records, diaries, letters, newspapers, and photographs. Archival research is often conducted in libraries, archives, and museums.
• Oral history : This involves conducting interviews with individuals who have lived through a particular historical period or event. Oral history can provide a unique perspective on past events and can help to fill gaps in the historical record.
• Artifact analysis: This involves examining physical objects from the past, such as tools, clothing, and artwork, to gain insights into past cultures and practices.
• Secondary sources: This involves analyzing published works, such as books, articles, and academic papers, that discuss past events and cultures. Secondary sources can provide context and insights into the historical period being studied.
• Statistical analysis : This involves analyzing numerical data from the past, such as census records or economic data, to identify patterns and trends.
• Fieldwork : This involves conducting on-site research in a particular location, such as visiting a historical site or conducting ethnographic research in a particular community. Fieldwork can provide a firsthand understanding of the culture and environment being studied.
• Content analysis: This involves analyzing the content of media from the past, such as films, television programs, and advertisements, to gain insights into cultural attitudes and beliefs.

Data Analysis Methods

• Content analysis : This involves analyzing the content of written or visual material, such as books, newspapers, or photographs, to identify patterns and themes. Content analysis can be used to identify changes in cultural values and beliefs over time.
• Textual analysis : This involves analyzing written texts, such as letters or diaries, to understand the experiences and perspectives of individuals during a particular historical period. Textual analysis can provide insights into how people lived and thought in the past.
• Discourse analysis : This involves analyzing how language is used to construct meaning and power relations in a particular historical period. Discourse analysis can help to identify how social and political ideologies were constructed and maintained over time.
• Statistical analysis: This involves using statistical methods to analyze numerical data, such as census records or economic data, to identify patterns and trends. Statistical analysis can help to identify changes in population demographics, economic conditions, and other factors over time.
• Comparative analysis : This involves comparing data from two or more historical periods or events to identify similarities and differences. Comparative analysis can help to identify patterns and trends that may not be apparent from analyzing data from a single historical period.
• Qualitative analysis: This involves analyzing non-numerical data, such as oral history interviews or ethnographic field notes, to identify themes and patterns. Qualitative analysis can provide a rich understanding of the experiences and perspectives of individuals in the past.

Historical Research Methodology

Here are the general steps involved in historical research methodology:

• Define the research question: Start by identifying a research question that you want to answer through your historical research. This question should be focused, specific, and relevant to your research goals.
• Review the literature: Conduct a review of the existing literature on the topic of your research question. This can involve reading books, articles, and academic papers to gain a thorough understanding of the existing research.
• Develop a research design : Develop a research design that outlines the methods you will use to collect and analyze data. This design should be based on the research question and should be feasible given the resources and time available.
• Collect data: Use the methods outlined in your research design to collect data on past events, people, and cultures. This can involve archival research, oral history interviews, artifact analysis, and other data collection methods.
• Analyze data : Analyze the data you have collected using the methods outlined in your research design. This can involve content analysis, textual analysis, statistical analysis, and other data analysis methods.
• Interpret findings : Use the results of your data analysis to draw meaningful insights and conclusions related to your research question. These insights should be grounded in the data and should be relevant to the research goals.
• Communicate results: Communicate your findings through a research report, academic paper, or other means. This should be done in a clear, concise, and well-organized manner, with appropriate citations and references to the literature.

Applications of Historical Research

Historical research has a wide range of applications in various fields, including:

• Education : Historical research can be used to develop curriculum materials that reflect a more accurate and inclusive representation of history. It can also be used to provide students with a deeper understanding of past events and cultures.
• Museums : Historical research is used to develop exhibits, programs, and other materials for museums. It can provide a more accurate and engaging presentation of historical events and artifacts.
• Public policy : Historical research is used to inform public policy decisions by providing insights into the historical context of current issues. It can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of past policies and programs.
• Business : Historical research can be used by businesses to understand the evolution of their industry and to identify trends that may affect their future success. It can also be used to develop marketing strategies that resonate with customers’ historical interests and values.
• Law : Historical research is used in legal proceedings to provide evidence and context for cases involving historical events or practices. It can also be used to inform the development of new laws and policies.
• Genealogy : Historical research can be used by individuals to trace their family history and to understand their ancestral roots.
• Cultural preservation : Historical research is used to preserve cultural heritage by documenting and interpreting past events, practices, and traditions. It can also be used to identify and preserve historical landmarks and artifacts.

Examples of Historical Research

Examples of Historical Research are as follows:

• Examining the history of race relations in the United States: Historical research could be used to explore the historical roots of racial inequality and injustice in the United States. This could help inform current efforts to address systemic racism and promote social justice.
• Tracing the evolution of political ideologies: Historical research could be used to study the development of political ideologies over time. This could help to contextualize current political debates and provide insights into the origins and evolution of political beliefs and values.
• Analyzing the impact of technology on society : Historical research could be used to explore the impact of technology on society over time. This could include examining the impact of previous technological revolutions (such as the industrial revolution) on society, as well as studying the current impact of emerging technologies on society and the environment.
• Documenting the history of marginalized communities : Historical research could be used to document the history of marginalized communities (such as LGBTQ+ communities or indigenous communities). This could help to preserve cultural heritage, promote social justice, and promote a more inclusive understanding of history.

Purpose of Historical Research

The purpose of historical research is to study the past in order to gain a better understanding of the present and to inform future decision-making. Some specific purposes of historical research include:

• To understand the origins of current events, practices, and institutions : Historical research can be used to explore the historical roots of current events, practices, and institutions. By understanding how things developed over time, we can gain a better understanding of the present.
• To develop a more accurate and inclusive understanding of history : Historical research can be used to correct inaccuracies and biases in historical narratives. By exploring different perspectives and sources of information, we can develop a more complete and nuanced understanding of history.
• To inform decision-making: Historical research can be used to inform decision-making in various fields, including education, public policy, business, and law. By understanding the historical context of current issues, we can make more informed decisions about how to address them.
• To preserve cultural heritage : Historical research can be used to document and preserve cultural heritage, including traditions, practices, and artifacts. By understanding the historical significance of these cultural elements, we can work to preserve them for future generations.
• To stimulate curiosity and critical thinking: Historical research can be used to stimulate curiosity and critical thinking about the past. By exploring different historical perspectives and interpretations, we can develop a more critical and reflective approach to understanding history and its relevance to the present.

When to use Historical Research

Historical research can be useful in a variety of contexts. Here are some examples of when historical research might be particularly appropriate:

• When examining the historical roots of current events: Historical research can be used to explore the historical roots of current events, practices, and institutions. By understanding how things developed over time, we can gain a better understanding of the present.
• When examining the historical context of a particular topic : Historical research can be used to explore the historical context of a particular topic, such as a social issue, political debate, or scientific development. By understanding the historical context, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of the topic and its significance.
• When exploring the evolution of a particular field or discipline : Historical research can be used to explore the evolution of a particular field or discipline, such as medicine, law, or art. By understanding the historical development of the field, we can gain a better understanding of its current state and future directions.
• When examining the impact of past events on current society : Historical research can be used to examine the impact of past events (such as wars, revolutions, or social movements) on current society. By understanding the historical context and impact of these events, we can gain insights into current social and political issues.
• When studying the cultural heritage of a particular community or group : Historical research can be used to document and preserve the cultural heritage of a particular community or group. By understanding the historical significance of cultural practices, traditions, and artifacts, we can work to preserve them for future generations.

Characteristics of Historical Research

The following are some characteristics of historical research:

• Focus on the past : Historical research focuses on events, people, and phenomena of the past. It seeks to understand how things developed over time and how they relate to current events.
• Reliance on primary sources: Historical research relies on primary sources such as letters, diaries, newspapers, government documents, and other artifacts from the period being studied. These sources provide firsthand accounts of events and can help researchers gain a more accurate understanding of the past.
• Interpretation of data : Historical research involves interpretation of data from primary sources. Researchers analyze and interpret data to draw conclusions about the past.
• Use of multiple sources: Historical research often involves using multiple sources of data to gain a more complete understanding of the past. By examining a range of sources, researchers can cross-reference information and validate their findings.
• Importance of context: Historical research emphasizes the importance of context. Researchers analyze the historical context in which events occurred and consider how that context influenced people’s actions and decisions.
• Subjectivity : Historical research is inherently subjective, as researchers interpret data and draw conclusions based on their own perspectives and biases. Researchers must be aware of their own biases and strive for objectivity in their analysis.
• Importance of historical significance: Historical research emphasizes the importance of historical significance. Researchers consider the historical significance of events, people, and phenomena and their impact on the present and future.
• Use of qualitative methods : Historical research often uses qualitative methods such as content analysis, discourse analysis, and narrative analysis to analyze data and draw conclusions about the past.

Advantages of Historical Research

There are several advantages to historical research:

• Provides a deeper understanding of the past : Historical research can provide a more comprehensive understanding of past events and how they have shaped current social, political, and economic conditions. This can help individuals and organizations make informed decisions about the future.
• Helps preserve cultural heritage: Historical research can be used to document and preserve cultural heritage. By studying the history of a particular culture, researchers can gain insights into the cultural practices and beliefs that have shaped that culture over time.
• Provides insights into long-term trends : Historical research can provide insights into long-term trends and patterns. By studying historical data over time, researchers can identify patterns and trends that may be difficult to discern from short-term data.
• Facilitates the development of hypotheses: Historical research can facilitate the development of hypotheses about how past events have influenced current conditions. These hypotheses can be tested using other research methods, such as experiments or surveys.
• Helps identify root causes of social problems : Historical research can help identify the root causes of social problems. By studying the historical context in which these problems developed, researchers can gain a better understanding of how they emerged and what factors may have contributed to their development.
• Provides a source of inspiration: Historical research can provide a source of inspiration for individuals and organizations seeking to address current social, political, and economic challenges. By studying the accomplishments and struggles of past generations, researchers can gain insights into how to address current challenges.

Limitations of Historical Research

Some Limitations of Historical Research are as follows:

• Reliance on incomplete or biased data: Historical research is often limited by the availability and quality of data. Many primary sources have been lost, destroyed, or are inaccessible, making it difficult to get a complete picture of historical events. Additionally, some primary sources may be biased or represent only one perspective on an event.
• Difficulty in generalizing findings: Historical research is often specific to a particular time and place and may not be easily generalized to other contexts. This makes it difficult to draw broad conclusions about human behavior or social phenomena.
• Lack of control over variables : Historical research often lacks control over variables. Researchers cannot manipulate or control historical events, making it difficult to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
• Subjectivity of interpretation : Historical research is often subjective because researchers must interpret data and draw conclusions based on their own biases and perspectives. Different researchers may interpret the same data differently, leading to different conclusions.
• Limited ability to test hypotheses: Historical research is often limited in its ability to test hypotheses. Because the events being studied have already occurred, researchers cannot manipulate variables or conduct experiments to test their hypotheses.
• Lack of objectivity: Historical research is often subjective, and researchers must be aware of their own biases and strive for objectivity in their analysis. However, it can be difficult to maintain objectivity when studying events that are emotionally charged or controversial.
• Limited generalizability: Historical research is often limited in its generalizability, as the events and conditions being studied may be specific to a particular time and place. This makes it difficult to draw broad conclusions that apply to other contexts or time periods.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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The Why: Historical Interpretation and Analysis

Rather than just telling a story, although sometimes historians do some very good storytelling, historical research is grounded in the analysis and interpretation of the past (see Chapter Nine , Narrative Inquiry, for another perspective on stories in research). Analysis and interpretation move historical research from being a chronicle of events to providing a larger understanding of why things were as they were in the past. History tells you about the past and why the past was as it was. That is the subjective part of historical research. Certainly, picking topics, determining the scope and foci of a study, and analyzing documents are all subjective because they rely on the historian's decisions ...

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HISTORICAL RESEARCH: A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHOD

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Doc’s Things and Stuff

Section 6.1: Qualitative and Historical Research

When we talk about research, we’re really talking about a way to answer questions. You’ve probably heard about experiments, surveys, and maybe even something called “quantitative research.” But there’s another type that’s super important, and it’s called “qualitative research.”

Table of Contents

What is Qualitative Research?

So, what’s the deal with qualitative research? It’s a way for researchers to explore and understand the meaning behind certain behaviors, emotions, and interactions. Unlike quantitative research, which focuses on numbers and statistics (like how many people prefer video games to sports), qualitative research is all about descriptions and experiences (like why people prefer video games to sports).

Some people might think that qualitative research is not as serious or tough as quantitative research, but that’s not true! It’s just as challenging and valuable—it’s just looking for different types of answers to different types of questions.

Why Some People Get Confused

You might wonder why there’s confusion about qualitative research. Well, it’s often because it’s not about counting or measuring things in a traditional way. Some researchers who love numbers might not see the full value of studying people’s stories or experiences. They might see it as a “catchall” category, which is a bit unfair.

How is Historical Research Different?

Historical research is like a cousin to qualitative research. It has been around for ages and has its own way of looking at the past to answer questions. Some might argue that it’s a special kind of qualitative research because it also looks at stories and not just numbers.

The Mindset of Researchers

Imagine a researcher as a detective. A quantitative researcher is like a detective who has a specific idea of who the culprit in a mystery might be. They’re trying to see if the clues match their guess. They start with a theory and then look at the real world to see if things add up.

On the other hand, a qualitative researcher is like a detective who comes to the scene with an open mind. They look around, gather information, and let the clues lead them to conclusions.

So, both types of research are like detectives working in different ways to solve mysteries—quantitative researchers test their guesses against the world, and qualitative researchers let the world reveal its own story.

Historical Research

Historical research isn’t just about memorizing dates and names. It’s like being a time detective, trying to really understand what happened in the past and why. Good historical research digs deep—it’s about figuring out how past societies worked and what made people tick.

Theories and Evidence in History

Historians are a bit like scientists. They have theories and hypotheses about the past. They use evidence, like letters, photos, and other records, to build their cases and test their ideas. It’s not all about storytelling; there’s a lot of careful thinking and analyzing that goes into it.

Why Historical Research Matters

Think about the issues we face today, like the relationships between communities and the police. By looking back at events like the Civil Rights Movement, we can learn lessons that help us understand and maybe even solve problems today. History isn’t just old news—it’s a guide to the present and the future.

Steps of the Historical Detective

The way historians work isn’t too different from other researchers. They start by pinpointing what they want to find out. Then they form a hypothesis—a smart guess about their question. After that, it’s all about gathering data, analyzing it, and seeing if their guess holds up. They’re not just repeating what’s already known; they’re uncovering new insights and truths.

The Challenge of Being Objective

Here’s a tricky part: Historians have to be really careful not to let their personal feelings color their work. They need to look at all the evidence, even if it goes against what they believe or feel. Their goal is to find the most truthful explanation of the past, not just to tell a compelling story.

The Limitations of Historical Data

Historians face a unique challenge—they can’t make new data. They’re stuck with whatever evidence has survived over time. This can make some questions hard, or even impossible, to answer. If a student is researching history, they need to be careful not to bite off more than they can chew and to make sure there’s enough evidence out there.

The Hunt for Information

Unlike other researchers, historians don’t just look at recent journal articles. They dive into all kinds of records—diaries, letters, old receipts, you name it. And sometimes, they have to go on real-life adventures, traveling to far-off places just to find that one piece of the puzzle.

The Power of Primary Sources

In historical research, firsthand accounts are like gold. These primary sources are the most direct peek into the past we can get. Secondary sources, like textbooks, are useful, but they’re a step removed from the action. Historians always aim for those primary sources first for the most accurate picture.

Verifying the Facts

Historians also have to be super detectives when it comes to figuring out if a document is legit. They ask: Was the author really there? How long after the event was this written? And, big one, was the author biased? All these questions help them determine if their sources are trustworthy.

Crafting the Story

Finally, historians have to take all this data and tell the story of the past in a way that’s true to what they’ve found. It’s not about creating a nice tale; it’s about making sense of the evidence and sharing those discoveries with others. They take all those facts and build a narrative that teaches us something new.

🔍 Reflect: Why do you think it’s crucial for historians to be objective in their research? How might their personal feelings or biases affect the way they interpret historical data?

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Qualitative Research

Narrative data: the storytelling of science.

Qualitative research is the art of uncovering the rich, complex stories behind human behavior and social phenomena. Instead of crunching numbers, qualitative researchers listen to people’s stories and observe their behaviors in real life—right where they happen.

Natural Settings: The Real-World Laboratory

The world is the qualitative researcher’s lab. They dive into the natural environments where life’s drama unfolds, rather than observing from the artificial confines of a lab. This hands-on approach is why some people use terms like ‘field research’ or ‘naturalistic research’ interchangeably with qualitative research.

Culture Explorers: The Ethnographers

In their quest to understand cultures, qualitative researchers often wear the hat of ethnographers, immersing themselves in the day-to-day lives of the people they study. Depending on who’s doing the research, you might hear different names for this work, but they’re all about getting to the heart of human experiences.

Shifting Tides: From Numbers to Narratives

Once upon a time, social scientists wanted to be just like the “hard science” folks—measuring everything with numbers to keep it objective. But there’s been a revolution. More and more researchers argue that the rich tapestry of human life can’t be captured by numbers alone. These scholars are making a strong case for the power of words and observations to fill in the picture.

The Holistic Approach: Seeing the Big Picture

For qualitative researchers, it’s all about the big picture. They believe you can’t understand human behavior by looking at pieces in isolation. Instead, they see social events as part of larger systems—like a giant puzzle they’re trying to solve, piece by piece.

Building Theories: The Creative Side of Research

While numbers are great for testing theories, stories and observations are where new theories begin. Qualitative research is a breeding ground for new ideas about how societies work because it takes a deep dive into the complex ways people interact with each other and their environments.

Tools of the Trade: The Qualitative Toolkit

To get the full story, qualitative researchers have a whole toolbox of methods at their disposal. They might join the community they’re studying, watching and learning from the inside. They might have long, detailed chats with people to get their perspectives. And they often dig into letters, photos, and any other documents that can give them insights.

🔍 Reflect: Bold What are some challenges you think qualitative researchers might face when trying to maintain objectivity? How might their presence in the natural environment of their subjects influence the data they collect?

Deciphering the Logic of Qualitative Research

Deductive reasoning: the “top down” approach.

Quantitative research often follows a deductive path. This approach is like constructing a building from the blueprint down to the bricks. Researchers start with a broad theory and narrow it down to specific hypotheses, which they then test with data. It’s a logical staircase from the general principles down to specific instances.

Deductive Logic in Steps:

• Theory Specification : Select a theory as a starting point.
• Hypothesis Generation : Make predictions based on the theory.
• Data Collection : Gather evidence to test these predictions.
• Confirmation/Refutation : See if the real-world data matches the theory.

Inductive Reasoning: The “Bottom Up” Approach

Qualitative research flips the script, embracing an inductive strategy. Picture a sculptor carving a statue from a block of marble, finding the form as they go. Researchers immerse themselves in the details—specific behaviors or events—and from these observations, they extract broader patterns, categories, and ultimately theories. This method is more exploratory, more like a journey from the specific to the general .

Inductive Logic in Steps:

• Data Collection : Dive into the social world and gather observations.
• Pattern Identification : Look for recurring themes and categories.
• Theoretical Development : Formulate a general theory based on these patterns.
• Grounded Theory Formation : Develop a theory that’s rooted in observed data.

Descriptive and Theoretical Qualitative Research

While some qualitative research is content to simply paint a picture of the social landscape, other studies aim higher, seeking to construct new theories. These theories are termed grounded theory because they’re firmly planted in the reality observed by the researcher.

The Interplay of Questions and Logic

The specificity of questions a researcher asks is influenced by the research approach. Quantitative research often has very pointed, precise questions, while qualitative research deals with broader, more open-ended inquiries. The choice between these methods depends on the depth of understanding currently available about a subject.

Choosing the Path: Specificity vs. Exploration

If a research question is vast and the existing theory is like an unfinished map, qualitative research steps in to chart the unknown territories. Without enough detail for sharp hypotheses, qualitative researchers opt for a broad lens to capture more of the landscape.

🔍 Reflect: Bold Consider the research approach best suited to a study on the effects of social media on teenage communication skills. Would you start with a hypothesis based on existing theory (deductive), or would you observe and then form a theory (inductive)? How would your approach influence the depth and direction of your research?

Understanding the Synthesis of Data in Research

The quantitative data symphony.

In the realm of quantitative research, data synthesis is like a classical music score — precise, structured, and composed using the mathematical notes of descriptive statistics to organize data, and inferential statistics to confirm or reject hypotheses. The end product? A suite of neat, accessible tables summarizing a multitude of data points like a well-orchestrated symphony.

The Qualitative Data Mosaic

On the flip side, qualitative research resembles a vast mosaic. Each piece of data — or in this case, words — is like a unique tile. The researcher’s task? To arrange these tiles to form coherent patterns and themes. The process is intricate and sometimes overwhelming, leading to the inevitable question: “What do I do with all of these words?”

The Craft of Trends, Patterns, and Categories

The qualitative researcher’s strategy is akin to an artist searching for form within chaos. They meticulously look for trends (recurring themes), patterns (relationships and structures), and categories (classifications). These are the strokes that paint the bigger picture of the data narrative.

Literature Review vs. Qualitative Data Analysis

The process bears resemblance to conducting a literature review. Yet, there’s a crucial distinction — the synthesis focus . A literature review compiles scholarly writings, creating a foundation of what’s known. Qualitative data analysis, however, involves interpreting raw data to forge new understanding.

The Role of Technology

In modern qualitative research, computer software has become the researcher’s right hand. These digital tools assist in sorting, categorizing, and organizing narrative data, allowing for a more systematic approach to understanding the nuanced stories within the data.

🔍 Reflect: Imagine you’ve gathered a multitude of interviews on personal experiences during a historical event. How might software aid in finding commonalities or unique perspectives? Would the digital organization of narratives shape the insights you derive, and if so, how?

Understanding Qualitative Research

Qualitative research seeks to understand the ‘why’ behind human behaviors, experiences, and emotions, rather than focusing on ‘how many’ as seen in quantitative research. It’s a valuable, in-depth approach often misunderstood due to its descriptive nature, contrasting with the numerical focus of quantitative studies. Researchers in this field act like open-minded detectives, gathering narrative data and observing reality to develop new theories.

The Essence of Historical Research

Historical research delves into understanding past events to inform the present and future. Historians work like scientists, forming hypotheses and scrutinizing evidence like letters and photos to reveal new insights. Objectivity is crucial in historical research to avoid bias, and the reliance on surviving evidence poses unique challenges for historians who often seek out primary sources to reconstruct the past accurately.

Decoding Research Methodologies

The qualitative research methodology adopts an inductive approach, starting from specific observations and building up to general theories. This ‘bottom-up’ strategy contrasts with the ‘top-down’ deductive reasoning of quantitative research that begins with a general theory and narrows down to specific hypotheses.

The Interplay Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research

The comparison between qualitative and quantitative research highlights their distinct paths: the former is inductive, subjective, and holistic, while the latter is deductive, objective, and focused. The selection of a research method deeply influences the specificity and exploration depth of a study, with qualitative research favoring a broader lens for exploration.

Synthesizing Qualitative Data

Qualitative data analysis is likened to creating a mosaic, where each piece of narrative information is arranged to form a comprehensive pattern, revealing the overarching themes of the research. This artistic arrangement of data showcases the uniqueness of qualitative research, emphasizing context and tentative generalizations.

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A Brief History of Qualitative Research

• First Online: 29 September 2022

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• Robert E. White   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-8045-164X 3 &
• Karyn Cooper 4  

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As so often happens with matters of research, it is generally thought that quantitative research is the father of modern qualitative research. At face value, this may be true, but the reality is much more convoluted. In order to gain a perspective on the beginnings of qualitative research, we must return to Ancient Greece.

The question of understanding the other and understanding oneself by understanding the other, that is the goal of what is now called qualitative research. Stephen Kemmis, Charles Sturt University

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White, R.E., Cooper, K. (2022). A Brief History of Qualitative Research. In: Qualitative Research in the Post-Modern Era. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-85124-8_1

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