The determining factor for a researcher in selecting a qualitative research approach should be what?
A) The need to test a theory
B) The nature of the research question
C) The age and gender of the research participants
D) The availability of valid instruments to measure the phenomenon

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nature of the research question is the most important determining factor in selecting a qualitative research approach. Qualitative research is a flexible and exploratory approach that is useful in investigating complex phenomena and understanding the subjective experiences of participants. Therefore, the research question should be open-ended, exploratory, and focused on understanding the experiences, perspectives, and meanings of participants. Qualitative research is not well-suited for testing a theory or hypothesis, which is better suited for quantitative research. The age and gender of the participants may be relevant to the research question, but they are not the determining factor in selecting a qualitative research approach. Additionally, the availability of valid instruments to measure the phenomenon is not a relevant factor in qualitative research since the goal is to understand the subjective experiences of participants, not to measure a phenomenon with standardized instruments.

The Determining Factor for a Researcher in Selecting a Qualitative