Which of the following research strategies are employed for qualitative inquiry?
(i) Case studies
(ii) Explanatory design
(iii) Ethnography
(iv) Grounded theory
(v) Exploratory design
a. Number (iii), (iv) and (v)
b. Number (i), (iii), and (iv)
c. Number (i), (ii), and (iv)
d. Number (ii), (iv) and (v)
e. None of the options are applicable
Answer (2)
The correct answer to the question is option b: Number (i), (iii), and (iv), as these strategies are employed in qualitative inquiry. Case studies, ethnography, and grounded theory are recognized qualitative methods. Explanatory and exploratory designs are less aligned with qualitative research alone.
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In the context of qualitative research, various strategies are employed to gather deep, insightful data about human behavior, social interactions, and cultures. Let's explore the options provided in the question:
Case Studies : This strategy involves an in-depth exploration of a single case or a small number of cases within a real-life context. Case studies are common in qualitative research as they provide detailed insight into complex issues and are often used in social science research.
Explanatory Design : This refers to a type of research design typically found in quantitative research rather than qualitative inquiry.
Ethnography : This strategy involves the systematic study of people and cultures. Ethnographers immerse themselves in a particular community or environment to observe and interact, aiming to understand cultural practices from the inside.
Grounded Theory : This strategy aims to develop theories based on data systematically gathered and analyzed. It is a common approach in qualitative research for generating concepts grounded in the observed data.
Exploratory Design : This is often associated with mixed methods research but can be part of qualitative inquiry when the goal is to explore and understand a phenomenon in detail.
Given these definitions, the strategies that are explicitly part of qualitative inquiry are Case Studies (i), Ethnography (iii), and Grounded Theory (iv) . Therefore, the correct multiple-choice option is b. Number (i), (iii), and (iv) .
