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THE EMPOWERED NURSE

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THE BODY

This column explores research methodology that provides the framework for research
projects — just as the skeletal system provides the framework for the human body.

Exploratory and Qualitative Research The resulting keen understanding of the topic gleaned through
exploratory studies naturally generates hypothesis ripe for a
Exploratory research is used to elucidate the essence of a deeper dive through qualitative research. Qualitative research
problem, topic or issue (Baddie, 2007). This type of research is also uncovers trends in opinions. Unlike quantitative research
utilized when a problem or issue is very new or when the data is that creates and strictly adheres to the specific research design
challenging to capture. The goal of exploratory research is to throughout the project, qualitative research design typically
garner preliminary information that will help define the prob- evolves with the project. Data collection methods change as well
lem or phenomena and suggest potential hypotheses. These as the participants included in the study. Qualitative research is
types of research studies can be the beginning of understanding therefore flexible and adjusts based on the discovery and under-
a phenomenon and this method is used to guide future research. standing as it happens. It is very holistic in the overall approach
Exploratory research is dynamic and flexible, and can be used to seeking to understand the phenomena as a whole. Triangulation
research questions of all types. or the melding of data from various collection methods is often
Generally, exploratory studies utilize two main techniques: used by the researchers who themselves act as the research in-
secondary research or primary research through informal quali- strument (Polit & Beck, 2010). Generally, sample sizes are very
tative approaches or formal qualitative methods (Armstrong, small in these types of studies. Qualitative researchers do not
1970). Secondary research uses existing research data or the liter- complete sample size calculations before beginning the project
ature to answer a new research question. Primary research gath- as these calculations are performed to predict statistical signifi-
ers data specific to the current research question. Exploratory cance and analysis used for quantitative research. Qualitative
research uses informal or formal qualitative methods. Informal data is interpreted continually by the researcher and this under-
qualitative method is conducted through informal discussions standing is used to create subsequent strategies or determine
with participants and could include management, leaders, em- when data collection is complete (Polit & Beck, 2012, p487).
ployees, patients or consumers. Formal qualitative method is ac- Qualitative research methods are focused on understanding
complished through in-depth interviews, or in focus groups, the lived or human aspect of an experience. There are specific
with case studies or even pilot studies. ways qualitative researchers capture their data. They may utilize
Exploratory studies bring understanding to a phenomenon in-depth, non-standardized interviews that are very informal and
that can prove invaluable. Researchers can creatively gain insight may occur only once. Researchers may choose semi-structured
by using these exploratory methods. The findings or results from interview questions for individuals or focus groups. They may
using this method is not intended to guide decision making but take field notes of observations of the participants or they may
rather to increase the overall understanding of the phenomena distribute diaries to participants.
of interest. (Shields, Patricia & Rangarjan, 2013). Qualitative researchers may follow an individual or a group
Qualitative research is primarily exploratory research, exam- over a long period of time. This is known as a longitudinal study.
ining underlying reasons, perceptions, motivators and opinions. Following individuals over a period of time can be challenging
but also may help answer causality research questions that are
difficult to answer. There are some controversies on the issue of
“ causality in qualitative research. However, Huberman and Miles
(1994) stated that qualitative research “can look directly and lon-
Qualitative research methods are focused gitudinally at the local processes underlying a temporal series of
events and states, showing how these led to specific outcomes,
on understanding the lived or human as- ruling out rival hypothesis” (p.434). One of the largest research
pect of an experience.” studies following individuals over a period of time is the Nurses’