Hypothesis is NOT a Step in Qualitative Research
Hypothesis formulation (Option D) is not considered a step in the qualitative research process, as qualitative research follows an inductive approach that generates theories from data rather than testing pre-established hypotheses.
Understanding Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research Approaches
Qualitative research fundamentally differs from quantitative research in its methodological approach:
- Quantitative research follows a deductive approach where researchers describe an existing theory, generate a hypothesis from that theory, test the hypothesis in novel research, and then re-evaluate the theory 1
- Qualitative research follows an inductive approach where researchers raise a question, answer it through novel study, and propose new theories to clarify and interpret obtained results—without starting with a hypothesis 1
The iterative process of qualitative research focuses on making new significant distinctions by getting closer to the phenomenon studied, rather than testing predetermined hypotheses 2
Actual Steps in Qualitative Research
The legitimate steps in qualitative research include:
Literature Review (Option A)
- Literature analysis is a recognized step in qualitative research, typically conducted after selecting the research topic and theoretical framework 3
- Literature reviews in qualitative studies help identify gaps and inform the research question 4
Data Collection (Option B)
- Data collection is a core component where the researcher serves as the data-collecting instrument, gathering participants' words and behaviors 5
- Multiple methods can be used including interviews, observations, and document analysis 4
Sample Selection (Option C)
- Selection of research participants and data collection methods is an essential step in the qualitative research process 3
- Sample sizes in qualitative studies can vary considerably, from as few as 9 to several hundred participants depending on the research design 4
Key Methodological Distinction
The absence of hypothesis testing is what fundamentally distinguishes qualitative from quantitative research. Qualitative research is particularly valuable when:
- An exploratory approach is required on topics that are not well known 3
- Phenomena cannot be fully explained with quantitative methods 3
- Research requires detailed descriptive writing with literary expressions rather than statistical testing 3
This inductive nature means qualitative researchers do not formulate hypotheses at the outset; instead, they allow theories and concepts to emerge from the collected data through rigorous coding and thematic analysis 5, 6