Investigación Cualitativa

Qualitative research is often defined as opposed to quantitative, as a kind of research whose results do not come from quantitative instruments and are analyzed by statistical treatment. This is partially true. Qualitative research is a way of conceiving reality, methods to address their study as well as techniques and instruments in accordance with these methods and procedures for analysis and validation consistent with the theoretical foundations that underpin it. In the social sciences, qualitative research has a long history and is becoming increasingly important when the purpose of the study is to understand in depth individual and collective actions, organizational functioning, social movements or interactive relationships. From this perspective, this book serves the purpose of providing junior researchers, teachers and students of social sciences, basic orientations, theoretical and practical, for qualitative studies in their areas of specific interest.

The application starts with a brief introduction to the paradigms of positivist research, Phenomenological and critic, in order to place the reader in the ontological, epistemological and methodological foundations that guide the research praxis in each of them.

The central idea is to highlight the differences between these paradigms to the reader assumes the application of the techniques and procedures of each of these concepts from a reflective and not simply mechanical knowledge.

In Chapter II the reader is introduced to the problem, objectives and overall design of qualitative research.

Chapter III contains some techniques for gathering information in Qualitative Research: observation, interview, metaphors, critical events, role play, projective methods, life histories, technological records, content analysis.

Chapter IV presents some methods of qualitative analysis and strategies to ensure the validity of the information obtained. Offered, likewise, guidelines for the implementation of the Final Report of the investigation.