Strengthening the Choice for a Generic Qualitative Research Design

Abstract

Supporting the choice for research using a generic qualitative design is needed to assist the researchers with helpful guidance and descriptions about the approach in research. The name “generic” can be rather obtuse. Determining its appropriateness goes beyond discussions about combining elements of other traditional qualitative designs and considers the generic approach as a standalone methodology. Despite its inherent flexibility, the strength of the generic design offers a view of descriptive research data for interpretation that includes personal meaning making in research and is particularly well suited for counseling and other social sciences. The strengths, benefits, and limitations of the generic design are reviewed to assist the researchers in their selection of a generic qualitative research methodology and further the professional literature with increased knowledge and understanding. Counseling professionals benefit from the generic design because of its exploratory nature into real world experiences as perceived by those who live them.