Achieving the Research Goal with Qualitative Methods: Lessons Learned along the Way

Abstract

The limitations of exclusive use of quantitative methods for social science research in the information systems field have led to increasing interest in qualitative alternatives. However, qualitative methods present their own challenges. The challenge addressed in this paper is that of keeping the methodology focused on the research goal rather than existing as an end in itself. Three different research projects employing qualitative method-ologies carried out in three different countries-the United States, Ireland and The Netherlands-are used to explore some of the issues and lessons learned about the use of qualitative methods in pursuit of the research goal.