Social capital and public health: Qualitative and ethnographic approaches

Abstract

Qualitative research is a broad umbrella term encompassing several specific methods and paradigms that rely on the collection, analysis and interpretation of non-statistical data. This is gathered principally through researcher-participant interaction and observation in real life settings (Whitley & Crawford, 2005). Qualitative research generally aims for depth rather than breadth in description and analysis, with researchers becoming closely acquainted with one particular community or study setting. The main methods utilized in qualitative research (either in conjunction or isolation) are interviews, focus groups and (participant) observation. These methods are particularly useful in accessing the lived day-to-day experience of the relevant population, allowing investigators to intimately explore and understand phenomena from a native point of view. © 2008 Springer New York.