The reason and rhyme of qualitative research: Why, when, and how to use qualitative methods in the study of adolescent health

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Author:

Rich, Michael; Ginsburg, Kenneth R.

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Year:

1999

Article Title:

The reason and rhyme of qualitative research: Why, when, and how to use qualitative methods in the study of adolescent health

Journal:

Journal of Adolescent Health

Volume:

Edition:

Issue:

Pages:

371-378

ISBN/ISSN:

1054-139X

Source of Funding:

Study Design:

Publication Type:

Journal Article

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URL:

Abstract:

Objective: To describe how and when to use qualitative research to study adolescent health.

Design: N/A

Subjects and Setting: N/A

Intervention(s): N/A

Outcome Measure(s): N/A

Results: Qualitative methods can help uncover problems, generate hypotheses, and exceed quantitative methods in elucidating why and how phenomena occur. Qualitative research differs from quantitative by examining narrative, meaning, and behaviors in social context rather than numerical data. By being inductive, qualitative research study a particular events, groups, or behaviors in depth. Data can be collected in more naturalistic settings in the form of field observations, narratives, text, sounds, and/or visuals. A variety of methods can be used for adolescent-based research including open focus groups, nominal groups, participant observations, semistructured interviews, journals, and participant-generated narratives. Data analysis involved data reduction (conceptual categorization), data display (organization into decipherable patterns), conclusion drawing, and verification. Considerations for bias, reliability, and validity must be built into the study.

Conclusions: Adolescent lifestyles and risk behaviors provide opportunities for qualitative research. Research must document the strengths of adolescents as well as introduce policy makers to the challenges of adolescent health. Qualitative research provides adolescents the opportunity to cater health services to their needs. � Center on Media and Child Health

Keywords:

Adolescent Attitudes
Adolescents
Adults
Anthropology
Behavior
Health
Health Education
Interventions
Patients
Pediatrics
Physician's Role
Physicians
Privacy
Risk-Taking
Social Factors
Video Cameras