Qualitative Data Collection
What qualitative data collection means
Interviews, focus groups, observation, documents and field notes.
Before you start
Not confident yet? Work through Qualitative Research Traditions first.
Worked example
One question from this skill's own question bank, shown with its full working.
A semi-structured interview is characterised by:
- A flexible guide with open-ended questions and probes
- A fixed questionnaire with yes/no items
- No questions at all
- Only written responses
Working: Semi-structured interviews follow a guide but allow the interviewer to probe and reorder questions.
Curriculum and exam alignment
Curriculum notes are a general guide to where this work normally sits. Always check the syllabus your school or examination body is currently using.
Related skills
Other Qualitative Traditions & Design skills in Advanced Qualitative Research Methods, at the same point in the course.
Other Advanced Qualitative Research Methods topics
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Practise qualitative data collection
8 questions with a worked answer after every attempt, and a SmartScore that tracks how close you are to mastery.