1. The role of the researcher is a primary consideration in qualitative research as the researcher is the primary data collection instrument.
2. Researchers can use various roles (complete participant, participant-as-observer, observer-as-participant, or complete observer) to immerse themselves in the interaction setting to collect firsthand data.
3. Developing the purpose for the research project will create a road map for a qualitative study.
4. The focus of a qualitative research study is a broadly stated research question or statement of the researcher's expectations.
5. Although less structured than quantitative research designs, qualitative researchers should still plan and design their study recognizing that flexibility in the field will likely be required.
6. To find their samples, qualitative researchers use snowball, network, purposive, or maximum variation sampling.
7. Gaining access, or getting in, to the research setting includes making the initial contact, negotiating access, establishing entry and operational parameters, and becoming known to the participants.
8. Qualitative data is collected through observation and note taking.
9. The researcher must become immersed in the interaction setting, utilize a variety of observation strategies, and take complete and detailed notes.
10. What counts as data in qualitative research is broadly defined.
11. Who the researcher is-his or her qualities and attributes-will affect what and how he or she observes.
