|
 In
this chapter I introduce an important approach in clinical symptom
research: qualitative methods. Such methods are the only way to
address some research problems, though they are not useful
for other research problems and thus should be used with discretion.
Designing
and implementing good qualitative research programs can be fun
for both researchers and patients. Although this chapter is no
substitute for a full course in qualitative methods, I will describe
some contexts where qualitative methods can produce answers that
are difficult to obtain using quantitative methods. (For
a bibliography providing more in-depth information click
here.) I will also give you recommendations for sampling,
data collection and data analysis.
If
you are looking for quick fixes, stop here. Qualitative
data collection and analyses require very intensive
work--just as intensive as quantitative techniques.
You cannot learn how to conduct this kind of research
in an afternoon or a week. But
in this chapter I hope to make you aware of the
possibilities for using qualitative techniques
appropriately.
|