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500+ Qualitative Research Titles and Topics

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Qualitative research is a methodological approach that involves gathering and analyzing non-numerical data to understand and interpret social phenomena. Unlike quantitative research , which emphasizes the collection of numerical data through surveys and experiments, qualitative research is concerned with exploring the subjective experiences, perspectives, and meanings of individuals and groups. As such, qualitative research topics can be diverse and encompass a wide range of social issues and phenomena. From exploring the impact of culture on identity formation to examining the experiences of marginalized communities, qualitative research offers a rich and nuanced perspective on complex social issues. In this post, we will explore some of the most compelling qualitative research topics and provide some tips on how to conduct effective qualitative research.

Qualitative Research Titles

Qualitative research titles often reflect the study’s focus on understanding the depth and complexity of human behavior, experiences, or social phenomena. Here are some examples across various fields:

“Understanding the Impact of Project-Based Learning on Student Engagement in High School Classrooms: A Qualitative Study”
“Navigating the Transition: Experiences of International Students in American Universities”
“The Role of Parental Involvement in Early Childhood Education: Perspectives from Teachers and Parents”
“Exploring the Effects of Teacher Feedback on Student Motivation and Self-Efficacy in Middle Schools”
“Digital Literacy in the Classroom: Teacher Strategies for Integrating Technology in Elementary Education”
“Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices: A Case Study in Diverse Urban Schools”
“The Influence of Extracurricular Activities on Academic Achievement: Student Perspectives”
“Barriers to Implementing Inclusive Education in Public Schools: A Qualitative Inquiry”
“Teacher Professional Development and Its Impact on Classroom Practice: A Qualitative Exploration”
“Student-Centered Learning Environments: A Qualitative Study of Classroom Dynamics and Outcomes”
“The Experience of First-Year Teachers: Challenges, Support Systems, and Professional Growth”
“Exploring the Role of School Leadership in Fostering a Positive School Culture”
“Peer Relationships and Learning Outcomes in Cooperative Learning Settings: A Qualitative Analysis”
“The Impact of Social Media on Student Learning and Engagement: Teacher and Student Perspectives”
“Understanding Special Education Needs: Parent and Teacher Perceptions of Support Services in Schools

Health Science

“Living with Chronic Pain: Patient Narratives and Coping Strategies in Managing Daily Life”
“Healthcare Professionals’ Perspectives on the Challenges of Rural Healthcare Delivery”
“Exploring the Mental Health Impacts of COVID-19 on Frontline Healthcare Workers: A Qualitative Study”
“Patient and Family Experiences of Palliative Care: Understanding Needs and Preferences”
“The Role of Community Health Workers in Improving Access to Maternal Healthcare in Rural Areas”
“Barriers to Mental Health Services Among Ethnic Minorities: A Qualitative Exploration”
“Understanding Patient Satisfaction in Telemedicine Services: A Qualitative Study of User Experiences”
“The Impact of Cultural Competence Training on Healthcare Provider-Patient Communication”
“Navigating the Transition to Adult Healthcare Services: Experiences of Adolescents with Chronic Conditions”
“Exploring the Use of Alternative Medicine Among Patients with Chronic Diseases: A Qualitative Inquiry”
“The Role of Social Support in the Rehabilitation Process of Stroke Survivors”
“Healthcare Decision-Making Among Elderly Patients: A Qualitative Study of Preferences and Influences”
“Nurse Perceptions of Patient Safety Culture in Hospital Settings: A Qualitative Analysis”
“Experiences of Women with Postpartum Depression: Barriers to Seeking Help”
“The Impact of Nutrition Education on Eating Behaviors Among College Students: A Qualitative Approach”
“Understanding Resilience in Survivors of Childhood Trauma: A Narrative Inquiry”
“The Role of Mindfulness in Managing Work-Related Stress Among Corporate Employees: A Qualitative Study”
“Coping Mechanisms Among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder”
“Exploring the Psychological Impact of Social Isolation in the Elderly: A Phenomenological Study”
“Identity Formation in Adolescence: The Influence of Social Media and Peer Groups”
“The Experience of Forgiveness in Interpersonal Relationships: A Qualitative Exploration”
“Perceptions of Happiness and Well-Being Among University Students: A Cultural Perspective”
“The Impact of Art Therapy on Anxiety and Depression in Adult Cancer Patients”
“Narratives of Recovery: A Qualitative Study on the Journey Through Addiction Rehabilitation”
“Exploring the Psychological Effects of Long-Term Unemployment: A Grounded Theory Approach”
“Attachment Styles and Their Influence on Adult Romantic Relationships: A Qualitative Analysis”
“The Role of Personal Values in Career Decision-Making Among Young Adults”
“Understanding the Stigma of Mental Illness in Rural Communities: A Qualitative Inquiry”
“Exploring the Use of Digital Mental Health Interventions Among Adolescents: A Qualitative Study”
“The Psychological Impact of Climate Change on Young Adults: An Exploration of Anxiety and Action”
“Navigating Identity: The Role of Social Media in Shaping Youth Culture and Self-Perception”
“Community Resilience in the Face of Urban Gentrification: A Case Study of Neighborhood Change”
“The Dynamics of Intergenerational Relationships in Immigrant Families: A Qualitative Analysis”
“Social Capital and Economic Mobility in Low-Income Neighborhoods: An Ethnographic Approach”
“Gender Roles and Career Aspirations Among Young Adults in Conservative Societies”
“The Stigma of Mental Health in the Workplace: Employee Narratives and Organizational Culture”
“Exploring the Intersection of Race, Class, and Education in Urban School Systems”
“The Impact of Digital Divide on Access to Healthcare Information in Rural Communities”
“Social Movements and Political Engagement Among Millennials: A Qualitative Study”
“Cultural Adaptation and Identity Among Second-Generation Immigrants: A Phenomenological Inquiry”
“The Role of Religious Institutions in Providing Community Support and Social Services”
“Negotiating Public Space: Experiences of LGBTQ+ Individuals in Urban Environments”
“The Sociology of Food: Exploring Eating Habits and Food Practices Across Cultures”
“Work-Life Balance Challenges Among Dual-Career Couples: A Qualitative Exploration”
“The Influence of Peer Networks on Substance Use Among Adolescents: A Community Study”

Business and Management

“Navigating Organizational Change: Employee Perceptions and Adaptation Strategies in Mergers and Acquisitions”
“Corporate Social Responsibility: Consumer Perceptions and Brand Loyalty in the Retail Sector”
“Leadership Styles and Organizational Culture: A Comparative Study of Tech Startups”
“Workplace Diversity and Inclusion: Best Practices and Challenges in Multinational Corporations”
“Consumer Trust in E-commerce: A Qualitative Study of Online Shopping Behaviors”
“The Gig Economy and Worker Satisfaction: Exploring the Experiences of Freelance Professionals”
“Entrepreneurial Resilience: Success Stories and Lessons Learned from Failed Startups”
“Employee Engagement and Productivity in Remote Work Settings: A Post-Pandemic Analysis”
“Brand Storytelling: How Narrative Strategies Influence Consumer Engagement”
“Sustainable Business Practices: Stakeholder Perspectives in the Fashion Industry”
“Cross-Cultural Communication Challenges in Global Teams: Strategies for Effective Collaboration”
“Innovative Workspaces: The Impact of Office Design on Creativity and Collaboration”
“Consumer Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence in Customer Service: A Qualitative Exploration”
“The Role of Mentoring in Career Development: Insights from Women in Leadership Positions”
“Agile Management Practices: Adoption and Impact in Traditional Industries”

Environmental Studies

“Community-Based Conservation Efforts in Tropical Rainforests: A Qualitative Study of Local Perspectives and Practices”
“Urban Sustainability Initiatives: Exploring Resident Participation and Impact in Green City Projects”
“Perceptions of Climate Change Among Indigenous Populations: Insights from Traditional Ecological Knowledge”
“Environmental Justice and Industrial Pollution: A Case Study of Community Advocacy and Response”
“The Role of Eco-Tourism in Promoting Conservation Awareness: Perspectives from Tour Operators and Visitors”
“Sustainable Agriculture Practices Among Smallholder Farmers: Challenges and Opportunities”
“Youth Engagement in Climate Action Movements: Motivations, Perceptions, and Outcomes”
“Corporate Environmental Responsibility: A Qualitative Analysis of Stakeholder Expectations and Company Practices”
“The Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Ecosystems: Community Awareness and Behavioral Change”
“Renewable Energy Adoption in Rural Communities: Barriers, Facilitators, and Social Implications”
“Water Scarcity and Community Adaptation Strategies in Arid Regions: A Grounded Theory Approach”
“Urban Green Spaces: Public Perceptions and Use Patterns in Megacities”
“Environmental Education in Schools: Teachers’ Perspectives on Integrating Sustainability into Curricula”
“The Influence of Environmental Activism on Policy Change: Case Studies of Grassroots Campaigns”
“Cultural Practices and Natural Resource Management: A Qualitative Study of Indigenous Stewardship Models”

Anthropology

“Kinship and Social Organization in Matrilineal Societies: An Ethnographic Study”
“Rituals and Beliefs Surrounding Death and Mourning in Diverse Cultures: A Comparative Analysis”
“The Impact of Globalization on Indigenous Languages and Cultural Identity”
“Food Sovereignty and Traditional Agricultural Practices Among Indigenous Communities”
“Navigating Modernity: The Integration of Traditional Healing Practices in Contemporary Healthcare Systems”
“Gender Roles and Equality in Hunter-Gatherer Societies: An Anthropological Perspective”
“Sacred Spaces and Religious Practices: An Ethnographic Study of Pilgrimage Sites”
“Youth Subcultures and Resistance: An Exploration of Identity and Expression in Urban Environments”
“Cultural Constructions of Disability and Inclusion: A Cross-Cultural Analysis”
“Interethnic Marriages and Cultural Syncretism: Case Studies from Multicultural Societies”
“The Role of Folklore and Storytelling in Preserving Cultural Heritage”
“Economic Anthropology of Gift-Giving and Reciprocity in Tribal Communities”
“Digital Anthropology: The Role of Social Media in Shaping Political Movements”
“Migration and Diaspora: Maintaining Cultural Identity in Transnational Communities”
“Cultural Adaptations to Climate Change Among Coastal Fishing Communities”

Communication Studies

“The Dynamics of Family Communication in the Digital Age: A Qualitative Inquiry”
“Narratives of Identity and Belonging in Diaspora Communities Through Social Media”
“Organizational Communication and Employee Engagement: A Case Study in the Non-Profit Sector”
“Cultural Influences on Communication Styles in Multinational Teams: An Ethnographic Approach”
“Media Representation of Women in Politics: A Content Analysis and Audience Perception Study”
“The Role of Communication in Building Sustainable Community Development Projects”
“Interpersonal Communication in Online Dating: Strategies, Challenges, and Outcomes”
“Public Health Messaging During Pandemics: A Qualitative Study of Community Responses”
“The Impact of Mobile Technology on Parent-Child Communication in the Digital Era”
“Crisis Communication Strategies in the Hospitality Industry: A Case Study of Reputation Management”
“Narrative Analysis of Personal Stories Shared on Mental Health Blogs”
“The Influence of Podcasts on Political Engagement Among Young Adults”
“Visual Communication and Brand Identity: A Qualitative Study of Consumer Interpretations”
“Communication Barriers in Cross-Cultural Healthcare Settings: Patient and Provider Perspectives”
“The Role of Internal Communication in Managing Organizational Change: Employee Experiences”

Information Technology

“User Experience Design in Augmented Reality Applications: A Qualitative Study of Best Practices”
“The Human Factor in Cybersecurity: Understanding Employee Behaviors and Attitudes Towards Phishing”
“Adoption of Cloud Computing in Small and Medium Enterprises: Challenges and Success Factors”
“Blockchain Technology in Supply Chain Management: A Qualitative Exploration of Potential Impacts”
“The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Personalizing User Experiences on E-commerce Platforms”
“Digital Transformation in Traditional Industries: A Case Study of Technology Adoption Challenges”
“Ethical Considerations in the Development of Smart Home Technologies: A Stakeholder Analysis”
“The Impact of Social Media Algorithms on News Consumption and Public Opinion”
“Collaborative Software Development: Practices and Challenges in Open Source Projects”
“Understanding the Digital Divide: Access to Information Technology in Rural Communities”
“Data Privacy Concerns and User Trust in Internet of Things (IoT) Devices”
“The Effectiveness of Gamification in Educational Software: A Qualitative Study of Engagement and Motivation”
“Virtual Teams and Remote Work: Communication Strategies and Tools for Effectiveness”
“User-Centered Design in Mobile Health Applications: Evaluating Usability and Accessibility”
“The Influence of Technology on Work-Life Balance: Perspectives from IT Professionals”

Tourism and Hospitality

“Exploring the Authenticity of Cultural Heritage Tourism in Indigenous Communities”
“Sustainable Tourism Practices: Perceptions and Implementations in Small Island Destinations”
“The Impact of Social Media Influencers on Destination Choice Among Millennials”
“Gastronomy Tourism: Exploring the Culinary Experiences of International Visitors in Rural Regions”
“Eco-Tourism and Conservation: Stakeholder Perspectives on Balancing Tourism and Environmental Protection”
“The Role of Hospitality in Enhancing the Cultural Exchange Experience of Exchange Students”
“Dark Tourism: Visitor Motivations and Experiences at Historical Conflict Sites”
“Customer Satisfaction in Luxury Hotels: A Qualitative Study of Service Excellence and Personalization”
“Adventure Tourism: Understanding the Risk Perception and Safety Measures Among Thrill-Seekers”
“The Influence of Local Communities on Tourist Experiences in Ecotourism Sites”
“Event Tourism: Economic Impacts and Community Perspectives on Large-Scale Music Festivals”
“Heritage Tourism and Identity: Exploring the Connections Between Historic Sites and National Identity”
“Tourist Perceptions of Sustainable Accommodation Practices: A Study of Green Hotels”
“The Role of Language in Shaping the Tourist Experience in Multilingual Destinations”
“Health and Wellness Tourism: Motivations and Experiences of Visitors to Spa and Retreat Centers”

Qualitative Research Topics

Qualitative Research Topics are as follows:

Understanding the lived experiences of first-generation college students
Exploring the impact of social media on self-esteem among adolescents
Investigating the effects of mindfulness meditation on stress reduction
Analyzing the perceptions of employees regarding organizational culture
Examining the impact of parental involvement on academic achievement of elementary school students
Investigating the role of music therapy in managing symptoms of depression
Understanding the experience of women in male-dominated industries
Exploring the factors that contribute to successful leadership in non-profit organizations
Analyzing the effects of peer pressure on substance abuse among adolescents
Investigating the experiences of individuals with disabilities in the workplace
Understanding the factors that contribute to burnout among healthcare professionals
Examining the impact of social support on mental health outcomes
Analyzing the perceptions of parents regarding sex education in schools
Investigating the experiences of immigrant families in the education system
Understanding the impact of trauma on mental health outcomes
Exploring the effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy for individuals with anxiety
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful intergenerational relationships
Investigating the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace
Understanding the impact of online gaming on social skills development among adolescents
Examining the perceptions of teachers regarding technology integration in the classroom
Analyzing the experiences of women in leadership positions
Investigating the factors that contribute to successful marriage and long-term relationships
Understanding the impact of social media on political participation
Exploring the experiences of individuals with mental health disorders in the criminal justice system
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful community-based programs for youth development
Investigating the experiences of veterans in accessing mental health services
Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health outcomes
Examining the perceptions of parents regarding childhood obesity prevention
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful multicultural education programs
Investigating the experiences of individuals with chronic illnesses in the workplace
Understanding the impact of poverty on academic achievement
Exploring the experiences of individuals with autism spectrum disorder in the workplace
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful employee retention strategies
Investigating the experiences of caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease
Understanding the impact of parent-child communication on adolescent sexual behavior
Examining the perceptions of college students regarding mental health services on campus
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful team building in the workplace
Investigating the experiences of individuals with eating disorders in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of mentorship on career success
Exploring the experiences of individuals with physical disabilities in the workplace
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful community-based programs for mental health
Investigating the experiences of individuals with substance use disorders in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of social media on romantic relationships
Examining the perceptions of parents regarding child discipline strategies
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful cross-cultural communication in the workplace
Investigating the experiences of individuals with anxiety disorders in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of cultural differences on healthcare delivery
Exploring the experiences of individuals with hearing loss in the workplace
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful parent-teacher communication
Investigating the experiences of individuals with depression in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of childhood trauma on adult mental health outcomes
Examining the perceptions of college students regarding alcohol and drug use on campus
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful mentor-mentee relationships
Investigating the experiences of individuals with intellectual disabilities in the workplace
Understanding the impact of work-family balance on employee satisfaction and well-being
Exploring the experiences of individuals with autism spectrum disorder in vocational rehabilitation programs
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful project management in the construction industry
Investigating the experiences of individuals with substance use disorders in peer support groups
Understanding the impact of mindfulness meditation on stress reduction and mental health
Examining the perceptions of parents regarding childhood nutrition
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful environmental sustainability initiatives in organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with bipolar disorder in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of job stress on employee burnout and turnover
Exploring the experiences of individuals with physical disabilities in recreational activities
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful strategic planning in nonprofit organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with hoarding disorder in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of culture on leadership styles and effectiveness
Examining the perceptions of college students regarding sexual health education on campus
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful supply chain management in the retail industry
Investigating the experiences of individuals with personality disorders in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of multiculturalism on group dynamics in the workplace
Exploring the experiences of individuals with chronic pain in mindfulness-based pain management programs
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful employee engagement strategies in organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with internet addiction disorder in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of social comparison on body dissatisfaction and self-esteem
Examining the perceptions of parents regarding childhood sleep habits
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful diversity and inclusion initiatives in organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with schizophrenia in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of job crafting on employee motivation and job satisfaction
Exploring the experiences of individuals with vision impairments in navigating public spaces
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful customer relationship management strategies in the service industry
Investigating the experiences of individuals with dissociative amnesia in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of cultural intelligence on intercultural communication and collaboration
Examining the perceptions of college students regarding campus diversity and inclusion efforts
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful supply chain sustainability initiatives in organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of transformational leadership on organizational performance and employee well-being
Exploring the experiences of individuals with mobility impairments in public transportation
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful talent management strategies in organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with substance use disorders in harm reduction programs
Understanding the impact of gratitude practices on well-being and resilience
Examining the perceptions of parents regarding childhood mental health and well-being
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful corporate social responsibility initiatives in organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with borderline personality disorder in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of emotional labor on job stress and burnout
Exploring the experiences of individuals with hearing impairments in healthcare settings
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful customer experience strategies in the hospitality industry
Investigating the experiences of individuals with gender dysphoria in gender-affirming healthcare
Understanding the impact of cultural differences on cross-cultural negotiation in the global marketplace
Examining the perceptions of college students regarding academic stress and mental health
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful supply chain agility in organizations
Understanding the impact of music therapy on mental health and well-being
Exploring the experiences of individuals with dyslexia in educational settings
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful leadership in nonprofit organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with chronic illnesses in online support groups
Understanding the impact of exercise on mental health and well-being
Examining the perceptions of parents regarding childhood screen time
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful change management strategies in organizations
Understanding the impact of cultural differences on international business negotiations
Exploring the experiences of individuals with hearing impairments in the workplace
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful team building in corporate settings
Understanding the impact of technology on communication in romantic relationships
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful community engagement strategies for local governments
Investigating the experiences of individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of financial stress on mental health and well-being
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful mentorship programs in organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with gambling addictions in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of social media on body image and self-esteem
Examining the perceptions of parents regarding childhood education
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful virtual team management strategies
Investigating the experiences of individuals with dissociative identity disorder in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of cultural differences on cross-cultural communication in healthcare settings
Exploring the experiences of individuals with chronic pain in cognitive-behavioral therapy programs
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful community-building strategies in urban neighborhoods
Investigating the experiences of individuals with alcohol use disorders in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of personality traits on romantic relationships
Examining the perceptions of college students regarding mental health stigma on campus
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful fundraising strategies for political campaigns
Investigating the experiences of individuals with traumatic brain injuries in rehabilitation programs
Understanding the impact of social support on mental health and well-being among the elderly
Exploring the experiences of individuals with chronic illnesses in medical treatment decision-making processes
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful innovation strategies in organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with dissociative disorders in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of cultural differences on cross-cultural communication in education settings
Examining the perceptions of parents regarding childhood physical activity
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful conflict resolution in family relationships
Investigating the experiences of individuals with opioid use disorders in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of emotional intelligence on leadership effectiveness
Exploring the experiences of individuals with learning disabilities in the workplace
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful change management in educational institutions
Investigating the experiences of individuals with eating disorders in recovery support groups
Understanding the impact of self-compassion on mental health and well-being
Examining the perceptions of college students regarding campus safety and security measures
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful marketing strategies for nonprofit organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with postpartum depression in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of ageism in the workplace
Exploring the experiences of individuals with dyslexia in the education system
Investigating the experiences of individuals with anxiety disorders in cognitive-behavioral therapy programs
Understanding the impact of socioeconomic status on access to healthcare
Examining the perceptions of parents regarding childhood screen time usage
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful supply chain management strategies
Understanding the impact of parenting styles on child development
Exploring the experiences of individuals with addiction in harm reduction programs
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful crisis management strategies in organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with trauma in trauma-focused therapy programs
Examining the perceptions of healthcare providers regarding patient-centered care
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful product development strategies
Investigating the experiences of individuals with autism spectrum disorder in employment programs
Understanding the impact of cultural competence on healthcare outcomes
Exploring the experiences of individuals with chronic illnesses in healthcare navigation
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful community engagement strategies for non-profit organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with physical disabilities in the workplace
Understanding the impact of childhood trauma on adult mental health
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful supply chain sustainability strategies
Investigating the experiences of individuals with personality disorders in dialectical behavior therapy programs
Understanding the impact of gender identity on mental health treatment seeking behaviors
Exploring the experiences of individuals with schizophrenia in community-based treatment programs
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful project team management strategies
Investigating the experiences of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder in exposure and response prevention therapy programs
Understanding the impact of cultural competence on academic achievement and success
Examining the perceptions of college students regarding academic integrity
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful social media marketing strategies
Investigating the experiences of individuals with bipolar disorder in community-based treatment programs
Understanding the impact of mindfulness on academic achievement and success
Exploring the experiences of individuals with substance use disorders in medication-assisted treatment programs
Investigating the experiences of individuals with anxiety disorders in exposure therapy programs
Understanding the impact of healthcare disparities on health outcomes
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful supply chain optimization strategies
Investigating the experiences of individuals with borderline personality disorder in schema therapy programs
Understanding the impact of culture on perceptions of mental health stigma
Exploring the experiences of individuals with trauma in art therapy programs
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful digital marketing strategies
Investigating the experiences of individuals with eating disorders in online support groups
Understanding the impact of workplace bullying on job satisfaction and performance
Examining the perceptions of college students regarding mental health resources on campus
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful supply chain risk management strategies
Investigating the experiences of individuals with chronic pain in mindfulness-based pain management programs
Understanding the impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on social anxiety disorder
Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and well-being
Exploring the experiences of individuals with eating disorders in treatment programs
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful leadership in business organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with chronic pain in cognitive-behavioral therapy programs
Understanding the impact of cultural differences on intercultural communication
Examining the perceptions of teachers regarding inclusive education for students with disabilities
Investigating the experiences of individuals with depression in therapy programs
Understanding the impact of workplace culture on employee retention and turnover
Exploring the experiences of individuals with traumatic brain injuries in rehabilitation programs
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful crisis communication strategies in organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with anxiety disorders in mindfulness-based interventions
Investigating the experiences of individuals with chronic illnesses in healthcare settings
Understanding the impact of technology on work-life balance
Exploring the experiences of individuals with learning disabilities in academic settings
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful entrepreneurship in small businesses
Understanding the impact of gender identity on mental health and well-being
Examining the perceptions of individuals with disabilities regarding accessibility in public spaces
Understanding the impact of religion on coping strategies for stress and anxiety
Exploring the experiences of individuals with chronic illnesses in complementary and alternative medicine treatments
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful customer retention strategies in business organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with postpartum depression in therapy programs
Understanding the impact of ageism on older adults in healthcare settings
Examining the perceptions of students regarding online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful team building in virtual work environments
Investigating the experiences of individuals with gambling disorders in treatment programs
Exploring the experiences of individuals with chronic illnesses in peer support groups
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful social media marketing strategies for businesses
Investigating the experiences of individuals with ADHD in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of sleep on cognitive and emotional functioning
Examining the perceptions of individuals with chronic illnesses regarding healthcare access and affordability
Investigating the experiences of individuals with borderline personality disorder in dialectical behavior therapy programs
Understanding the impact of social support on caregiver well-being
Exploring the experiences of individuals with chronic illnesses in disability activism
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful cultural competency training programs in healthcare settings
Understanding the impact of personality disorders on interpersonal relationships
Examining the perceptions of healthcare providers regarding the use of telehealth services
Investigating the experiences of individuals with dissociative disorders in therapy programs
Understanding the impact of gender bias in hiring practices
Exploring the experiences of individuals with visual impairments in the workplace
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful diversity and inclusion programs in the workplace
Understanding the impact of online dating on romantic relationships
Examining the perceptions of parents regarding childhood vaccination
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful communication in healthcare settings
Understanding the impact of cultural stereotypes on academic achievement
Exploring the experiences of individuals with substance use disorders in sober living programs
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful classroom management strategies
Understanding the impact of social support on addiction recovery
Examining the perceptions of college students regarding mental health stigma
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful conflict resolution in the workplace
Understanding the impact of race and ethnicity on healthcare access and outcomes
Exploring the experiences of individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder in treatment programs
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful project management strategies
Understanding the impact of teacher-student relationships on academic achievement
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful customer service strategies
Investigating the experiences of individuals with social anxiety disorder in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of workplace stress on job satisfaction and performance
Exploring the experiences of individuals with disabilities in sports and recreation
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful marketing strategies for small businesses
Investigating the experiences of individuals with phobias in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of culture on attitudes towards mental health and illness
Examining the perceptions of college students regarding sexual assault prevention
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful time management strategies
Investigating the experiences of individuals with addiction in recovery support groups
Understanding the impact of mindfulness on emotional regulation and well-being
Exploring the experiences of individuals with chronic pain in treatment programs
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful conflict resolution in romantic relationships
Investigating the experiences of individuals with autism spectrum disorder in social skills training programs
Understanding the impact of parent-child communication on adolescent substance use
Examining the perceptions of parents regarding childhood mental health services
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful fundraising strategies for non-profit organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with chronic illnesses in support groups
Understanding the impact of personality traits on career success and satisfaction
Exploring the experiences of individuals with disabilities in accessing public transportation
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful team building in sports teams
Investigating the experiences of individuals with chronic pain in alternative medicine treatments
Understanding the impact of stigma on mental health treatment seeking behaviors
Examining the perceptions of college students regarding diversity and inclusion on campus.

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Qualitative Research Topics & Ideas For Students

The Best Qualitative Research Topics For Students

Do you have difficulty finding a qualitative research title for your project? If you are, you need not worry because you are not alone. However, there are many unique qualitative titles you can explore for your research. You just need a few qualitative research title examples to get you started. Qualitative research is focused on data obtained through a researcher’s first-hand observations, natural setting recording, artifacts, case studies, documents, questionnaires, and interviews. The findings in qualitative research are usually non-numerical. Also, it is common in humanities and social sciences. This post provides over 100 qualitative research topics you can consider.

The Best Qualitative Research Topics That Impress the Teacher

Exceptional Qualitative Research Topics In Social Science

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An excellent research topic will help you earn a good grade. Consider any example of a qualitative research title from the following options:

The impacts of social media on physical social engagement in society
The benefits of treating mental disorders with medication
The effects of Gender-Based Violence on women’s social lives in rural areas
The decline of academic pursuit in third-world countries
Sexual workers: the stigma they experience
How has the promotion of feminist values influenced workplaces?
Free education: its impact in third-world countries
What is the correlation between education and success?
Ableism: its effects on disabled people in society
Food insecurity in third-world nations

The topic of your research paper can influence how easily you can conduct your study and draw conclusions.

Here are fantastic examples of qualitative research titles:

Female harm: how it is influenced by culture
The socioeconomic impacts of free education
The link between food insecurity and poor performance in schools
Alcoholism among college students: a critical study
How to mitigate child labor in our society
The root causes of child labor in Latin America
The stigma of living with transmissive medical conditions
The root cause of the stigma of people living with disabilities
How to identify depression in small children
Signs of autism in kids below two years old

Choosing a qualitative research topic is not a task you should take lightly because it can influence your performance. Here are some noteworthy qualitative research titles examples:

Basic patient care policies in developing nations
The impacts of alcoholism on education
Adult learning: what does it entail?
Homeschooling: Is it the latest trend after the pandemic?
Does computer literacy influence the quality of education kids enjoy?
How to effectively teach students with learning disabilities
The relationship between poor education systems and crime rates in third-world countries
Student bullying: the psychological impacts
Should high school students go through university preparedness programs?
research writing in high schools: its significance

Are you looking for qualitative research topic examples to start your study? Below are some creative examples to consider:

Remote tests: are they as effective as in-class tests?
The value of social activities in academic institutions
Why should healthcare be free in all countries?
The implications of racist laws on society
The reception of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments
What is the difference between foreign policies in first-world and third-world nations?
Racism and Colorism: what is the difference?
Dissecting the causes of low voter turnouts in the 21 st century
The challenges of social media on kid’s brain development
The inclusion of black women in American politics and its impacts

When competing with several brilliant minds, a good research topic can do you greatly. The following qualitative research examples titles are a great place to start:

Should school uniforms be discarded for high schoolers?
The need for equal representation in global politics
The implications of police brutality on politics
The role of parental care in foster kids
The distinction between Islamic values and Christian values
The correlation between political instability and migration
Sex trafficking and violence against women: what is the link?
How can global governments eradicate homelessness?
Fraternities and sororities: are they still relevant?
The role of literature in promoting societal changes

Qualitative research is popular in the education field and other social sciences. Choose a qualitative research title example on the subject of education from the following list:

Effectively introducing foreign languages in the high school curriculum
How can teachers help students with disabilities improve their learning?
The link between social activities and comprehension among students
Research writing in high schools: is it necessary?
How has virtual learning influenced teacher-student relationships?
The implications of allowing smartphones in classes
Should all schools introduce sign language lessons in their curriculum?
Student loans: their impacts on black students
The impacts of race on college acceptance rates
Poverty and education: what is the link?
Ethnic and socioeconomic causes of poor school attendance in developing worlds
Various teaching methods and their efficiency
Efficient teaching methods for children below two years
Why do students perform better in humanities than in sciences?
The difference between college acceptance and completion in most nations
Remote learning in developing countries
What are the best ways of approaching bullying in schools?
How do teachers promote inequality among students?
Does social class influence academic performance negatively or positively?
How do teachers shape their students’ personalities?

Coming up with a qualitative research title can be hard because of the numerous subject areas and the issue of uniqueness. Therefore, we have prepared the following qualitative title examples for you:

How to promote oral learning in classrooms
Political instability in developing countries: its economic impacts
The impacts of weather on social activities
Boredom and poor-decision making: the connection
Exploring the connection between attachment types and love languages
Socioeconomic impacts of instability on a country
How does social media impact the perception of reality
Reality TV shows: are they a true reflection of reality?
How culture applies to different age groups
Is social media influencing the loss of cultural values?

You can base your research topic on a specific region or nation, like the Philippines. A sample qualitative research title can get you started. You can pick a sample qualitative research title from the ideas below:

Why are so many Philippines residents migrating to America?
The impact of politics on migration in the Philippines
How has violence led to food insecurity in rural areas in the Philippines?
The Philippine education system: an overview
How cultural norms influence social activities in the Philippines
Gender roles in the Philippines society
How popular Filipino cultures have served as agents of social change in the nation
The link between male dominance and GBV in the Philippines
Barriers to clean hygiene in health centers in the Philippines
The spread of COVID in rural areas in the Philippines

Most top performers in research subjects attribute their success to choosing the best title for qualitative research. Here are some qualitative research topics about humanities and social science to promote good performance:

The impact of poor market rivalry on supply and demand
The role of parents in shaping kids’ morals
Is social media the root cause of poor societal morals?
How does alcohol impact a person’s normal behavior?
How often should adults engage in sporting activities?
Children’s eating habits and their influences
Low socioeconomic backgrounds and their impacts on self-esteem
The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the world’s views on viral diseases
How can school-going kids manage depression
Causes of mental challenges among school-going kids

Finding a good topic for qualitative research is a critical task that requires a lot of thought and research. However, we have simplified the process with the following qualitative topic ideas:

Pop music and erratic youth behavior: is there a link?
How do public figures influence cultures?
Ideas for improving healthcare in developing nations
Possible solutions for alleviating the food crisis in developing nations
New ways of mitigating viral diseases
Social media trends among the elderly
Quarantine as a mitigation approach for infectious diseases
Promoting social justice in patriarchal societies
Worrying trends among the young population
Emerging marketing trends in 2023

Qualitative research for college and high school students helps improve reading, writing, and intellectual skills. Here are some qualitative research examples and topic ideas for students :

How to detect and prevent natural disasters beforehand
Can the whole world have the same education system?
What is the most effective therapy for patients recuperating from brain surgery?
Possible solutions for promoting ethical practices in telehealth
Can addicts overcome addiction without therapy?
The latest technology trends and their impacts?
How can global governments promote mental health awareness?
Have smartphones caused reduced attention spans among users?
Sexual violence in rural areas
The introduction of Islam in African nations

We Are Here for You

Qualitative research is an investigative analysis of intangible or inexact data, mostly non-numerical. The title of qualitative research you choose will guide your entire research process and influence its conclusions. Do you need a paper or an example of a research title qualitative topic? Our expert team is ready to write it for you.

Tips on how to choose good qualitative research topics

Writing a research paper or a college assignment with success solely depends on your ability to choose suitable qualitative research topics. It’s essential to carefully examine and explore the field with all the challenges before you start writing to identify the key factors and aspects of your assignment. Here are a few tips on how to do that to get good research paper ideas.

Align your research topic with your field of interest

Your assignment topic should be something that interests you deeply so that you can completely get into it and make the most out of your efforts. More importantly, your topic should allow you to develop your personal skills and learn new things.

Make sure you have all the right research on the topic

If you choose a topic that has little to no supporting research available, you’ll end up getting stuck. You must properly research the topic before you start writing. This research will also help you shortlist unrelated topics and narrow down your scope so that you can focus on the information that matches your exact needs.

Follow your university guidelines!

Consulting with your professors and going through the assessment guidelines is paramount to writing a top-class paper. Follow your university guidelines to make sure your efforts get approved by your supervisor.

List of qualitative research topics examples

Long-term planning methods for better project management
How to deal with issues during a project implementation program
The best practices for dealing with tight project deadlines
Why time management is essential for goal setting
Flexibility in management: How to improve decision-making as a manager
Top professional techniques for developing management skills
Healthcare in low-income societies: How to achieve affordable medical care
Dealing with a loss and the process of recovery
How to make eco-friendly facemasks
Preventing flu during cold seasons: The most effective preventative methods
The importance of developing community-based sanitization programs
The best practices for quitting alcohol and cigarettes
Helping the young manage their obesity: The most effective obesity management strategies
Promoting healthcare during COVID-19: Strategies for expanding the health sector
Guide to collecting resources for building a centralized community
How academic and social practices can help uplift a society
Professional practices for building a one-on-one relationship between teachers and students
The science behind consumer motivations and appraisals
Reshaping the traditional form of virtual ethnography
Are homeschooling programs as efficient as they should be?
The importance of developing healthy eating habits
The best strategies for getting ahead of the prospective market
How to track the dynamics of real estate investments
How effective are modern newsgathering technologies?
Developing introvert behavior and its key effects
Can sharing help an individual overcome addictions?
Guide to creating a one-people community
The most effective methods for dealing with cyberbullying
The best way to bringing social equity to patriarchal societies
How quarantine prevents the spread of infectious diseases
The aging populations and the trends they follow
The latest digital media trends
Methods for mitigating communicable diseases
How governments work on protocol observance
Practices for preventing the spread of the coronavirus in crowded places
Alleviating pain during childbirth
Maternal healthcare in developing countries
Can pop music change erratic youth behavior?
The best therapies for recovering from brain surgery
How alcohol changes normal behavior
Depression management among school-going children
Strategies for avoiding a viral disease
Ways to influence the eating habits of children
How and when to engage in sporting activities
How low socioeconomic background impacts self-esteem
The importance of parenting for shaping children’s morals
The impact of poor market completion on supply and demand
Do children under four years need preschool education?
Single-gender schools vs. mixed schools
How the world would benefit from the same education system
How virtual reality helps reshape the world
The hottest destinations for traveling at the moment
How fast does the ozone layer deplete?
Is it possible to predict natural disasters before they occur?
The effects of digital marketing on modern businesses
Physical learning vs. online learning
How related are Windows and Apple products?
Study cases of bullying in schools
The effect of stress on human behavior
Patient behavior and the influence of social processes

If you’re looking for the best way to choose some of the most suitable qualitative research paper topics for your college assignment, these 60 topics should help you get ahead of your task and write an engaging paper. All topics above are for your personal education and motivation. If you still need help with your assignment, our professional paper writing services are available 24/7.

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189+ Most Exciting Qualitative Research Topics For Students

Researchers conduct qualitative studies to gain a holistic understanding of the topic under investigation. Analyzing qualitative? Looking for the best qualitative research topics?

If yes, you are here at the right place. We are discussing here all the topics in every field. Basically, qualitative research is the most valuable approach within the fields of social sciences, humanities, and various other fields.

Qualitative research uses a wide array of methods such as interviews, focus groups, participant observation, content analysis, and case studies. Even among others, to gather and analyze non-numerical data.

In this blog, we will explore the diverse, most interesting qualitative research topics, highlighting their importance. Whether you are a student, a scholar, or a practitioner in your field, these best qualitative research ideas are most helpful for you.

Must Read: 21 Ways To Get Good Grades In College

What Is Qualitative Research

Table of Contents

Qualitative research is a systematic and exploratory approach to research that focuses on understanding and interpreting the complexities of human experiences, behaviors, and phenomena. It aims to provide in-depth insights into the “how” and “why” of various issues by examining them in their natural settings and contexts. Unlike quantitative research, which primarily deals with numerical data and statistical analysis, qualitative research relies on non-numerical data such as interviews, observations, textual analysis, and participant narratives to uncover deeper meanings and patterns.

Key Characteristics Of Qualitative Research

These are the main features of Qualitative research. It is such as;

1. Subjective Understanding

Qualitative research is concerned with subjective aspects of human experiences, such as beliefs, emotions, values, and perceptions. It seeks to understand the world from the perspectives of the individuals being studied.

2. Contextual Exploration

Researchers immerse themselves in the context or environment in which the phenomenon of interest occurs. This contextual understanding is crucial for interpreting the findings accurately.

3. Flexibility

Qualitative research methods are flexible and adaptive, allowing researchers to adjust their approaches as they gain insights during the research process.

4. Small Sample Sizes

Qualitative studies often involve smaller samples compared to quantitative research, but they prioritize depth over breadth, aiming to gain a profound understanding of a particular group or issue.

5. Data Collection Techniques

Qualitative data is gathered through various techniques, including interviews, focus groups, participant observations, document analysis, and open-ended surveys. Researchers often use a combination of these methods to triangulate their findings.

6. Inductive Approach

Qualitative research typically employs an inductive approach, meaning that researchers develop theories or concepts based on the data they collect, rather than testing pre-existing hypotheses.

7. Rich and Detailed Data

The data collected in qualitative research is rich and descriptive, often involving transcripts of interviews, field notes, or coded textual data. Researchers analyze this data to identify themes, patterns, and relationships.

8 Great Tips On How To Choose Good Qualitative Research Topics

Here are some tips to help you select strong qualitative research topics:

1. Personal Interest and Passion: Start by considering what genuinely interests and excites you. Your enthusiasm for the topic will sustain your motivation throughout the research process.

2. Relevance: Ensure that your chosen topic is relevant to your field of study or the discipline you are working within. It should contribute to existing knowledge or address a meaningful research gap.

3. Research Gap Identification: Review relevant literature and research to identify gaps or areas where there is limited qualitative research. Look for unanswered questions or underexplored aspects of a particular subject.

4. Feasibility: Assess whether the topic is feasible within the scope of your research project. Consider factors like available time, resources, and access to potential participants or data sources.

5. Clarity and Specificity: Your research topic should be clear, specific, and well-defined. Avoid overly broad topics that are difficult to explore in depth. Narrow it down to a manageable focus.

6. Significance: Ask yourself why your research topic matters. Consider the potential implications and applications of your findings. How might your research contribute to understanding, policy, or practice?

7. Originality: Aim for a unique angle or perspective on the topic. While you can build on existing research, strive to offer a fresh viewpoint or new insights.

8. Researchable : Ensure that your topic is researchable using qualitative methods. It should allow you to collect relevant data and answer research questions effectively.

137+ Most Exciting Qualitative Research Topics For All Students

These are The following best qualitative research topics are given below for the students.

Qualitative Research Topics In Health and Medicine

Experiences of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Perceptions of alternative medicine among cancer patients.
Coping mechanisms of individuals with chronic illnesses.
The impact of telemedicine on patient-doctor relationships.
Barriers to mental health treatment-seeking among minority populations.
Qualitative analysis of patient experiences with organ transplantation.
Decision-making processes of families regarding end-of-life care.

Qualitative Research Topics In Education

The role of parental involvement in student academic achievement.
Teacher perceptions of remote learning during a pandemic.
Peer influence on academic motivation and performance.
Exploring the experiences of homeschooling families.
The impact of technology on the classroom environment.
Factors influencing student dropout rates in higher education.

Qualitative Research Topics In Psychology and Mental Health

Understanding the stigma associated with seeking therapy.
Experiences of individuals living with anxiety disorders.
Perceptions of body image among adolescents.
Coping strategies of survivors of traumatic events.
The impact of social support on mental health recovery.
Narratives of individuals with eating disorders.

Qualitative Research Topics In Sociology and Culture

Experiences of immigrants in adapting to a new culture.
The role of social media in shaping cultural identities.
Perceptions of police-community relations in marginalized communities.
Gender dynamics in the workplace and career progression.
Qualitative analysis of online dating experiences.
Narratives of LGBTQ+ individuals coming out to their families.

Qualitative Research Topics In Technology and Society

User experiences with augmented reality applications.
Perceptions of online privacy and data security.
The impact of social media on political activism.
Ethical considerations in artificial intelligence development.
Qualitative analysis of online gaming communities.
Experiences of individuals participating in virtual reality environments.

Qualitative Research Topics In Environmental Studies

Public perceptions of climate change and environmental policies.
Experiences of individuals involved in sustainable living practices.
Qualitative analysis of environmental activism movements.
Community responses to natural disasters and climate change.
Perspectives on wildlife conservation efforts.

Qualitative Research Topics In Business and Economics

Qualitative analysis of consumer behavior and brand loyalty.
Entrepreneurial experiences of women in male-dominated industries.
Factors influencing small business success or failure.
Corporate social responsibility and its impact on consumer trust.
Experiences of employees in remote work settings.

Qualitative Research Topics In Politics and Governance

Perceptions of voter suppression and electoral integrity.
Experiences of political activists in grassroots movements.
The role of social media in shaping political discourse.
Narratives of individuals involved in civil rights movements.
Qualitative analysis of government responses to crises.

Qualitative Research Topics In Family and Relationships

Experiences of couples in long-distance relationships.
Parenting styles and their impact on child development.
Sibling dynamics and their influence on individual development.
Narratives of individuals in arranged marriages.
Experiences of single parents in raising their children.

Qualitative Research Topics In Art and Culture

Qualitative analysis of the impact of art therapy on mental health.
Experiences of artists in exploring social and political themes.
Perceptions of cultural appropriation in the arts.
Narratives of individuals involved in the hip-hop culture.
The role of art in preserving cultural heritage.

Qualitative Research Topics In Crime and Justice

Experiences of formerly incarcerated individuals reentering society.
Perceptions of racial profiling and police violence.
Qualitative analysis of restorative justice programs.
Narratives of victims of cyberbullying.
Perspectives on juvenile justice reform.

Qualitative Research Topics In Sports and Recreation

Experiences of athletes in overcoming career-threatening injuries.
The role of sports in building resilience among youth.
Perceptions of performance-enhancing drugs in professional sports.
Qualitative analysis of sports fandom and its impact on identity.
Narratives of individuals involved in adaptive sports.

Qualitative Research Topics In History and Heritage

Experiences of descendants of historical events or figures.
Perceptions of cultural preservation and heritage conservation.
Narratives of individuals connected to indigenous cultures.
The impact of oral history on preserving traditions.
Qualitative analysis of historical reenactment communities.

Qualitative Research Topics In Religion and Spirituality

Experiences of individuals who have undergone religious conversion.
Perceptions of spirituality and well-being.
The role of religion in shaping moral values and ethics.
Narratives of individuals who have left religious communities.
Qualitative analysis of interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

Qualitative Research Topics In Travel and Tourism

Experiences of solo travelers in foreign countries.
Perceptions of sustainable tourism practices.
Qualitative analysis of cultural immersion through travel.
Narratives of individuals on pilgrimages or spiritual journeys.
Experiences of individuals living in tourist destinations.

Qualitative Research Topics In Human Rights and Social Justice

Narratives of human rights activists in advocating for change.
Experiences of refugees and asylum seekers.
Perceptions of income inequality and wealth distribution.
Qualitative analysis of anti-discrimination campaigns.
Perspectives on global efforts to combat human trafficking.

Qualitative Research Topics In Aging and Gerontology

Experiences of individuals in assisted living facilities.
Perceptions of aging and quality of life in older adults.
Narratives of caregivers for elderly family members.
The impact of intergenerational relationships on well-being.
Qualitative analysis of end-of-life decisions and hospice care.

Qualitative Research Topics In Language and Communication

Experiences of individuals learning a second language.
Perceptions of non-verbal communication in cross-cultural interactions.
Narratives of people who communicate primarily through sign language.
The role of language in shaping identity and belonging.
Qualitative analysis of online communication in virtual communities.

Qualitative Research Topics In Media and Entertainment

Experiences of content creators in the digital media industry.
Perceptions of representation in the film and television industry.
The impact of music on emotional well-being and identity.
Narratives of individuals involved in fan communities.
Qualitative analysis of the effects of binge-watching on mental health.

Qualitative Research Topics In Ethics and Morality

Experiences of individuals faced with ethical dilemmas.
Perceptions of moral relativism and cultural differences.
Narratives of whistleblowers in exposing corporate misconduct.
The role of empathy in ethical decision-making.
Qualitative analysis of the ethics of artificial intelligence.

Qualitative Research Topics In Technology and Education

Experiences of teachers integrating technology in the classroom.
Perceptions of online learning and its effectiveness.
The impact of educational apps on student engagement.
Narratives of students with disabilities using assistive technology.
Qualitative analysis of the digital divide in education.

Qualitative Research Topics In Gender and Sexuality

Experiences of transgender individuals in transitioning.
Perceptions of gender roles and expectations.
Narratives of individuals in same-sex relationships.
The impact of intersectionality on experiences of gender and sexuality.
Qualitative analysis of gender-based violence and advocacy.

Qualitative Research Topics In Migration and Diaspora

Experiences of immigrants in maintaining cultural ties to their home country.
Perceptions of identity among second-generation immigrants.
Narratives of refugees resettling in new countries.
The role of diaspora communities in supporting homeland causes.
Qualitative analysis of immigration policies and their impact on families.

Qualitative Research Topics In Food and Nutrition

Experiences of individuals with specific dietary restrictions.
Perceptions of food sustainability and ethical consumption.
Narratives of people with eating disorders seeking recovery.
The role of food in cultural identity and traditions.
Qualitative analysis of food insecurity and hunger relief efforts.

Qualitative Research Topics In Urban Studies and Community Development

Experiences of residents in gentrifying neighborhoods.
Perceptions of community engagement and empowerment.
Narratives of individuals involved in urban farming initiatives.
The impact of housing policies on homelessness.
Qualitative analysis of neighborhood safety and crime prevention.

Qualitative Research Topics In Science and Technology Ethics

Experiences of scientists in navigating ethical dilemmas.
Perceptions of scientific responsibility in climate change research.
Narratives of whistleblowers in scientific misconduct cases.
The role of ethics in emerging technology development.
Qualitative analysis of the ethics of genetic engineering.

Qualitative Research Topics In Social Media and Online Communities

Experiences of individuals in online support groups.
Perceptions of social media’s influence on self-esteem.
Narratives of social media influencers and their impact.
The role of online communities in social and political movements.
Qualitative analysis of cyberbullying and online harassment.

Qualitative Research Topics in Daily Life

The Impact of Social Media on Personal Relationships and Well-being.
Exploring the Experience of Remote Work during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Perceptions of Sustainable Living Practices Among Urban Dwellers.
Qualitative Analysis of Food Choices and Eating Habits in a Fast-paced Society.
Understanding the Motivations and Barriers to Physical Activity Among Adults.

Qualitative Research Topics for Students

Student Perceptions of Online Learning: Challenges and Opportunities.
Peer Pressure and Decision-making Among Adolescents.
Exploring the Transition from High School to College: Student Experiences.
The Role of Extracurricular Activities in Student Development.
Motivations and Challenges of Student Entrepreneurs in Starting Their Businesses.

Qualitative Research Topics for STEM Students

Qualitative Analysis of Ethical Dilemmas in Scientific Research.
Women in STEM: Barriers, Challenges, and Strategies for Success.
Understanding the Decision-making Process in Biomedical Research.
Qualitative Exploration of Team Dynamics in Engineering Projects.
Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence and Automation Among STEM Professionals.

Qualitative Research Titles Examples

“Voices of Resilience: Narratives of Cancer Survivors.”
“Exploring Cultural Identity Among Immigrant Communities.”
“From Addiction to Recovery: Life Stories of Former Substance Abusers.”
“Inside the Classroom: Student and Teacher Perspectives on Inclusive Education.”
“Navigating Caregiving: Experiences of Family Members Caring for Alzheimer’s Patients.”

Qualitative Research Topics in Education

Teacher Beliefs and Practices in Culturally Responsive Pedagogy.
Qualitative Study of Bullying Incidents in Elementary Schools.
Homeschooling: Parent and Student Perspectives on Alternative Education.
Evaluating the Impact of Technology Integration in Classroom Learning.
Parental Involvement in Early Childhood Education: A Qualitative Analysis.

Qualitative Research Topics for Nursing Students

Patient Experiences of Chronic Illness Management.
The Role of Empathy in Nursing Practice: A Qualitative Study.
Qualitative Exploration of End-of-Life Care Decision-making.
Perceptions of Nurse-Patient Communication in Intensive Care Units.
Nursing Burnout: Causes, Consequences, and Coping Strategies.

Qualitative Research Topics for Human Studies

Understanding the Impact of Climate Change on Vulnerable Communities.
The Role of Social Support in Mental Health Recovery.
Experiences of First-time Homebuyers in the Real Estate Market.
Exploring the Motivations and Challenges of Volunteering.
Narratives of Trauma Survivors: Coping and Resilience.

Qualitative Research Topics 2023

Emerging Trends in Remote Work: Employee Perspectives.
The Influence of Social Media on Political Engagement in the Post-COVID-19 Era.
Qualitative Study of Mental Health Stigma Reduction Campaigns.
Sustainability Practices in Business: Stakeholder Perceptions and Implementation.
Narratives of Long COVID: The Lived Experience of Survivors.

10 Major Differences Between Qualitative And Quantitative Research

Here are the 10 best differences between qualitative and quantitative research:

Conclusion – Qualitative Research Topics

Consequently, the selection of qualitative research topics is a critical phase in the journey of any researcher or student pursuing qualitative inquiry. The process of choosing the right topic involves a delicate balance of personal passion, research significance, feasibility, and ethical considerations.

As we’ve discussed, it’s essential to choose a topic that not only resonates with your interests but also contributes to the broader academic or practical discourse. Qualitative research offers a unique lens through which to examine the complexities of human experiences, behaviors, and phenomena.

It provides the opportunity to delve deep into the “how” and “why” of various subjects, offering nuanced insights that quantitative methods may not capture. Whether you are investigating personal narratives, cultural dynamics, educational practices, or social phenomena, qualitative research allows you to uncover the rich tapestry of human existence.

What is a good topic for qualitative research?

Self-esteem among people from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The advantages of online learning over physical learning.

What are the five topics of qualitative research?

These are biography, ethnography, phenomenology, grounded theory, and case study.

What is the easiest type of qualitative research?

Content analysis is possibly the most common and straightforward QDA method. At the simplest level, content analysis.

What are the 4 R’s of qualitative research?

Qualitative social research, whether conducted as ethnography, participant observation, or in situ interviewing, fares poorly when examined by the criteria of representativeness, reactivity, reliability, and replicability.

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131 Interesting Qualitative Research Topics For High Scoring Thesis

Qualitative research topics are undoubtedly not easy. While statistics enthralls some students, others don’t like the subject. That’s because qualitative assignments entail cognitive analysis, which complicates them. But apart from the hardships of completing the projects, selecting topics for qualitative research papers is also a challenge.

This article presents a list of 130-plus qualitative research topic ideas to help learners that struggle to get titles for their papers. It is helpful because many learners have difficulties picking titles that will make their essays impressive to educators. But before presenting the topics, this article defines qualitative research.

What Is Qualitative Research?

Qualitative research is an investigative and innovative abstract data analysis. When writing a qualitative research paper, a learner analyzes intangible data. Qualitative researchers code the data after or during collection. Therefore, having top-notch research topics is necessary for a first-class essay.

Knowing how to write a qualitative research paper is vital because it helps the student deliver a copy that provides a clear picture of an event or situation. A researcher can achieve this via practical experience, reliable reporting, and conversations. Gathering raw data is the initial step in qualitative research. A researcher can gather raw data by conducting reviews, observations, and surveys. Also, researchers can use creative methods to collect data.

Best Examples Of Qualitative Research Topics

Qualitative research covers many things. Here are examples of topics that learners can explore in their qualitative study.

What causes stigma around some health challenges?
Stigma facing the people living with disabilities- What is the cause?
Can Pro Bono legal assistance improve the criminal justice system?
How the less privileged can benefit from Pro Bono services
The educational challenges facing rural children- Are there ways to help them?
Child labor causes- How to mitigate the practice
Substance and drugs- What are young people abusing more?
How alcohol affects college students
Can food insecurity interfere with children’s performance in school?
Food banks intricacies- Understanding the challenge in low-income areas
Free education- Does it have socioeconomic benefits?
Culture and female harm- What’s the connection?
The impact of social media on physical and social engagement among teens in urban areas
Using medication to treat depression- What are the health benefits?
Investigating peer educators’ efficiency in creating awareness of health and social issues
Gender-based violence- What causes it in rural areas, and how does it affect victims?
Sexual reproductive health challenges of child brides- Are there ways to control it?
Investigating the causes of school dropout among teenagers
How to address school dropout among young adults
Investigating the deteriorating academic pursuit in Third-World countries
Social activities- Do they have benefits for depressed people?
Investigating cerebral palsy and the stigma that people associate with it.
Living with disabilities- Are there social implications?
The impact of ableism on disabled people
Exploring the promotion and benefits of feminist values
Why should society promote free education in all learning environments?
What causes food insecurities among low-income earners?
Food and housing insecurity- What are the root causes?
What are the effects of displacement- Investigating the homeless people’s mental health

These are good examples of qualitative research topics. However, a student that picks a title in this category should research it extensively to impress the educator with their work.

Qualitative Nursing Research Topics

Professors ask students to write about qualitative topics when pursuing nursing studies. Here are issues to consider in this category.

How does the nurse-patient relationship affect health outcomes?
How can nurses deal with complex patients?
How can nurses provide culturally competent care?
How do personal beliefs affect nursing practice?
What is the impact of spirituality on nursing care?
How does the nurse’s role change when working with terminally ill patients?
What challenges do nurses face when providing end-of-life care?
How can nurses best support families whose members have serious illnesses?
What are the unique challenges of caring for elderly patients?
How does the nurse’s role change when working in a hospice setting?
Health outreach programs- What are the most effective ways to execute them?
Effective methods of curbing drug abuse
Effective ways to help rape survivors
How can nurses administer care to female genital mutilation victims?
How to care for special needs individuals
Anxiety and depression symptoms
Methods of administering care to Dyslexia patients
How to help individuals dealing with mental disorders
Signs of Alzheimer’s disease in older people
How to provide primary patient care

These are good qualitative research topics for students pursuing nursing studies. Nevertheless, learners must research any of these titles before writing their papers.

Qualitative Research Topics In Education

Most topics spring up from the education niche despite fitting other specifications. Here are examples of qualitative research topics that include the education niche.

Are guidance and counseling essential in schools?
How computer literacy affects education
Why governments in developing schools should encourage adult education
Autistic children’s education- Which learning style suits them?
Is mental health education relevant in the modern school curriculum?
Exploring the learning conditions for kids in third world countries
Child education and food insecurity- What is the connection?
The impact of virtual learning on high school students
How does alcoholism affect a student and their education?
Homeschooling- What are its advantages and disadvantages?
How do teachers’ beliefs about intelligence affect their teaching?
What is the teacher’s role in developing a student’s self-concept?
Does race or ethnicity play a role in how teachers treat their students?
What are the teachers’ experiences with teaching students with special needs?
What methods do effective teachers use to motivate their students?
What are the most effective ways to teach reading and writing?
How does technology use affect how teachers teach, and students learn?
What are the challenges faced by teachers in rural areas?
What are the challenges faced by teachers in urban areas?
How do charter schools differ from traditional public schools?

Many topics and issues in the education system allow learners to find subjects to investigate and cover in their papers quickly. And this is not an exhaustive qualitative research topic list in this field. Nevertheless, it covers the most exciting ideas to explore.

Qualitative Research Topics In Public Health

Educators ask students to write academic papers while studying the public health sector. And this provides insights into crucial and relevant aspects of this sector. Here are qualitative research topics examples in this category.

How does the public health sector manage epidemics?
The role of public health in disaster management
Evaluating the effectiveness of public health campaigns
An analysis of the factors that hinder effective public health delivery
Access to healthcare: A study of rural and urban populations
Health needs assessment of refugees
Mental health support within the public health sector
The role of technology in public health
Understanding and addressing health disparities
Sexual and reproductive health rights in the public health discourse
How immunization benefits people in rural areas
What causes water-borne diseases, and how can society mitigate them?
Symptoms of high blood pressure among young people
How antenatal care helps pregnant women
How to boost breast cancer awareness

These are excellent qualitative research paper topics in the public health sector. Nevertheless, learners need sufficient time and resources to investigate their preferred titles in this category to write winning papers.

Qualitative Research Topics In Project Management

Project management writing focuses on ways to achieve results and goals while basing the achievement on the process. This subject covers planning, structuring, proffering, and controlling ways to execute plans to accomplish desired goals. Here are research topics for qualitative research in project management.

How effective communication strategies can impact the outcome of a project
How different leadership styles affect team productivity during a project
The role of conflict management in ensuring successful project outcomes
Gender differences in the perception and understanding of project risk
The impact of organizational culture on a project’s likelihood of success
How different project management methodologies affect its outcome
The effect of stakeholder involvement on project success
How to manage virtual teams effectively to ensure successful project outcomes
What motivates project managers to achieve successful results?
How can project managers create a positive work environment that leads to successful outcomes?
What challenges do project managers face when trying to achieve successful outcomes?
How can project management be used to achieve social change?
What are the ethical implications of project management?
What are the global impacts of project management?
Ways to achieve sustainable development through project management

These are topics to explore in project management. Nevertheless, learners need adequate time to investigate their chosen titles and write winning essays.

Qualitative Research Topics In Political Science

Qualitative research can also cover political science. Investigating this field enables people to understand it better and can be broad. Here are sample titles to consider in for your scientific thesis .

How do social media affect the way people engage with politics?
What motivates people to vote?
How does voting behavior change over time?
What are the consequences of gerrymandering?
How does campaign finance influence elections?
Interest groups- What is their role in politics?
How do the media cover politics?
What are the effects of political scandals?
How does public opinion influence policymakers?
How feminism enhanced the American politics
The adverse effects of misrepresentation
The American democracy- A look into its dimensions
Colorism, racism, and classism- How the American ideologies differ
What causes an election crisis?
Two-party system- What challenges does it face in America?
Black women’s inclusion in the American politics
Should America have a multi-party system?
Why mass media matters in politics’ scrutiny and promotion

While political science is a broad field, these narrow topics help learners handle their research effectively. Pick any of these ideas to write a winning essay.

Topics For Ethnography Qualitative Research

Ethnographic research entails studying and paying attention to society and describing it. Here are topics to consider for a research paper in this field.

Studying a subculture: Reasons people join and stay in gangs
How does social media use vary by culture?
An ethnographic study of a homeless shelter or soup kitchen
Understanding the lives of sex workers through ethnography
The impact of religion on family life
How does parenting vary between cultures?
How do children learn and socialize in different cultures?
What is the effect of migration on family life?
What are the experiences of refugees?- An explorative case study
What is the impact of poverty on family life?
How do people in different cultures understand and experience mental illness?
What is the role of the family in other cultures?
What are the end-of-life experiences and beliefs around death in different cultures?

This article has presented easy qualitative research topics. However, some need time and resources to investigate and write quality papers. Therefore, pick your paper title carefully to write an essay that will earn you an excellent grade.

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Qualitative Research Questions: Gain Powerful Insights + 25 Examples

We review the basics of qualitative research questions, including their key components, how to craft them effectively, & 25 example questions.

Einstein was many things—a physicist, a philosopher, and, undoubtedly, a mastermind. He also had an incredible way with words. His quote, "Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted," is particularly poignant when it comes to research.

Some inquiries call for a quantitative approach, for counting and measuring data in order to arrive at general conclusions. Other investigations, like qualitative research, rely on deep exploration and understanding of individual cases in order to develop a greater understanding of the whole. That’s what we’re going to focus on today.

Qualitative research questions focus on the "how" and "why" of things, rather than the "what". They ask about people's experiences and perceptions , and can be used to explore a wide range of topics.

The following article will discuss the basics of qualitative research questions, including their key components, and how to craft them effectively. You'll also find 25 examples of effective qualitative research questions you can use as inspiration for your own studies.

Let’s get started!

What are qualitative research questions, and when are they used?

When researchers set out to conduct a study on a certain topic, their research is chiefly directed by an overarching question . This question provides focus for the study and helps determine what kind of data will be collected.

By starting with a question, we gain parameters and objectives for our line of research. What are we studying? For what purpose? How will we know when we’ve achieved our goals?

Of course, some of these questions can be described as quantitative in nature. When a research question is quantitative, it usually seeks to measure or calculate something in a systematic way.

For example:

How many people in our town use the library?
What is the average income of families in our city?
How much does the average person weigh?

Other research questions, however—and the ones we will be focusing on in this article—are qualitative in nature. Qualitative research questions are open-ended and seek to explore a given topic in-depth.

According to the Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry , “Qualitative research aims to address questions concerned with developing an understanding of the meaning and experience dimensions of humans’ lives and social worlds.”

This type of research can be used to gain a better understanding of people’s thoughts, feelings and experiences by “addressing questions beyond ‘what works’, towards ‘what works for whom when, how and why, and focusing on intervention improvement rather than accreditation,” states one paper in Neurological Research and Practice .

Qualitative questions often produce rich data that can help researchers develop hypotheses for further quantitative study.

What are people’s thoughts on the new library?
How does it feel to be a first-generation student at our school?
How do people feel about the changes taking place in our town?

As stated by a paper in Human Reproduction , “...‘qualitative’ methods are used to answer questions about experience, meaning, and perspective, most often from the standpoint of the participant. These data are usually not amenable to counting or measuring.”

Both quantitative and qualitative questions have their uses; in fact, they often complement each other. A well-designed research study will include a mix of both types of questions in order to gain a fuller understanding of the topic at hand.

If you would like to recruit unlimited participants for qualitative research for free and only pay for the interview you conduct, try using Respondent today.

Crafting qualitative research questions for powerful insights

Now that we have a basic understanding of what qualitative research questions are and when they are used, let’s take a look at how you can begin crafting your own.

According to a study in the International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, there is a certain process researchers should follow when crafting their questions, which we’ll explore in more depth.

1. Beginning the process

Start with a point of interest or curiosity, and pose a draft question or ‘self-question’. What do you want to know about the topic at hand? What is your specific curiosity? You may find it helpful to begin by writing several questions.

For example, if you’re interested in understanding how your customer base feels about a recent change to your product, you might ask:

What made you decide to try the new product?
How do you feel about the change?
What do you think of the new design/functionality?
What benefits do you see in the change?

2. Create one overarching, guiding question

At this point, narrow down the draft questions into one specific question. “Sometimes, these broader research questions are not stated as questions, but rather as goals for the study.”

As an example of this, you might narrow down these three questions:

into the following question:

What are our customers’ thoughts on the recent change to our product?

3. Theoretical framing

As you read the relevant literature and apply theory to your research, the question should be altered to achieve better outcomes. Experts agree that pursuing a qualitative line of inquiry should open up the possibility for questioning your original theories and altering the conceptual framework with which the research began.

If we continue with the current example, it’s possible you may uncover new data that informs your research and changes your question. For instance, you may discover that customers’ feelings about the change are not just a reaction to the change itself, but also to how it was implemented. In this case, your question would need to reflect this new information:

How did customers react to the process of the change, as well as the change itself?

4. Ethical considerations

A study in the International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education stresses that ethics are “a central issue when a researcher proposes to study the lives of others, especially marginalized populations.” Consider how your question or inquiry will affect the people it relates to—their lives and their safety. Shape your question to avoid physical, emotional, or mental upset for the focus group.

In analyzing your question from this perspective, if you feel that it may cause harm, you should consider changing the question or ending your research project. Perhaps you’ve discovered that your question encourages harmful or invasive questioning, in which case you should reformulate it.

5. Writing the question

The actual process of writing the question comes only after considering the above points. The purpose of crafting your research questions is to delve into what your study is specifically about” Remember that qualitative research questions are not trying to find the cause of an effect, but rather to explore the effect itself.

Your questions should be clear, concise, and understandable to those outside of your field. In addition, they should generate rich data. The questions you choose will also depend on the type of research you are conducting:

If you’re doing a phenomenological study, your questions might be open-ended, in order to allow participants to share their experiences in their own words.
If you’re doing a grounded-theory study, your questions might be focused on generating a list of categories or themes.
If you’re doing ethnography, your questions might be about understanding the culture you’re studying.

Whenyou have well-written questions, it is much easier to develop your research design and collect data that accurately reflects your inquiry.

In writing your questions, it may help you to refer to this simple flowchart process for constructing questions:

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25 examples of expertly crafted qualitative research questions

It's easy enough to cover the theory of writing a qualitative research question, but sometimes it's best if you can see the process in practice. In this section, we'll list 25 examples of B2B and B2C-related qualitative questions.

Let's begin with five questions. We'll show you the question, explain why it's considered qualitative, and then give you an example of how it can be used in research.

1. What is the customer's perception of our company's brand?

Qualitative research questions are often open-ended and invite respondents to share their thoughts and feelings on a subject. This question is qualitative because it seeks customer feedback on the company's brand.

This question can be used in research to understand how customers feel about the company's branding, what they like and don't like about it, and whether they would recommend it to others.

2. Why do customers buy our product?

This question is also qualitative because it seeks to understand the customer's motivations for purchasing a product. It can be used in research to identify the reasons customers buy a certain product, what needs or desires the product fulfills for them, and how they feel about the purchase after using the product.

3. How do our customers interact with our products?

Again, this question is qualitative because it seeks to understand customer behavior. In this case, it can be used in research to see how customers use the product, how they interact with it, and what emotions or thoughts the product evokes in them.

4. What are our customers' biggest frustrations with our products?

By seeking to understand customer frustrations, this question is qualitative and can provide valuable insights. It can be used in research to help identify areas in which the company needs to make improvements with its products.

5. How do our customers feel about our customer service?

Rather than asking why customers like or dislike something, this question asks how they feel. This qualitative question can provide insights into customer satisfaction or dissatisfaction with a company.

This type of question can be used in research to understand what customers think of the company's customer service and whether they feel it meets their needs.

20 more examples to refer to when writing your question

Now that you’re aware of what makes certain questions qualitative, let's move into 20 more examples of qualitative research questions:

How do your customers react when updates are made to your app interface?
How do customers feel when they complete their purchase through your ecommerce site?
What are your customers' main frustrations with your service?
How do people feel about the quality of your products compared to those of your competitors?
What motivates customers to refer their friends and family members to your product or service?
What are the main benefits your customers receive from using your product or service?
How do people feel when they finish a purchase on your website?
What are the main motivations behind customer loyalty to your brand?
How does your app make people feel emotionally?
For younger generations using your app, how does it make them feel about themselves?
What reputation do people associate with your brand?
How inclusive do people find your app?
In what ways are your customers' experiences unique to them?
What are the main areas of improvement your customers would like to see in your product or service?
How do people feel about their interactions with your tech team?
What are the top five reasons people use your online marketplace?
How does using your app make people feel in terms of connectedness?
What emotions do people experience when they're using your product or service?
Aside from the features of your product, what else about it attracts customers?
How does your company culture make people feel?

As you can see, these kinds of questions are completely open-ended. In a way, they allow the research and discoveries made along the way to direct the research. The questions are merely a starting point from which to explore.

This video offers tips on how to write good qualitative research questions, produced by Qualitative Research Expert, Kimberly Baker.

Wrap-up: crafting your own qualitative research questions.

Over the course of this article, we've explored what qualitative research questions are, why they matter, and how they should be written. Hopefully you now have a clear understanding of how to craft your own.

Remember, qualitative research questions should always be designed to explore a certain experience or phenomena in-depth, in order to generate powerful insights. As you write your questions, be sure to keep the following in mind:

Are you being inclusive of all relevant perspectives?
Are your questions specific enough to generate clear answers?
Will your questions allow for an in-depth exploration of the topic at hand?
Do the questions reflect your research goals and objectives?

If you can answer "yes" to all of the questions above, and you've followed the tips for writing qualitative research questions we shared in this article, then you're well on your way to crafting powerful queries that will yield valuable insights.

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Asking the right questions in the right way is the key to research success. That’s true for not just the discussion guide but for every step of a research project. Following are 100+ questions that will take you from defining your research objective through screening and participant discussions.

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161+ Exciting Qualitative Research Topics For STEM Students

Are you doing Qualitative research? Looking for the best qualitative research topics for stem students? It is a most interesting and good field for research. Qualitative research allows STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) students to delve deeper into complex issues, explore human behavior, and understand the intricacies of the world around them.

In this article, we’ll provide you with an extensive list of 161+ qualitative research topics tailored to STEM students. We’ll also explore how to find and choose good qualitative research topics, and why these topics are particularly beneficial for students, including those in high school.

Also Like To Read: 171+ Brilliant Quantitative Research Topics For STEM Students

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What Are Qualitative Research Topics for STEM Students

Qualitative research topics for stem students are questions or issues that necessitate an in-depth exploration of people’s experiences, beliefs, and behaviors. STEM students can use this approach to investigate societal impacts, ethical dilemmas, and user experiences related to scientific advancements and innovations.

Unlike quantitative research, which focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis, qualitative research delves into the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of a particular phenomenon.

How to Find and Choose Good Qualitative Research Topics

Selecting qualitative research topics for stem students is a crucial step in the research process. Here are some tips to help you find and choose a suitable topic:

Passion and Interest: Start by considering your personal interests and passions. What topics within STEM excite you? Research becomes more engaging when you’re genuinely interested in the subject.
Relevance: Choose qualitative research topics for stem students. Look for gaps in the existing knowledge or unanswered questions.
Literature Review: Conduct a thorough literature review to identify the latest trends and areas where qualitative research is lacking. This can guide you in selecting a topic that contributes to the field.
Feasibility: Ensure that your chosen topic is feasible within the resources and time constraints available to you. Some research topics may require extensive resources and funding.
Ethical Considerations: Be aware of ethical concerns related to your qualitative research topics for stem students, especially when dealing with human subjects or sensitive issues.

Here are the most exciting and very interesting Qualitative Research Topics For STEM Students, high school students, nursing students, college students, etc.

Biology Qualitative Research Topics

Impact of Ecosystem Restoration on Biodiversity
Ethical Considerations in Human Gene Editing
Public Perceptions of Biotechnology in Agriculture
Coping Mechanisms and Stress Responses in Marine Biologists
Cultural Perspectives on Traditional Herbal Medicine
Community Attitudes Toward Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Ethical Issues in Animal Testing and Research
Indigenous Knowledge and Ethnobotany
Psychological Well-being of Conservation Biologists
Attitudes Toward Endangered Species Protection

Chemistry Qualitative Research Topics For STEM Students

Adoption of Green Chemistry Practices in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Public Perception of Chemical Safety in Household Products
Strategies for Improving Chemistry Education
Art Conservation and Chemical Analysis
Consumer Attitudes Toward Organic Chemistry in Everyday Life
Ethical Considerations in Chemical Waste Disposal
The Role of Chemistry in Sustainable Agriculture
Perceptions of Nanomaterials and Their Applications
Chemistry-Related Career Aspirations in High School Students
Cultural Beliefs and Traditional Chemical Practices

Physics Qualitative Research Topics

Gender Bias in Physics Education and Career Progression
Philosophical Implications of Quantum Mechanics
Public Understanding of Renewable Energy Technologies
Influence of Science Fiction on Scientific Research
Perceptions of Dark Matter and Dark Energy in the Universe
Student Experiences in High School Physics Classes
Physics Outreach Programs and Their Impact on Communities
Cultural Variations in the Perception of Time and Space
Role of Physics in Environmental Conservation
Public Engagement with Science Through Astronomy Events

Engineering Qualitative Research Topics For STEM Students

Ethics in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
Human-Centered Design in Engineering
Innovation and Sustainability in Civil Engineering
Public Perception of Self-Driving Cars
Engineering Solutions for Climate Change Mitigation
Experiences of Women in Male-Dominated Engineering Fields
Role of Engineers in Disaster Response and Recovery
Ethical Considerations in Technology Patents
Perceptions of Engineering Education and Career Prospects
Students Views on the Role of Engineers in Society

Computer Science Qualitative Research Topics

Gender Diversity in Tech Companies
Ethical Implications of AI-Powered Decision-Making
User Experience and Interface Design
Cybersecurity Awareness and Behaviors
Digital Privacy Concerns and Practices
Social Media Use and Mental Health in College Students
Gaming Culture and its Impact on Social Interactions
Student Attitudes Toward Coding and Programming
Online Learning Platforms and Student Satisfaction
Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence in Everyday Life

Mathematics Qualitative Research Topics For STEM Students

Gender Stereotypes in Mathematics Education
Cultural Variations in Problem-Solving Approaches
Perception of Math in Everyday Life
Math Anxiety and Coping Mechanisms
Historical Development of Mathematical Concepts
Attitudes Toward Mathematics Among Elementary School Students
Role of Mathematics in Solving Real-World Problems
Homeschooling Approaches to Teaching Mathematics
Effectiveness of Math Tutoring Programs
Math-Related Stereotypes in Society

Environmental Science Qualitative Research Topics

Local Communities’ Responses to Climate Change
Public Understanding of Conservation Practices
Sustainable Agriculture and Farmer Perspectives
Environmental Education and Behavior Change
Indigenous Ecological Knowledge and Biodiversity Conservation
Conservation Awareness and Behavior of Tourists
Climate Change Perceptions Among Youth
Perceptions of Water Scarcity and Resource Management
Environmental Activism and Youth Engagement
Community Responses to Environmental Disasters

Geology and Earth Sciences Qualitative Research Topics For STEM Students

Geologists’ Risk Perception and Decision-Making
Volcano Hazard Preparedness in At-Risk Communities
Public Attitudes Toward Geological Hazards
Environmental Consequences of Extractive Industries
Perceptions of Geological Time and Deep Earth Processes
Use of Geospatial Technology in Environmental Research
Role of Geology in Disaster Preparedness and Response
Geological Factors Influencing Urban Planning
Community Engagement in Geoscience Education
Climate Change Communication and Public Understanding

Astronomy and Space Science Qualitative Research Topics

The Role of Science Communication in Astronomy Education
Perceptions of Space Exploration and Colonization
UFO and Extraterrestrial Life Beliefs
Public Understanding of Black Holes and Neutron Stars
Space Tourism and Future Space Travel
Impact of Space Science Outreach Programs on Student Interest
Cultural Beliefs and Rituals Related to Celestial Events
Space Science in Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Public Engagement with Astronomical Phenomena
Space Exploration in Science Fiction and Popular Culture

Medicine and Health Sciences Qualitative Research Topics

Patient-Physician Communication and Trust
Ethical Considerations in Human Cloning and Genetic Modification
Public Attitudes Toward Vaccination
Coping Strategies for Healthcare Workers in Pandemics
Cultural Beliefs and Health Practices
Health Disparities Among Underserved Communities
Medical Decision-Making and Informed Consent
Mental Health Stigma and Help-Seeking Behavior
Wellness Practices and Health-Related Beliefs
Perceptions of Alternative and Complementary Medicine

Psychology Qualitative Research Topics

Perceptions of Body Image in Different Cultures
Workplace Stress and Coping Mechanisms
LGBTQ+ Youth Experiences and Well-Being
Cross-Cultural Differences in Parenting Styles and Outcomes
Perceptions of Psychotherapy and Counseling
Attitudes Toward Medication for Mental Health Conditions
Psychological Well-being of Older Adults
Role of Cultural and Social Factors in Psychological Well-being
Technology Use and Its Impact on Mental Health

Social Sciences Qualitative Research Topics

Political Polarization and Online Echo Chambers
Immigration and Acculturation Experiences
Educational Inequality and School Policy
Youth Engagement in Environmental Activism
Identity and Social Media in the Digital Age
Social Media and Its Influence on Political Beliefs
Family Dynamics and Conflict Resolution
Social Support and Coping Strategies in College Students
Perceptions of Cyberbullying Among Adolescents
Impact of Social Movements on Societal Change

Interesting Sociology Qualitative Research Topics For STEM Students

Perceptions of Racial Inequality and Discrimination
Aging and Quality of Life in Elderly Populations
Gender Roles and Expectations in Relationships
Online Communities and Social Support
Cultural Practices and Beliefs Related to Marriage
Family Dynamics and Coping Mechanisms
Perceptions of Community Safety and Policing
Attitudes Toward Social Welfare Programs
Influence of Media on Perceptions of Social Issues
Youth Perspectives on Education and Career Aspirations

Anthropology Qualitative Research Topics

Traditional Knowledge and Biodiversity Conservation
Cultural Variation in Parenting Practices
Indigenous Language Revitalization Efforts
Social Impacts of Tourism on Indigenous Communities
Rituals and Ceremonies in Different Cultural Contexts
Food and Identity in Cultural Practices
Traditional Healing and Healthcare Practices
Indigenous Rights and Land Conservation
Ethnographic Studies of Marginalized Communities
Cultural Practices Surrounding Death and Mourning

Economics and Business Qualitative Research Topics

Small Business Resilience in Times of Crisis
Workplace Diversity and Inclusion
Corporate Social Responsibility Perceptions
International Trade and Cultural Perceptions
Consumer Behavior and Decision-Making in E-Commerce
Business Ethics and Ethical Decision-Making
Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Startups
Perceptions of Economic Inequality and Wealth Distribution
Impact of Economic Policies on Communities
Role of Economic Education in Financial Literacy

Good Education Qualitative Research Topics For STEM Students

Homeschooling Experiences and Outcomes
Teacher Burnout and Coping Strategies
Inclusive Education and Special Needs Integration
Student Perspectives on Online Learning
High-Stakes Testing and Its Impact on Students
Multilingual Education and Bilingualism
Perceptions of Educational Technology in Classrooms
School Climate and Student Well-being
Teacher-Student Relationships and Their Effects on Learning
Cultural Diversity in Education and Inclusion

Environmental Engineering Qualitative Research Topics

Sustainable Transportation and Community Preferences
Ethical Considerations in Waste Reduction and Recycling
Public Attitudes Toward Renewable Energy Projects
Environmental Impact Assessment and Community Engagement
Sustainable Urban Planning and Neighborhood Perceptions
Water Quality and Conservation Practices in Residential Areas
Green Building Practices and User Experiences
Community Resilience in the Face of Climate Change
Role of Environmental Engineers in Disaster Preparedness

Why Qualitative Research Topics Are Good for STEM Students

Deeper Understanding: Qualitative research encourages STEM students to explore complex issues from a human perspective. This deepens their understanding of the broader impact of scientific discoveries and technological advancements.
Critical Thinking: Qualitative research fosters critical thinking skills by requiring students to analyze and interpret data, consider diverse viewpoints, and draw nuanced conclusions.
Real-World Relevance: Many qualitative research topics have real-world applications. Students can address problems, inform policy, and contribute to society by investigating issues that matter.
Interdisciplinary Learning: Qualitative research often transcends traditional STEM boundaries, allowing students to draw on insights from psychology, sociology, anthropology, and other fields.
Preparation for Future Careers: Qualitative research skills are valuable in various STEM careers, as they enable students to communicate complex ideas and understand the human and social aspects of their work.

Qualitative Research Topics for High School STEM Students

High school STEM students can benefit from qualitative research by honing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Here are some qualitative research topics suitable for high school students:

Perceptions of STEM Education: Investigate students’ and teachers’ perceptions of STEM education and its effectiveness.
Environmental Awareness: Examine the factors influencing high school students’ environmental awareness and eco-friendly behaviors.
Digital Learning in the Classroom: Explore the impact of technology on learning experiences and student engagement.
STEM Gender Gap: Analyze the reasons behind the gender gap in STEM fields and potential strategies for closing it.
Science Communication: Study how high school students perceive and engage with popular science communication channels, like YouTube and podcasts.
Impact of Extracurricular STEM Activities: Investigate how participation in STEM clubs and competitions influences students’ interest and performance in science and technology.

In essence, these are the best qualitative research topics for STEM students in the Philippines and are usable for other countries students too. Qualitative research topics offer STEM students a unique opportunity to explore the multifaceted aspects of their fields, develop essential skills, and contribute to meaningful discoveries. With the right topic selection, a strong research design, and ethical considerations, STEM students can easily get the best knowledge on exciting qualitative research that benefits both their career growth. So, choose a topic that resonates with your interests and get best job in your interest field.

300 Qualitative Research Topics For Easy Academic Victory

You are on the right page if you are looking for a perfect qualitative research topic and have difficulty finding it.

Writing a qualitative research paper is not a piece of cake. Let alone the research and writing; the first and most significant challenge is finding the qualitative research topic that is a perfect fit for you. You have to be sure about a handful of things to decide the best topic for you, and you can ace it. First and most important, you must choose a topic that you find appealing and motivating. If you are not interested in a topic, not only will it tire you, but it will make your research dull and exhausting as well. Two, choose a relevant topic that adds value to the academia. Last but not least, there must be enough data about the theme that you are about to choose. In case of any confusion, concerns, or questions, you can consult for paper writing help from Paper Perk .

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Qualitative Research Topics: Psych, Education, Health, Medicine & More

Wandering around the internet looking for qualitative research topics can be exhausting. We are writing this article to make it a one-stop solution for you. There is enough inspiration to come up with the most suitable topic for you, no matter your academic area.

Psychological Qualitative Research Topics

Emotional Intelligence: Can it be an excellent alternative to IQ?
Oxytocin in autistic children.
Meditation: A means to control emotions
Emotional dependency during pregnancy
Schizophrenia: Causes and treatment
Post-traumatic stress disorder: Causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Psychology of physical attraction in opposite sexes
What is a borderline personality disorder? Facts and myths
Psychological elements in electronic media: Marketing, persuasion, and propaganda
Psychology in public relations
Psychology in international relations
Causes of depression and what to do to avoid it?
Detailed analysis of speech disorders
Criminal psychology and the origin of serial killers
Psychological aspects of the aging process
The character of NGOs regarding awareness about mental health
How to prevent child abuse with the help of psychology?
Aspects of criminal psychology
Emotional imbalance: Causes, symptoms, and treatment
Memory loss? Is it a neural problem or a psychological problem?
The secrets to well-being
Mental disorders in teens

Read More: Psychology Research Paper Topics

Political Qualitative Research Topics

What role did masons’ living conditions have in forming workers’ political movements ?
How do presidential elections matter?
Political compass: A critical analysis
Is a representative democracy genuinely democratic?
How has Europe evolved in terms of democracy?
Democratic evolution in the United States in the last three centuries
Is democracy a myth or a reality?
Why is voter abstention a danger to democracy?
Role of minorities in the United States politics
Freedom of expression in developing countries
Freedom of expression under Islamist regimes
Misconduct on television: Awareness and Legislation

Read More: Political Science Research Topics

Qualitative Research Topics for Art and Culture

Is history a universally shared concept?
Can a man be indifferent to art?
How do we articulate the link between science and technology?
What is the purpose of art?
What does the artist show us? Expression and symbolism
What is an artist? What does an artist do?
What is an artist?
Is art always transgressive?
Work of art: The proof of the freedom of the spirit
Can art compete with nature?
Does art only have the function of freeing us from our passions?
Passion and emotion in art
Absurd surrealism
Grotesque surrealism
Different movements in art
Progress and evolution of art
The art of the middle ages
The art of the renaissance
Is the work of art necessarily beautiful?
Does art change our relationship with reality?
Does the critic able to regard something as art or not?
Does the experience of beauty necessarily pass through the work of art?
Things that art teaches us, artists, as a technician
Importance of meaning in a work of art
Meaningless art and absurdist existentialism
The need for a model in the production of art
Can we conceive of a society without art?
Different aspects of society are defined and differentiated by art
The fear of industrial production among the artists
Dystopian art: The ability to predict the future among artists
Elements that distinguish the work of art from any object
Why the artists deserve a special place in the world
Rules and regulations in art
Reproduction of art: Plagiarism in art and harm of repetition
Art and escapism
Anachronistic art and the element of satire
Should the artist seek to please the audience
Can we blame a work of art for not being worth anything?
Does every human being understand and appreciate art?
Do you think that, according to Aristotle’s formula, art is an “imitation of nature”?
Why does what we dislike in life please us in a work of art?
Does art seem to be a “revolt against the tyranny of desire”?
Why do we apply the term “creation” to artistic activity?
Sacrosanctity of art and human duty to uphold it

Qualitative Research Topics Involving Environment Issues

Advantages and disadvantages of technology for the environment
Benefits of environmental education in children
Methods to make modern society aware of the environment
Alternative energies
Nuclear energy production: An alternative to the planet’s growing energy demand
X degree care for the environment
Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of renewable energy
Need to develop environmentally friendly products
Documentation of experience: Protection of nature
Elements involved in environmental deterioration
Environment and strategies for sustainability
Environmental activism in adolescents and young people
Sustainability and security for environmental justice
Raising awareness about the protection of the environment through sports, literature, and culture
Environment influenced by collective and individual actions
Awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of the use of technologies
Effects and causes of acid rain and groundwater
Ways to live sustainably or focus on a specific aspect of sustainability
Recent disasters caused by global warming
Greenhouse effect and melting ice
Importance of renewable energy
Wildlife and endangered species
Air quality and pollution
Water quality in underdeveloped countries
Famines caused by environmental changes
Various recycling programs: Which one is the most effective
Awareness to participate in the initiatives about the protection of the environment
How deforestation has affected animals or how it is related to climate change
Importance of the coral reef, the dangers of its destruction, or preservation strategies

Read More: Best Legal Research Paper Topics

Qualitative Research Topics on Public Relations

Public Relations and socio-productive activity
Organizational Communication and Public Relations
Ethics in the practice of Public Relations
Epistemological foundations of Public Relations.
Factors that limit the practice of Public Relations.
Public Relations is a strategic factor of the company.
Relationship workers and professional practice in the United States
Corporate image and Public Relations
Corporate identity and Public Relations.
Public Relations and social enterprise
Public Relations as an integration factor.
Profile of the teacher of Public Relations.
Legislation of Public Relations in Europe
The free exercise of Public Relations
Public Relations and the labor market
Public Relations and digital communication
History of Public Relations in Europe
History of Public Relations in the United States
History of Public Relations in Canada
Semiology and Public Relations
Linguistics and Public Relations
Indicators to evaluate Public Relations programs
Planning of Public Relations in organizations
Public Relations through radio and television
University teaching in Public Relations

Read More: Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

Qualitative Research Topics for High School Students

How has technological development helped hospitals?
Benefits of technological advances in the classroom
Advantages and disadvantages of technology in children
How and why are fun activities different during every stage of the educational period, Montessori, school, college, and university?
Most dangerous challenges that must be avoided as students
Challenges made by celebrities: How do future career choices and jobs look for you in the next decade?
The pros and cons of viral challenges from Tiktok and reels
How/what do social networks help?
Disadvantages of social networks
Problems of social network in adolescents
What is the most suitable age for children to have a social media presence?
Toxic behaviors accompanied by social media: Prevention and Solution

Educational Qualitative Research Topics

History of education
How education has changed over time in one place
Importance of sports and games in early childhood education
Possible results of adding playtime to education
Pros and cons of a grading system
Most effective grading methods
How tests affect the success or mental health of students
Assessment methods: Such as standardized tests or open tests
Investigate how dress codes affect student performance
Different schools of learning
Qualities that effective teachers possess
Effects of teaching and lesson planning
Different approaches of public and private schools
Pros or cons of a charter school systems
How class size and number of students affect student performance
Qualities of an Effective Teacher
The length of the school day, or the length of breaks, and how the durations affect the progress of the students
How the start time of school affects performance

Read More: Biology Research Paper Topics

Qualitative Research Topics for Business and Economy

The chartered accountant and the client: what relationship today?
How does the arrival of the low-cost accountant change differentiation practices in accounting?
Law and accounting: how do the new laws impact the profession of a chartered accountant?
Accountants, why are they so difficult to recruit?
How does accounting make it possible to assess the state of health of a company?
Accounting and new technologies: the future or the end of the accountant?
Can inequalities be reduced with new technologies?
What distribution of wealth in France (or other)?
Why do companies relocate?
Protectionism or free trade?
Has the organization of work changed after the pandemic?
Do flexibility and home-working reduce unemployment?
Should we be afraid of financial bubbles?
Financial crises, similar cogs? Are we headed to a new recession?
What is money, and who creates it?
The stock market against growth?
How does economic growth lead to sustainable development?
What is the impact of innovation on growth?
What role does investment play?
What are the keys to productivity?
Is it possible to measure economic growth?
Why do stock markets crash?

Read More Law / Legal Research Paper Topics

Medical Qualitative Research Topics

Current situation of palliative care in health institutions in the United States
Complications of acute diarrheal disease in children under five years of age
Nutritional status of surgical oncology patients and its relationship with postoperative complications
Cost-effectiveness of cervical cancer screening strategies in California
Thyroid cancer and risk factors in patients treated at San Jose Hospital
Communicative processes in American ancestral medicine
Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis in a patient with a pulmonary septic complication
Telemedicine and Tele-health of the inhabitants of Massachusetts
Feasibility study and technical, infrastructure and human sustainability for the implementation of the care model
Epidemiological profile of the general surgery outpatient service
Physical activity and sport as determinants of health
Cost of treatment and follow-up of people with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
National Health System for the formal introduction of the family doctor
How is the social security system in France unsustainable?
Comparative study of health systems in the United States and Europe?
Allergies and intolerances, what are the differences for lactose?
Is gluten intolerance an actual disease?
Social inequalities in health in rural countries
Public health policy or health policy
Public health at the European level, what public policies
Public health in developing countries
Public health and environmental issues through the prism of red meat consumption
Communication of medicines when advertising is prohibited

Related: Medical research paper writing services

Qualitative Research Topics for Law and Crime

Consequences of the death penalty.
Capital offenses: Law, persecution, and penalties
Classic methods used in the death penalty
Arguments for or against this punishment
The stipulation for others and the promise of a stronghold
Consumer protection in the American Law
The social attributions of the captain of the ship
Recent developments in the constitutional justice
Reframing the civil code
Critical analysis of the scope of the principle of free justice
Institutions of the criminal records
Equality of the creditors in collective proceedings
Risk management in expertise
The repressive jurisdiction of the court of peace in the event of insufficiency of the judges
Labor law and the rights of workers
Secularism and labor law: Question of religion in business
The Management of transit migration
The legal framework of bank credit
Legal regime of intellectual rights
Compensation for moral damage
Family criminal law in the relation between parents and children
Unilateral termination of the contract
Role of the military in public prosecution
Critical analysis of the pre-jurisdictional procedure regarding human rights
The fault of the administration in land matters
The subsequent attitude of the victim and compensation for the damages
Action for retrocession in the event of excessive liberalities
The exploitation of child labor under Labor Law
Reflection on the introduction of the system of the dematerialization of bearer shares
Study on the feasibility of a structure for the amicable settlement of consumer disputes
The life insurance contract
Legal liability of the community pharmacist
The legal age of marriage: legislative, jurisprudential, and doctrinal approach
Protection of the unpaid seller in the event of insolvency of the buyer
The renewal of the employment contract
The regulatory framework for outdoor advertising, signs, and pre-sign
Extra-judicial resolution of land disputes

Qualitative Research Topics Concerning Drug Abuse

Drug use in adolescents
Consequences of excessive drug use
Legal and illegal addictive substances
Effects of drugs on the brain
Effects of alcohol and tobacco
Social science research on drugs
Psychological research on drugs
Biomedical research in the field of drugs
Drug addiction treatment
Cannabis in Europe: a study of social research
Drug expectations
Dynamics of drug cartels: Perception, politics, and markets
Sources and uses of methamphetamine
Sensation seeking
Contribution of research in psychology on drugs
Drug research: recent developments
in the field of psychology
Places of cannabis consumption
Drug prevention for the most vulnerable young people
Cannabis retail markets
Cultivation of cannabis at home
Cannabis Dependence and the Strength of Marijuana
Cannabis and youth
Cannabis and schizophrenia

Women Issues and Rights Qualitative Research Topics

How to educate teens about pregnancy
Women’s rights violations in the middle east
Forced-Hijab conflict in Iran
How to live a healthy pregnancy period
Access to health is a fundamental right: what role can parliaments play in ensuring health for women and children?
The wave of feminist movements in the Middle East
The situation of women and children in times of conflict
The role of women parliamentarians in the prevention of national and international terrorism and in the promotion of peace
Promoting women’s participation and gender equality in multilateral negotiations
The contribution of women to the establishment of a new global financial and economic model
Feminism in Egypt
Impact of the media on the status of women and image of women politicians in the media
Poverty and extreme poverty: women as victims of this phenomenon and as key actors in the fight to eradicate it
Complementarity of women’s rights and children’s rights
Health and well-being of older people, especially women
Women in Armed Conflict
Feminism in the South Asian Subcontinent
Violence against women
Role of women in ensuring environmental protection within the framework of development
Women in the informal economic sector and their access to microcredits
Women in economic life and the world of work
Impact of women on the democratic process
Women in the political process
Women’s rights violations in Africa
Financing women’s electoral campaigns
Women’s political and electoral training
Women in political parties
United Nations Initiatives for Women’s Education and the role of Malala Yousafzai
Women in national parliaments
The partnership between men and women in politics

Still feel the need to know more? It is noble to be insatiable about knowledge, so here are 402 More Research Paper Topics for you.

As we said in the beginning, writing a qualitative research paper is not a piece of cake. But after reading all these topics above, you now know that it is not rocket science either. All you need is a little commitment and a pint of inspiration potion that we have above 300 research paper topics.

If you still need professional qualitative research writing services, you can get to know our writers or contact us. We are online 24/7 with immediate responses to offer you research paper help .

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 113 great research paper topics.

General Education

One of the hardest parts of writing a research paper can be just finding a good topic to write about. Fortunately we've done the hard work for you and have compiled a list of 113 interesting research paper topics. They've been organized into ten categories and cover a wide range of subjects so you can easily find the best topic for you.

In addition to the list of good research topics, we've included advice on what makes a good research paper topic and how you can use your topic to start writing a great paper.

What Makes a Good Research Paper Topic?

Not all research paper topics are created equal, and you want to make sure you choose a great topic before you start writing. Below are the three most important factors to consider to make sure you choose the best research paper topics.

#1: It's Something You're Interested In

A paper is always easier to write if you're interested in the topic, and you'll be more motivated to do in-depth research and write a paper that really covers the entire subject. Even if a certain research paper topic is getting a lot of buzz right now or other people seem interested in writing about it, don't feel tempted to make it your topic unless you genuinely have some sort of interest in it as well.

#2: There's Enough Information to Write a Paper

Even if you come up with the absolute best research paper topic and you're so excited to write about it, you won't be able to produce a good paper if there isn't enough research about the topic. This can happen for very specific or specialized topics, as well as topics that are too new to have enough research done on them at the moment. Easy research paper topics will always be topics with enough information to write a full-length paper.

Trying to write a research paper on a topic that doesn't have much research on it is incredibly hard, so before you decide on a topic, do a bit of preliminary searching and make sure you'll have all the information you need to write your paper.

#3: It Fits Your Teacher's Guidelines

Don't get so carried away looking at lists of research paper topics that you forget any requirements or restrictions your teacher may have put on research topic ideas. If you're writing a research paper on a health-related topic, deciding to write about the impact of rap on the music scene probably won't be allowed, but there may be some sort of leeway. For example, if you're really interested in current events but your teacher wants you to write a research paper on a history topic, you may be able to choose a topic that fits both categories, like exploring the relationship between the US and North Korea. No matter what, always get your research paper topic approved by your teacher first before you begin writing.

113 Good Research Paper Topics

Below are 113 good research topics to help you get you started on your paper. We've organized them into ten categories to make it easier to find the type of research paper topics you're looking for.

Arts/Culture

Discuss the main differences in art from the Italian Renaissance and the Northern Renaissance .
Analyze the impact a famous artist had on the world.
How is sexism portrayed in different types of media (music, film, video games, etc.)? Has the amount/type of sexism changed over the years?
How has the music of slaves brought over from Africa shaped modern American music?
How has rap music evolved in the past decade?
How has the portrayal of minorities in the media changed?

Current Events

What have been the impacts of China's one child policy?
How have the goals of feminists changed over the decades?
How has the Trump presidency changed international relations?
Analyze the history of the relationship between the United States and North Korea.
What factors contributed to the current decline in the rate of unemployment?
What have been the impacts of states which have increased their minimum wage?
How do US immigration laws compare to immigration laws of other countries?
How have the US's immigration laws changed in the past few years/decades?
How has the Black Lives Matter movement affected discussions and view about racism in the US?
What impact has the Affordable Care Act had on healthcare in the US?
What factors contributed to the UK deciding to leave the EU (Brexit)?
What factors contributed to China becoming an economic power?
Discuss the history of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies (some of which tokenize the S&P 500 Index on the blockchain) .
Do students in schools that eliminate grades do better in college and their careers?
Do students from wealthier backgrounds score higher on standardized tests?
Do students who receive free meals at school get higher grades compared to when they weren't receiving a free meal?
Do students who attend charter schools score higher on standardized tests than students in public schools?
Do students learn better in same-sex classrooms?
How does giving each student access to an iPad or laptop affect their studies?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Montessori Method ?
Do children who attend preschool do better in school later on?
What was the impact of the No Child Left Behind act?
How does the US education system compare to education systems in other countries?
What impact does mandatory physical education classes have on students' health?
Which methods are most effective at reducing bullying in schools?
Do homeschoolers who attend college do as well as students who attended traditional schools?
Does offering tenure increase or decrease quality of teaching?
How does college debt affect future life choices of students?
Should graduate students be able to form unions?

What are different ways to lower gun-related deaths in the US?
How and why have divorce rates changed over time?
Is affirmative action still necessary in education and/or the workplace?
Should physician-assisted suicide be legal?
How has stem cell research impacted the medical field?
How can human trafficking be reduced in the United States/world?
Should people be able to donate organs in exchange for money?
Which types of juvenile punishment have proven most effective at preventing future crimes?
Has the increase in US airport security made passengers safer?
Analyze the immigration policies of certain countries and how they are similar and different from one another.
Several states have legalized recreational marijuana. What positive and negative impacts have they experienced as a result?
Do tariffs increase the number of domestic jobs?
Which prison reforms have proven most effective?
Should governments be able to censor certain information on the internet?
Which methods/programs have been most effective at reducing teen pregnancy?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Keto diet?
How effective are different exercise regimes for losing weight and maintaining weight loss?
How do the healthcare plans of various countries differ from each other?
What are the most effective ways to treat depression ?
What are the pros and cons of genetically modified foods?
Which methods are most effective for improving memory?
What can be done to lower healthcare costs in the US?
What factors contributed to the current opioid crisis?
Analyze the history and impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic .
Are low-carbohydrate or low-fat diets more effective for weight loss?
How much exercise should the average adult be getting each week?
Which methods are most effective to get parents to vaccinate their children?
What are the pros and cons of clean needle programs?
How does stress affect the body?
Discuss the history of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
What were the causes and effects of the Salem Witch Trials?
Who was responsible for the Iran-Contra situation?
How has New Orleans and the government's response to natural disasters changed since Hurricane Katrina?
What events led to the fall of the Roman Empire?
What were the impacts of British rule in India ?
Was the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki necessary?
What were the successes and failures of the women's suffrage movement in the United States?
What were the causes of the Civil War?
How did Abraham Lincoln's assassination impact the country and reconstruction after the Civil War?
Which factors contributed to the colonies winning the American Revolution?
What caused Hitler's rise to power?
Discuss how a specific invention impacted history.
What led to Cleopatra's fall as ruler of Egypt?
How has Japan changed and evolved over the centuries?
What were the causes of the Rwandan genocide ?

Why did Martin Luther decide to split with the Catholic Church?
Analyze the history and impact of a well-known cult (Jonestown, Manson family, etc.)
How did the sexual abuse scandal impact how people view the Catholic Church?
How has the Catholic church's power changed over the past decades/centuries?
What are the causes behind the rise in atheism/ agnosticism in the United States?
What were the influences in Siddhartha's life resulted in him becoming the Buddha?
How has media portrayal of Islam/Muslims changed since September 11th?

Science/Environment

How has the earth's climate changed in the past few decades?
How has the use and elimination of DDT affected bird populations in the US?
Analyze how the number and severity of natural disasters have increased in the past few decades.
Analyze deforestation rates in a certain area or globally over a period of time.
How have past oil spills changed regulations and cleanup methods?
How has the Flint water crisis changed water regulation safety?
What are the pros and cons of fracking?
What impact has the Paris Climate Agreement had so far?
What have NASA's biggest successes and failures been?
How can we improve access to clean water around the world?
Does ecotourism actually have a positive impact on the environment?
Should the US rely on nuclear energy more?
What can be done to save amphibian species currently at risk of extinction?
What impact has climate change had on coral reefs?
How are black holes created?
Are teens who spend more time on social media more likely to suffer anxiety and/or depression?
How will the loss of net neutrality affect internet users?
Analyze the history and progress of self-driving vehicles.
How has the use of drones changed surveillance and warfare methods?
Has social media made people more or less connected?
What progress has currently been made with artificial intelligence ?
Do smartphones increase or decrease workplace productivity?
What are the most effective ways to use technology in the classroom?
How is Google search affecting our intelligence?
When is the best age for a child to begin owning a smartphone?
Has frequent texting reduced teen literacy rates?

How to Write a Great Research Paper

Even great research paper topics won't give you a great research paper if you don't hone your topic before and during the writing process. Follow these three tips to turn good research paper topics into great papers.

#1: Figure Out Your Thesis Early

Before you start writing a single word of your paper, you first need to know what your thesis will be. Your thesis is a statement that explains what you intend to prove/show in your paper. Every sentence in your research paper will relate back to your thesis, so you don't want to start writing without it!

As some examples, if you're writing a research paper on if students learn better in same-sex classrooms, your thesis might be "Research has shown that elementary-age students in same-sex classrooms score higher on standardized tests and report feeling more comfortable in the classroom."

If you're writing a paper on the causes of the Civil War, your thesis might be "While the dispute between the North and South over slavery is the most well-known cause of the Civil War, other key causes include differences in the economies of the North and South, states' rights, and territorial expansion."

#2: Back Every Statement Up With Research

Remember, this is a research paper you're writing, so you'll need to use lots of research to make your points. Every statement you give must be backed up with research, properly cited the way your teacher requested. You're allowed to include opinions of your own, but they must also be supported by the research you give.

#3: Do Your Research Before You Begin Writing

You don't want to start writing your research paper and then learn that there isn't enough research to back up the points you're making, or, even worse, that the research contradicts the points you're trying to make!

Get most of your research on your good research topics done before you begin writing. Then use the research you've collected to create a rough outline of what your paper will cover and the key points you're going to make. This will help keep your paper clear and organized, and it'll ensure you have enough research to produce a strong paper.

What's Next?

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Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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83 Qualitative Research Questions & Examples

Qualitative research questions help you understand consumer sentiment. They’re strategically designed to show organizations how and why people feel the way they do about a brand, product, or service. It looks beyond the numbers and is one of the most telling types of market research a company can do.

The UK Data Service describes this perfectly, saying, “The value of qualitative research is that it gives a voice to the lived experience .”

Read on to see seven use cases and 83 qualitative research questions, with the added bonus of examples that show how to get similar insights faster with Similarweb Research Intelligence.

Inspirational quote about customer insights

What is a qualitative research question?

A qualitative research question explores a topic in-depth, aiming to better understand the subject through interviews, observations, and other non-numerical data. Qualitative research questions are open-ended, helping to uncover a target audience’s opinions, beliefs, and motivations.

How to choose qualitative research questions?

Choosing the right qualitative research questions can be incremental to the success of your research and the findings you uncover. Here’s my six-step process for choosing the best qualitative research questions.

Start by understanding the purpose of your research. What do you want to learn? What outcome are you hoping to achieve?
Consider who you are researching. What are their experiences, attitudes, and beliefs? How can you best capture these in your research questions ?
Keep your questions open-ended . Qualitative research questions should not be too narrow or too broad. Aim to ask specific questions to provide meaningful answers but broad enough to allow for exploration.
Balance your research questions. You don’t want all of your questions to be the same type. Aim to mix up your questions to get a variety of answers.
Ensure your research questions are ethical and free from bias. Always have a second (and third) person check for unconscious bias.
Consider the language you use. Your questions should be written in a way that is clear and easy to understand. Avoid using jargon , acronyms, or overly technical language.

Types of qualitative research questions

For a question to be considered qualitative, it usually needs to be open-ended. However, as I’ll explain, there can sometimes be a slight cross-over between quantitative and qualitative research questions.

Open-ended questions

These allow for a wide range of responses and can be formatted with multiple-choice answers or a free-text box to collect additional details. The next two types of qualitative questions are considered open questions, but each has its own style and purpose.

Probing questions are used to delve deeper into a respondent’s thoughts, such as “Can you tell me more about why you feel that way?”
Comparative questions ask people to compare two or more items, such as “Which product do you prefer and why?” These qualitative questions are highly useful for understanding brand awareness , competitive analysis , and more.

Closed-ended questions

These ask respondents to choose from a predetermined set of responses, such as “On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with the new product?” While they’re traditionally quantitative, adding a free text box that asks for extra comments into why a specific rating was chosen will provide qualitative insights alongside their respective quantitative research question responses.

Ranking questions get people to rank items in order of preference, such as “Please rank these products in terms of quality.” They’re advantageous in many scenarios, like product development, competitive analysis, and brand awareness.
Likert scale questions ask people to rate items on a scale, such as “On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with the new product?” Ideal for placement on websites and emails to gather quick, snappy feedback.

Qualitative research question examples

There are many applications of qualitative research and lots of ways you can put your findings to work for the success of your business. Here’s a summary of the most common use cases for qualitative questions and examples to ask.

Qualitative questions for identifying customer needs and motivations

These types of questions help you find out why customers choose products or services and what they are looking for when making a purchase.

What factors do you consider when deciding to buy a product?
What would make you choose one product or service over another?
What are the most important elements of a product that you would buy?
What features do you look for when purchasing a product?
What qualities do you look for in a company’s products?
Do you prefer localized or global brands when making a purchase?
How do you determine the value of a product?
What do you think is the most important factor when choosing a product?
How do you decide if a product or service is worth the money?
Do you have any specific expectations when purchasing a product?
Do you prefer to purchase products or services online or in person?
What kind of customer service do you expect when buying a product?
How do you decide when it is time to switch to a different product?
Where do you research products before you decide to buy?
What do you think is the most important customer value when making a purchase?

Qualitative research questions to enhance customer experience

Use these questions to reveal insights into how customers interact with a company’s products or services and how those experiences can be improved.

What aspects of our product or service do customers find most valuable?
How do customers perceive our customer service?
What factors are most important to customers when purchasing?
What do customers think of our brand?
What do customers think of our current marketing efforts?
How do customers feel about the features and benefits of our product?
How do customers feel about the price of our product or service?
How could we improve the customer experience?
What do customers think of our website or app?
What do customers think of our customer support?
What could we do to make our product or service easier to use?
What do customers think of our competitors?
What is your preferred way to access our site?
How do customers feel about our delivery/shipping times?
What do customers think of our loyalty programs?

Qualitative research question example for customer experience

‍♀️ Question: What is your preferred way to access our site?
Insight sought: How mobile-dominant are consumers? Should you invest more in mobile optimization or mobile marketing?
Challenges with traditional qualitative research methods: While using this type of question is ideal if you have a large database to survey when placed on a site or sent to a limited customer list, it only gives you a point-in-time perspective from a limited group of people.
A new approach: You can get better, broader insights quicker with Similarweb Digital Research Intelligence. To fully inform your research, you need to know preferences at the industry or market level.
⏰ Time to insight: 30 seconds
✅ How it’s done: Similarweb offers multiple ways to answer this question without going through a lengthy qualitative research process.

First, I’m going to do a website market analysis of the banking credit and lending market in the finance sector to get a clearer picture of industry benchmarks.

Here, I can view device preferences across any industry or market instantly. It shows me the device distribution for any country across any period. This clearly answers the question of how mobile dominate my target audience is , with 59.79% opting to access site via a desktop vs. 40.21% via mobile

I then use the trends section to show me the exact split between mobile and web traffic for each key player in my space. Let’s say I’m about to embark on a competitive campaign that targets customers of Chase and Bank of America ; I can see both their audiences are highly desktop dominant compared with others in their space .

Qualitative question examples for developing new products or services

Research questions like this can help you understand customer pain points and give you insights to develop products that meet those needs.

What is the primary reason you would choose to purchase a product from our company?
How do you currently use products or services that are similar to ours?
Is there anything that could be improved with products currently on the market?
What features would you like to see added to our products?
How do you prefer to contact a customer service team?
What do you think sets our company apart from our competitors?
What other product or service offerings would like to see us offer?
What type of information would help you make decisions about buying a product?
What type of advertising methods are most effective in getting your attention?
What is the biggest deterrent to purchasing products from us?

Qualitative research question example for service development

‍♀️ Question: What type of advertising methods are most effective in getting your attention?
Insight sought: The marketing channels and/or content that performs best with a target audience .
Challenges with traditional qualitative research methods: When using qualitative research surveys to answer questions like this, the sample size is limited, and bias could be at play.
A better approach: The most authentic insights come from viewing real actions and results that take place in the digital world. No questions or answers are needed to uncover this intel, and the information you seek is readily available in less than a minute.
⏰ Time to insight: 5 minutes
✅ How it’s done: There are a few ways to approach this. You can either take an industry-wide perspective or hone in on specific competitors to unpack their individual successes. Here, I’ll quickly show a snapshot with a whole market perspective.

qualitative example question - marketing channels

Using the market analysis element of Similarweb Digital Intelligence, I select my industry or market, which I’ve kept as banking and credit. A quick click into marketing channels shows me which channels drive the highest traffic in my market. Taking direct traffic out of the equation, for now, I can see that referrals and organic traffic are the two highest-performing channels in this market.

Similarweb allows me to view the specific referral partners and pages across these channels.

qualitative question example - Similarweb referral channels

Looking closely at referrals in this market, I’ve chosen chase.com and its five closest rivals . I select referrals in the channel traffic element of marketing channels. I see that Capital One is a clear winner, gaining almost 25 million visits due to referral partnerships.

Next, I get to see exactly who is referring traffic to Capital One and the total traffic share for each referrer. I can see the growth as a percentage and how that has changed, along with an engagement score that rates the average engagement level of that audience segment. This is particularly useful when deciding on which new referral partnerships to pursue.

Once I’ve identified the channels and campaigns that yield the best results, I can then use Similarweb to dive into the various ad creatives and content that have the greatest impact.

Qualitative research example for ad creatives

These ads are just a few of those listed in the creatives section from my competitive website analysis of Capital One. You can filter this list by the specific campaign, publishers, and ad networks to view those that matter to you most. You can also discover video ad creatives in the same place too.

In just five minutes ⏰

I’ve captured audience loyalty statistics across my market
Spotted the most competitive players
Identified the marketing channels my audience is most responsive to
I know which content and campaigns are driving the highest traffic volume
I’ve created a target list for new referral partners and have been able to prioritize this based on results and engagement figures from my rivals
I can see the types of creatives that my target audience is responding to, giving me ideas for ways to generate effective copy for future campaigns

Qualitative questions to determine pricing strategies

Companies need to make sure pricing stays relevant and competitive. Use these questions to determine customer perceptions on pricing and develop pricing strategies to maximize profits and reduce churn.

How do you feel about our pricing structure?
How does our pricing compare to other similar products?
What value do you feel you get from our pricing?
How could we make our pricing more attractive?
What would be an ideal price for our product?
Which features of our product that you would like to see priced differently?
What discounts or deals would you like to see us offer?
How do you feel about the amount you have to pay for our product?

Get Faster Answers to Qualitative Research Questions with Similarweb Today

Qualitative research question example for determining pricing strategies.

‍♀️ Question: What discounts or deals would you like to see us offer?
Insight sought: The promotions or campaigns that resonate with your target audience.
Challenges with traditional qualitative research methods: Consumers don’t always recall the types of ads or campaigns they respond to. Over time, their needs and habits change. Your sample size is limited to those you ask, leaving a huge pool of unknowns at play.
A better approach: While qualitative insights are good to know, you get the most accurate picture of the highest-performing promotion and campaigns by looking at data collected directly from the web. These analytics are real-world, real-time, and based on the collective actions of many, instead of the limited survey group you approach. By getting a complete picture across an entire market, your decisions are better informed and more aligned with current market trends and behaviors.
✅ How it’s done: Similarweb’s Popular Pages feature shows the content, products, campaigns, and pages with the highest growth for any website. So, if you’re trying to unpack the successes of others in your space and find out what content resonates with a target audience, there’s a far quicker way to get answers to these questions with Similarweb.

Here, I’m using Capital One as an example site. I can see trending pages on their site showing the largest increase in page views. Other filters include campaign, best-performing, and new–each of which shows you page URLs, share of traffic, and growth as a percentage. This page is particularly useful for staying on top of trending topics , campaigns, and new content being pushed out in a market by key competitors.

Qualitative research questions for product development teams

It’s vital to stay in touch with changing consumer needs. These questions can also be used for new product or service development, but this time, it’s from the perspective of a product manager or development team.

What are customers’ primary needs and wants for this product?
What do customers think of our current product offerings?
What is the most important feature or benefit of our product?
How can we improve our product to meet customers’ needs better?
What do customers like or dislike about our competitors’ products?
What do customers look for when deciding between our product and a competitor’s?
How have customer needs and wants for this product changed over time?
What motivates customers to purchase this product?
What is the most important thing customers want from this product?
What features or benefits are most important when selecting a product?
What do customers perceive to be our product’s pros and cons?
What would make customers switch from a competitor’s product to ours?
How do customers perceive our product in comparison to similar products?
What do customers think of our pricing and value proposition?
What do customers think of our product’s design, usability, and aesthetics?

Qualitative questions examples to understand customer segments

Market segmentation seeks to create groups of consumers with shared characteristics. Use these questions to learn more about different customer segments and how to target them with tailored messaging.

What motivates customers to make a purchase?
How do customers perceive our brand in comparison to our competitors?
How do customers feel about our product quality?
How do customers define quality in our products?
What factors influence customers’ purchasing decisions ?
What are the most important aspects of customer service?
What do customers think of our customer service?
What do customers think of our pricing?
How do customers rate our product offerings?
How do customers prefer to make purchases (online, in-store, etc.)?

Qualitative research question example for understanding customer segments

‍♀️ Question: Which social media channels are you most active on?
Insight sought: Formulate a social media strategy . Specifically, the social media channels most likely to succeed with a target audience.
Challenges with traditional qualitative research methods: Qualitative research question responses are limited to those you ask, giving you a limited sample size. Questions like this are usually at risk of some bias, and this may not be reflective of real-world actions.
A better approach: Get a complete picture of social media preferences for an entire market or specific audience belonging to rival firms. Insights are available in real-time, and are based on the actions of many, not a select group of participants. Data is readily available, easy to understand, and expandable at a moment’s notice.
✅ How it’s done: Using Similarweb’s website analysis feature, you can get a clear breakdown of social media stats for your audience using the marketing channels element. It shows the percentage of visits from each channel to your site, respective growth, and specific referral pages by each platform. All data is expandable, meaning you can select any platform, period, and region to drill down and get more accurate intel, instantly.

Qualitative question example social media

This example shows me Bank of America’s social media distribution, with YouTube , Linkedin , and Facebook taking the top three spots, and accounting for almost 80% of traffic being driven from social media.

When doing any type of market research, it’s important to benchmark performance against industry averages and perform a social media competitive analysis to verify rival performance across the same channels.

Qualitative questions to inform competitive analysis

Organizations must assess market sentiment toward other players to compete and beat rival firms. Whether you want to increase market share , challenge industry leaders , or reduce churn, understanding how people view you vs. the competition is key.

What is the overall perception of our competitors’ product offerings in the market?
What attributes do our competitors prioritize in their customer experience?
What strategies do our competitors use to differentiate their products from ours?
How do our competitors position their products in relation to ours?
How do our competitors’ pricing models compare to ours?
What do consumers think of our competitors’ product quality?
What do consumers think of our competitors’ customer service?
What are the key drivers of purchase decisions in our market?
What is the impact of our competitors’ marketing campaigns on our market share ? 10. How do our competitors leverage social media to promote their products?

Qualitative research question example for competitive analysis

‍♀️ Question: What other companies do you shop with for x?
Insight sought: W ho are your competitors? Which of your rival’s sites do your customers visit? How loyal are consumers in your market?
Challenges with traditional qualitative research methods: Sample size is limited, and customers could be unwilling to reveal which competitors they shop with, or how often they around. Where finances are involved, people can act with reluctance or bias, and be unwilling to reveal other suppliers they do business with.
A better approach: Get a complete picture of your audience’s loyalty, see who else they shop with, and how many other sites they visit in your competitive group. Find out the size of the untapped opportunity and which players are doing a better job at attracting unique visitors – without having to ask people to reveal their preferences.
✅ How it’s done: Similarweb website analysis shows you the competitive sites your audience visits, giving you access to data that shows cross-visitation habits, audience loyalty, and untapped potential in a matter of minutes.

Qualitative research example for audience analysis

Using the audience interests element of Similarweb website analysis, you can view the cross-browsing behaviors of a website’s audience instantly. You can see a matrix that shows the percentage of visitors on a target site and any rival site they may have visited.

Qualitative research question example for competitive analysis

With the Similarweb audience overlap feature, view the cross-visitation habits of an audience across specific websites. In this example, I chose chase.com and its four closest competitors to review. For each intersection, you see the number of unique visitors and the overall proportion of each site’s audience it represents. It also shows the volume of unreached potential visitors.

Here, you can see a direct comparison of the audience loyalty represented in a bar graph. It shows a breakdown of each site’s audience based on how many other sites they have visited. Those sites with the highest loyalty show fewer additional sites visited.

From the perspective of chase.com, I can see 47% of their visitors do not visit rival sites. 33% of their audience visited 1 or more sites in this group, 14% visited 2 or more sites, 4% visited 3 or more sites, and just 0.8% viewed all sites in this comparison.

How to answer qualitative research questions with Similarweb

Similarweb Research Intelligence drastically improves market research efficiency and time to insight. Both of these can impact the bottom line and the pace at which organizations can adapt and flex when markets shift, and rivals change tactics.

Outdated practices, while still useful, take time . And with a quicker, more efficient way to garner similar insights, opting for the fast lane puts you at a competitive advantage.

With a birds-eye view of the actions and behaviors of companies and consumers across a market , you can answer certain research questions without the need to plan, do, and review extensive qualitative market research .

Wrapping up

Qualitative research methods have been around for centuries. From designing the questions to finding the best distribution channels, collecting and analyzing findings takes time to get the insights you need. Similarweb Digital Research Intelligence drastically improves efficiency and time to insight. Both of which impact the bottom line and the pace at which organizations can adapt and flex when markets shift.

Similarweb’s suite of digital intelligence solutions offers unbiased, accurate, honest insights you can trust for analyzing any industry, market, or audience.

Methodologies used for data collection are robust, transparent, and trustworthy.
Clear presentation of data via an easy-to-use, intuitive platform.
It updates dynamically–giving you the freshest data about an industry or market.
Data is available via an API – so you can plug into platforms like Tableau or PowerBI to streamline your analyses.
Filter and refine results according to your needs.

Are quantitative or qualitative research questions best?

Both have their place and purpose in market research. Qualitative research questions seek to provide details, whereas quantitative market research gives you numerical statistics that are easier and quicker to analyze. You get more flexibility with qualitative questions, and they’re non-directional.

What are the advantages of qualitative research?

Qualitative research is advantageous because it allows researchers to better understand their subject matter by exploring people’s attitudes, behaviors, and motivations in a particular context. It also allows researchers to uncover new insights that may not have been discovered with quantitative research methods.

What are some of the challenges of qualitative research?

Qualitative research can be time-consuming and costly, typically involving in-depth interviews and focus groups. Additionally, there are challenges associated with the reliability and validity of the collected data, as there is no universal standard for interpreting the results.

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Criteria for Good Qualitative Research: A Comprehensive Review

Regular Article
Open access
Published: 18 September 2021
Volume 31 , pages 679–689, ( 2022 )

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Drishti Yadav ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-2974-0323 1

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This review aims to synthesize a published set of evaluative criteria for good qualitative research. The aim is to shed light on existing standards for assessing the rigor of qualitative research encompassing a range of epistemological and ontological standpoints. Using a systematic search strategy, published journal articles that deliberate criteria for rigorous research were identified. Then, references of relevant articles were surveyed to find noteworthy, distinct, and well-defined pointers to good qualitative research. This review presents an investigative assessment of the pivotal features in qualitative research that can permit the readers to pass judgment on its quality and to condemn it as good research when objectively and adequately utilized. Overall, this review underlines the crux of qualitative research and accentuates the necessity to evaluate such research by the very tenets of its being. It also offers some prospects and recommendations to improve the quality of qualitative research. Based on the findings of this review, it is concluded that quality criteria are the aftereffect of socio-institutional procedures and existing paradigmatic conducts. Owing to the paradigmatic diversity of qualitative research, a single and specific set of quality criteria is neither feasible nor anticipated. Since qualitative research is not a cohesive discipline, researchers need to educate and familiarize themselves with applicable norms and decisive factors to evaluate qualitative research from within its theoretical and methodological framework of origin.

Good Qualitative Research: Opening up the Debate

Beyond qualitative/quantitative structuralism: the positivist qualitative research and the paradigmatic disclaimer.

What is Qualitative in Research

Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.

Introduction

“… It is important to regularly dialogue about what makes for good qualitative research” (Tracy, 2010 , p. 837)

To decide what represents good qualitative research is highly debatable. There are numerous methods that are contained within qualitative research and that are established on diverse philosophical perspectives. Bryman et al., ( 2008 , p. 262) suggest that “It is widely assumed that whereas quality criteria for quantitative research are well‐known and widely agreed, this is not the case for qualitative research.” Hence, the question “how to evaluate the quality of qualitative research” has been continuously debated. There are many areas of science and technology wherein these debates on the assessment of qualitative research have taken place. Examples include various areas of psychology: general psychology (Madill et al., 2000 ); counseling psychology (Morrow, 2005 ); and clinical psychology (Barker & Pistrang, 2005 ), and other disciplines of social sciences: social policy (Bryman et al., 2008 ); health research (Sparkes, 2001 ); business and management research (Johnson et al., 2006 ); information systems (Klein & Myers, 1999 ); and environmental studies (Reid & Gough, 2000 ). In the literature, these debates are enthused by the impression that the blanket application of criteria for good qualitative research developed around the positivist paradigm is improper. Such debates are based on the wide range of philosophical backgrounds within which qualitative research is conducted (e.g., Sandberg, 2000 ; Schwandt, 1996 ). The existence of methodological diversity led to the formulation of different sets of criteria applicable to qualitative research.

Among qualitative researchers, the dilemma of governing the measures to assess the quality of research is not a new phenomenon, especially when the virtuous triad of objectivity, reliability, and validity (Spencer et al., 2004 ) are not adequate. Occasionally, the criteria of quantitative research are used to evaluate qualitative research (Cohen & Crabtree, 2008 ; Lather, 2004 ). Indeed, Howe ( 2004 ) claims that the prevailing paradigm in educational research is scientifically based experimental research. Hypotheses and conjectures about the preeminence of quantitative research can weaken the worth and usefulness of qualitative research by neglecting the prominence of harmonizing match for purpose on research paradigm, the epistemological stance of the researcher, and the choice of methodology. Researchers have been reprimanded concerning this in “paradigmatic controversies, contradictions, and emerging confluences” (Lincoln & Guba, 2000 ).

In general, qualitative research tends to come from a very different paradigmatic stance and intrinsically demands distinctive and out-of-the-ordinary criteria for evaluating good research and varieties of research contributions that can be made. This review attempts to present a series of evaluative criteria for qualitative researchers, arguing that their choice of criteria needs to be compatible with the unique nature of the research in question (its methodology, aims, and assumptions). This review aims to assist researchers in identifying some of the indispensable features or markers of high-quality qualitative research. In a nutshell, the purpose of this systematic literature review is to analyze the existing knowledge on high-quality qualitative research and to verify the existence of research studies dealing with the critical assessment of qualitative research based on the concept of diverse paradigmatic stances. Contrary to the existing reviews, this review also suggests some critical directions to follow to improve the quality of qualitative research in different epistemological and ontological perspectives. This review is also intended to provide guidelines for the acceleration of future developments and dialogues among qualitative researchers in the context of assessing the qualitative research.

The rest of this review article is structured in the following fashion: Sect. Methods describes the method followed for performing this review. Section Criteria for Evaluating Qualitative Studies provides a comprehensive description of the criteria for evaluating qualitative studies. This section is followed by a summary of the strategies to improve the quality of qualitative research in Sect. Improving Quality: Strategies . Section How to Assess the Quality of the Research Findings? provides details on how to assess the quality of the research findings. After that, some of the quality checklists (as tools to evaluate quality) are discussed in Sect. Quality Checklists: Tools for Assessing the Quality . At last, the review ends with the concluding remarks presented in Sect. Conclusions, Future Directions and Outlook . Some prospects in qualitative research for enhancing its quality and usefulness in the social and techno-scientific research community are also presented in Sect. Conclusions, Future Directions and Outlook .

For this review, a comprehensive literature search was performed from many databases using generic search terms such as Qualitative Research , Criteria , etc . The following databases were chosen for the literature search based on the high number of results: IEEE Explore, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. The following keywords (and their combinations using Boolean connectives OR/AND) were adopted for the literature search: qualitative research, criteria, quality, assessment, and validity. The synonyms for these keywords were collected and arranged in a logical structure (see Table 1 ). All publications in journals and conference proceedings later than 1950 till 2021 were considered for the search. Other articles extracted from the references of the papers identified in the electronic search were also included. A large number of publications on qualitative research were retrieved during the initial screening. Hence, to include the searches with the main focus on criteria for good qualitative research, an inclusion criterion was utilized in the search string.

From the selected databases, the search retrieved a total of 765 publications. Then, the duplicate records were removed. After that, based on the title and abstract, the remaining 426 publications were screened for their relevance by using the following inclusion and exclusion criteria (see Table 2 ). Publications focusing on evaluation criteria for good qualitative research were included, whereas those works which delivered theoretical concepts on qualitative research were excluded. Based on the screening and eligibility, 45 research articles were identified that offered explicit criteria for evaluating the quality of qualitative research and were found to be relevant to this review.

Figure 1 illustrates the complete review process in the form of PRISMA flow diagram. PRISMA, i.e., “preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses” is employed in systematic reviews to refine the quality of reporting.

PRISMA flow diagram illustrating the search and inclusion process. N represents the number of records

Criteria for Evaluating Qualitative Studies

Fundamental criteria: general research quality.

Various researchers have put forward criteria for evaluating qualitative research, which have been summarized in Table 3 . Also, the criteria outlined in Table 4 effectively deliver the various approaches to evaluate and assess the quality of qualitative work. The entries in Table 4 are based on Tracy’s “Eight big‐tent criteria for excellent qualitative research” (Tracy, 2010 ). Tracy argues that high-quality qualitative work should formulate criteria focusing on the worthiness, relevance, timeliness, significance, morality, and practicality of the research topic, and the ethical stance of the research itself. Researchers have also suggested a series of questions as guiding principles to assess the quality of a qualitative study (Mays & Pope, 2020 ). Nassaji ( 2020 ) argues that good qualitative research should be robust, well informed, and thoroughly documented.

Qualitative Research: Interpretive Paradigms

All qualitative researchers follow highly abstract principles which bring together beliefs about ontology, epistemology, and methodology. These beliefs govern how the researcher perceives and acts. The net, which encompasses the researcher’s epistemological, ontological, and methodological premises, is referred to as a paradigm, or an interpretive structure, a “Basic set of beliefs that guides action” (Guba, 1990 ). Four major interpretive paradigms structure the qualitative research: positivist and postpositivist, constructivist interpretive, critical (Marxist, emancipatory), and feminist poststructural. The complexity of these four abstract paradigms increases at the level of concrete, specific interpretive communities. Table 5 presents these paradigms and their assumptions, including their criteria for evaluating research, and the typical form that an interpretive or theoretical statement assumes in each paradigm. Moreover, for evaluating qualitative research, quantitative conceptualizations of reliability and validity are proven to be incompatible (Horsburgh, 2003 ). In addition, a series of questions have been put forward in the literature to assist a reviewer (who is proficient in qualitative methods) for meticulous assessment and endorsement of qualitative research (Morse, 2003 ). Hammersley ( 2007 ) also suggests that guiding principles for qualitative research are advantageous, but methodological pluralism should not be simply acknowledged for all qualitative approaches. Seale ( 1999 ) also points out the significance of methodological cognizance in research studies.

Table 5 reflects that criteria for assessing the quality of qualitative research are the aftermath of socio-institutional practices and existing paradigmatic standpoints. Owing to the paradigmatic diversity of qualitative research, a single set of quality criteria is neither possible nor desirable. Hence, the researchers must be reflexive about the criteria they use in the various roles they play within their research community.

Improving Quality: Strategies

Another critical question is “How can the qualitative researchers ensure that the abovementioned quality criteria can be met?” Lincoln and Guba ( 1986 ) delineated several strategies to intensify each criteria of trustworthiness. Other researchers (Merriam & Tisdell, 2016 ; Shenton, 2004 ) also presented such strategies. A brief description of these strategies is shown in Table 6 .

It is worth mentioning that generalizability is also an integral part of qualitative research (Hays & McKibben, 2021 ). In general, the guiding principle pertaining to generalizability speaks about inducing and comprehending knowledge to synthesize interpretive components of an underlying context. Table 7 summarizes the main metasynthesis steps required to ascertain generalizability in qualitative research.

Figure 2 reflects the crucial components of a conceptual framework and their contribution to decisions regarding research design, implementation, and applications of results to future thinking, study, and practice (Johnson et al., 2020 ). The synergy and interrelationship of these components signifies their role to different stances of a qualitative research study.

Essential elements of a conceptual framework

In a nutshell, to assess the rationale of a study, its conceptual framework and research question(s), quality criteria must take account of the following: lucid context for the problem statement in the introduction; well-articulated research problems and questions; precise conceptual framework; distinct research purpose; and clear presentation and investigation of the paradigms. These criteria would expedite the quality of qualitative research.

How to Assess the Quality of the Research Findings?

The inclusion of quotes or similar research data enhances the confirmability in the write-up of the findings. The use of expressions (for instance, “80% of all respondents agreed that” or “only one of the interviewees mentioned that”) may also quantify qualitative findings (Stenfors et al., 2020 ). On the other hand, the persuasive reason for “why this may not help in intensifying the research” has also been provided (Monrouxe & Rees, 2020 ). Further, the Discussion and Conclusion sections of an article also prove robust markers of high-quality qualitative research, as elucidated in Table 8 .

Quality Checklists: Tools for Assessing the Quality

Numerous checklists are available to speed up the assessment of the quality of qualitative research. However, if used uncritically and recklessly concerning the research context, these checklists may be counterproductive. I recommend that such lists and guiding principles may assist in pinpointing the markers of high-quality qualitative research. However, considering enormous variations in the authors’ theoretical and philosophical contexts, I would emphasize that high dependability on such checklists may say little about whether the findings can be applied in your setting. A combination of such checklists might be appropriate for novice researchers. Some of these checklists are listed below:

The most commonly used framework is Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) (Tong et al., 2007 ). This framework is recommended by some journals to be followed by the authors during article submission.

Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) is another checklist that has been created particularly for medical education (O’Brien et al., 2014 ).

Also, Tracy ( 2010 ) and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP, 2021 ) offer criteria for qualitative research relevant across methods and approaches.

Further, researchers have also outlined different criteria as hallmarks of high-quality qualitative research. For instance, the “Road Trip Checklist” (Epp & Otnes, 2021 ) provides a quick reference to specific questions to address different elements of high-quality qualitative research.

Conclusions, Future Directions, and Outlook

This work presents a broad review of the criteria for good qualitative research. In addition, this article presents an exploratory analysis of the essential elements in qualitative research that can enable the readers of qualitative work to judge it as good research when objectively and adequately utilized. In this review, some of the essential markers that indicate high-quality qualitative research have been highlighted. I scope them narrowly to achieve rigor in qualitative research and note that they do not completely cover the broader considerations necessary for high-quality research. This review points out that a universal and versatile one-size-fits-all guideline for evaluating the quality of qualitative research does not exist. In other words, this review also emphasizes the non-existence of a set of common guidelines among qualitative researchers. In unison, this review reinforces that each qualitative approach should be treated uniquely on account of its own distinctive features for different epistemological and disciplinary positions. Owing to the sensitivity of the worth of qualitative research towards the specific context and the type of paradigmatic stance, researchers should themselves analyze what approaches can be and must be tailored to ensemble the distinct characteristics of the phenomenon under investigation. Although this article does not assert to put forward a magic bullet and to provide a one-stop solution for dealing with dilemmas about how, why, or whether to evaluate the “goodness” of qualitative research, it offers a platform to assist the researchers in improving their qualitative studies. This work provides an assembly of concerns to reflect on, a series of questions to ask, and multiple sets of criteria to look at, when attempting to determine the quality of qualitative research. Overall, this review underlines the crux of qualitative research and accentuates the need to evaluate such research by the very tenets of its being. Bringing together the vital arguments and delineating the requirements that good qualitative research should satisfy, this review strives to equip the researchers as well as reviewers to make well-versed judgment about the worth and significance of the qualitative research under scrutiny. In a nutshell, a comprehensive portrayal of the research process (from the context of research to the research objectives, research questions and design, speculative foundations, and from approaches of collecting data to analyzing the results, to deriving inferences) frequently proliferates the quality of a qualitative research.

Prospects : A Road Ahead for Qualitative Research

Irrefutably, qualitative research is a vivacious and evolving discipline wherein different epistemological and disciplinary positions have their own characteristics and importance. In addition, not surprisingly, owing to the sprouting and varied features of qualitative research, no consensus has been pulled off till date. Researchers have reflected various concerns and proposed several recommendations for editors and reviewers on conducting reviews of critical qualitative research (Levitt et al., 2021 ; McGinley et al., 2021 ). Following are some prospects and a few recommendations put forward towards the maturation of qualitative research and its quality evaluation:

In general, most of the manuscript and grant reviewers are not qualitative experts. Hence, it is more likely that they would prefer to adopt a broad set of criteria. However, researchers and reviewers need to keep in mind that it is inappropriate to utilize the same approaches and conducts among all qualitative research. Therefore, future work needs to focus on educating researchers and reviewers about the criteria to evaluate qualitative research from within the suitable theoretical and methodological context.

There is an urgent need to refurbish and augment critical assessment of some well-known and widely accepted tools (including checklists such as COREQ, SRQR) to interrogate their applicability on different aspects (along with their epistemological ramifications).

Efforts should be made towards creating more space for creativity, experimentation, and a dialogue between the diverse traditions of qualitative research. This would potentially help to avoid the enforcement of one's own set of quality criteria on the work carried out by others.

Moreover, journal reviewers need to be aware of various methodological practices and philosophical debates.

It is pivotal to highlight the expressions and considerations of qualitative researchers and bring them into a more open and transparent dialogue about assessing qualitative research in techno-scientific, academic, sociocultural, and political rooms.

Frequent debates on the use of evaluative criteria are required to solve some potentially resolved issues (including the applicability of a single set of criteria in multi-disciplinary aspects). Such debates would not only benefit the group of qualitative researchers themselves, but primarily assist in augmenting the well-being and vivacity of the entire discipline.

To conclude, I speculate that the criteria, and my perspective, may transfer to other methods, approaches, and contexts. I hope that they spark dialog and debate – about criteria for excellent qualitative research and the underpinnings of the discipline more broadly – and, therefore, help improve the quality of a qualitative study. Further, I anticipate that this review will assist the researchers to contemplate on the quality of their own research, to substantiate research design and help the reviewers to review qualitative research for journals. On a final note, I pinpoint the need to formulate a framework (encompassing the prerequisites of a qualitative study) by the cohesive efforts of qualitative researchers of different disciplines with different theoretic-paradigmatic origins. I believe that tailoring such a framework (of guiding principles) paves the way for qualitative researchers to consolidate the status of qualitative research in the wide-ranging open science debate. Dialogue on this issue across different approaches is crucial for the impending prospects of socio-techno-educational research.

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Yadav, D. Criteria for Good Qualitative Research: A Comprehensive Review. Asia-Pacific Edu Res 31 , 679–689 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40299-021-00619-0

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Top 70 qualitative research topics to ace 2022.

November 16, 2020

There is no denying it; qualitative research topics are not as easy as ABC. To some, statistics is an enthralling subject while others may opt to clean the sea rather than sit in a statistics class. Millions of students around the globe face this crossroad. The task is further complicated by the fact that qualitative assignments deal with a cognitive analysis of data.

If this is you, calm down. Our expert writers have already analyzed your problem and collated a list of 70 qualitative research paper topics for your inspiration. Keep your eyes peeled.

However, before we venture into our topic list, here is something you need to have at your fingertips;

What Is Qualitative Research?

It is the creative and investigative analysis of intangible and inexact data. The method is inductive in that the researcher codes the data during or after the collection. It is, therefore, necessary to have top-notch qualitative research topics for a first-class paper.

Qualitative Nursing Research Topics

How stress affects people’s behaviour
The efficacy of a particular medication to a patient
Environmental factors that necessitate quicker patient recovery
The feminist empiricism perspective of the nursing profession
How social processes influence patient behaviour
Unique attributes of a culture that determines a patient’s success rate

Qualitative Research Topics in Education

Ethnic and socioeconomic reasons for poor school attendance in developing countries
The efficiency of the teaching methods
Why most students perform poorly in sciences as compared to humanities
The number of students who pursue their college studies to the end
What is the level of academic preparedness of university students?
A case study on the victims of bullying in schools

Qualitative Research Topics Ideas

Correlation between Apple and Windows products
The advantages of online learning over physical learning
How have businesses transited into online digital marketing?
The 30 most travelled places in the world
Discuss on the rate at which the ozone layer is depleting
Can we detect and prevent natural disasters before they occur?

College Qualitative Research Topics List

How virtual reality worlds are transforming society
Is it possible to have the same education system throughout the whole world?
Evaluate the performance of mixed schools over single-gender schools
Is preschool education necessary for children under four years
The impact of unhealthy market completion on supply and demand
The role of parents in shaping their children’s morals

Qualitative Research Topics Examples

The impact of alcohol on a person’s normal behaviour
Self-esteem among people from low socioeconomic backgrounds
How often should one engage in sporting activities?
What influences the eating habits of children?
How to reduce the chances of contracting a viral disease
Management of depression among school-going children

Good Qualitative Research Topics

Effective therapy for patients recovering brain surgery
Influence of pop music on erratic youth behaviour
Approaches to improving maternal healthcare in developing countries
Possible solutions for alleviating pain during childbirth
Prevention measures against contracting coronavirus in crowded places
Working government policies on protocol observance

Research Topics For Qualitative Research

New ways of mitigating communicable diseases
Emerging trends in digital media
Worrying trends among the ageing population
The importance of quarantine during the spread of infectious diseases
How to promote social equity in patriarchal societies
Effective strategies that can help curb the problem of cyberbullying

Easy Qualitative Research Topics

The efficacy of homeschooling programs
Understanding the key roles of healthy eating habits
New ways of reaching out to the prospective market
Factoring in the dynamics of real estate investment
Latest newsgathering technologies and their effectiveness
The effects of developing introvert behaviour
Overcoming addictions through sharing with others
Creating a community of one people

Topics For Ethnography Qualitative Research

Transforming virtual ethnography into a modernized form
How to be close to each other yet so far away
Rethinking consumer appraisals and motivations
How can teachers develop a one-on-one relationship with their students
The place of social and academic practices in uplifting a society
Creating a centralized community using available resources

Qualitative Research Topics in Public Health

Strategies for promoting the health sector during the coronavirus pandemic
Effective obesity management strategies for the young
Ideas for quitting cigarettes and alcohol
Programs for community-based sanitization
Preventative methods for flu during cold seasons
Techniques of making eco-friendly facemasks
Positive ways of recovering from a loss
Means of achieving affordable healthcare in low-income societies

Qualitative Research Topics in Project Management

Ways of planning for a long-term project
Dealing with a backlash during a project implementation programme
Means of relieving pressure for tight project deadlines
Understanding the essence of time management in goal setting
Why managers should be flexible and apt in their decisions
Opportunities for the growth of management skills and techniques

You can never miss a qualitative research assignment. Therefore, use any of the examples of qualitative research topics above for your motivation. The issues should propel you to composing a top-rated qualitative research paper.

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Writing Survey Questions

Perhaps the most important part of the survey process is the creation of questions that accurately measure the opinions, experiences and behaviors of the public. Accurate random sampling will be wasted if the information gathered is built on a shaky foundation of ambiguous or biased questions. Creating good measures involves both writing good questions and organizing them to form the questionnaire.

Questionnaire design is a multistage process that requires attention to many details at once. Designing the questionnaire is complicated because surveys can ask about topics in varying degrees of detail, questions can be asked in different ways, and questions asked earlier in a survey may influence how people respond to later questions. Researchers are also often interested in measuring change over time and therefore must be attentive to how opinions or behaviors have been measured in prior surveys.

Surveyors may conduct pilot tests or focus groups in the early stages of questionnaire development in order to better understand how people think about an issue or comprehend a question. Pretesting a survey is an essential step in the questionnaire design process to evaluate how people respond to the overall questionnaire and specific questions, especially when questions are being introduced for the first time.

For many years, surveyors approached questionnaire design as an art, but substantial research over the past forty years has demonstrated that there is a lot of science involved in crafting a good survey questionnaire. Here, we discuss the pitfalls and best practices of designing questionnaires.

Question development

There are several steps involved in developing a survey questionnaire. The first is identifying what topics will be covered in the survey. For Pew Research Center surveys, this involves thinking about what is happening in our nation and the world and what will be relevant to the public, policymakers and the media. We also track opinion on a variety of issues over time so we often ensure that we update these trends on a regular basis to better understand whether people’s opinions are changing.

At Pew Research Center, questionnaire development is a collaborative and iterative process where staff meet to discuss drafts of the questionnaire several times over the course of its development. We frequently test new survey questions ahead of time through qualitative research methods such as focus groups , cognitive interviews, pretesting (often using an online, opt-in sample ), or a combination of these approaches. Researchers use insights from this testing to refine questions before they are asked in a production survey, such as on the ATP.

Measuring change over time

Many surveyors want to track changes over time in people’s attitudes, opinions and behaviors. To measure change, questions are asked at two or more points in time. A cross-sectional design surveys different people in the same population at multiple points in time. A panel, such as the ATP, surveys the same people over time. However, it is common for the set of people in survey panels to change over time as new panelists are added and some prior panelists drop out. Many of the questions in Pew Research Center surveys have been asked in prior polls. Asking the same questions at different points in time allows us to report on changes in the overall views of the general public (or a subset of the public, such as registered voters, men or Black Americans), or what we call “trending the data”.

When measuring change over time, it is important to use the same question wording and to be sensitive to where the question is asked in the questionnaire to maintain a similar context as when the question was asked previously (see question wording and question order for further information). All of our survey reports include a topline questionnaire that provides the exact question wording and sequencing, along with results from the current survey and previous surveys in which we asked the question.

The Center’s transition from conducting U.S. surveys by live telephone interviewing to an online panel (around 2014 to 2020) complicated some opinion trends, but not others. Opinion trends that ask about sensitive topics (e.g., personal finances or attending religious services ) or that elicited volunteered answers (e.g., “neither” or “don’t know”) over the phone tended to show larger differences than other trends when shifting from phone polls to the online ATP. The Center adopted several strategies for coping with changes to data trends that may be related to this change in methodology. If there is evidence suggesting that a change in a trend stems from switching from phone to online measurement, Center reports flag that possibility for readers to try to head off confusion or erroneous conclusions.

Open- and closed-ended questions

One of the most significant decisions that can affect how people answer questions is whether the question is posed as an open-ended question, where respondents provide a response in their own words, or a closed-ended question, where they are asked to choose from a list of answer choices.

For example, in a poll conducted after the 2008 presidential election, people responded very differently to two versions of the question: “What one issue mattered most to you in deciding how you voted for president?” One was closed-ended and the other open-ended. In the closed-ended version, respondents were provided five options and could volunteer an option not on the list.

When explicitly offered the economy as a response, more than half of respondents (58%) chose this answer; only 35% of those who responded to the open-ended version volunteered the economy. Moreover, among those asked the closed-ended version, fewer than one-in-ten (8%) provided a response other than the five they were read. By contrast, fully 43% of those asked the open-ended version provided a response not listed in the closed-ended version of the question. All of the other issues were chosen at least slightly more often when explicitly offered in the closed-ended version than in the open-ended version. (Also see “High Marks for the Campaign, a High Bar for Obama” for more information.)

Researchers will sometimes conduct a pilot study using open-ended questions to discover which answers are most common. They will then develop closed-ended questions based off that pilot study that include the most common responses as answer choices. In this way, the questions may better reflect what the public is thinking, how they view a particular issue, or bring certain issues to light that the researchers may not have been aware of.

When asking closed-ended questions, the choice of options provided, how each option is described, the number of response options offered, and the order in which options are read can all influence how people respond. One example of the impact of how categories are defined can be found in a Pew Research Center poll conducted in January 2002. When half of the sample was asked whether it was “more important for President Bush to focus on domestic policy or foreign policy,” 52% chose domestic policy while only 34% said foreign policy. When the category “foreign policy” was narrowed to a specific aspect – “the war on terrorism” – far more people chose it; only 33% chose domestic policy while 52% chose the war on terrorism.

In most circumstances, the number of answer choices should be kept to a relatively small number – just four or perhaps five at most – especially in telephone surveys. Psychological research indicates that people have a hard time keeping more than this number of choices in mind at one time. When the question is asking about an objective fact and/or demographics, such as the religious affiliation of the respondent, more categories can be used. In fact, they are encouraged to ensure inclusivity. For example, Pew Research Center’s standard religion questions include more than 12 different categories, beginning with the most common affiliations (Protestant and Catholic). Most respondents have no trouble with this question because they can expect to see their religious group within that list in a self-administered survey.

In addition to the number and choice of response options offered, the order of answer categories can influence how people respond to closed-ended questions. Research suggests that in telephone surveys respondents more frequently choose items heard later in a list (a “recency effect”), and in self-administered surveys, they tend to choose items at the top of the list (a “primacy” effect).

Because of concerns about the effects of category order on responses to closed-ended questions, many sets of response options in Pew Research Center’s surveys are programmed to be randomized to ensure that the options are not asked in the same order for each respondent. Rotating or randomizing means that questions or items in a list are not asked in the same order to each respondent. Answers to questions are sometimes affected by questions that precede them. By presenting questions in a different order to each respondent, we ensure that each question gets asked in the same context as every other question the same number of times (e.g., first, last or any position in between). This does not eliminate the potential impact of previous questions on the current question, but it does ensure that this bias is spread randomly across all of the questions or items in the list. For instance, in the example discussed above about what issue mattered most in people’s vote, the order of the five issues in the closed-ended version of the question was randomized so that no one issue appeared early or late in the list for all respondents. Randomization of response items does not eliminate order effects, but it does ensure that this type of bias is spread randomly.

Questions with ordinal response categories – those with an underlying order (e.g., excellent, good, only fair, poor OR very favorable, mostly favorable, mostly unfavorable, very unfavorable) – are generally not randomized because the order of the categories conveys important information to help respondents answer the question. Generally, these types of scales should be presented in order so respondents can easily place their responses along the continuum, but the order can be reversed for some respondents. For example, in one of Pew Research Center’s questions about abortion, half of the sample is asked whether abortion should be “legal in all cases, legal in most cases, illegal in most cases, illegal in all cases,” while the other half of the sample is asked the same question with the response categories read in reverse order, starting with “illegal in all cases.” Again, reversing the order does not eliminate the recency effect but distributes it randomly across the population.

Question wording

The choice of words and phrases in a question is critical in expressing the meaning and intent of the question to the respondent and ensuring that all respondents interpret the question the same way. Even small wording differences can substantially affect the answers people provide.

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An example of a wording difference that had a significant impact on responses comes from a January 2003 Pew Research Center survey. When people were asked whether they would “favor or oppose taking military action in Iraq to end Saddam Hussein’s rule,” 68% said they favored military action while 25% said they opposed military action. However, when asked whether they would “favor or oppose taking military action in Iraq to end Saddam Hussein’s rule even if it meant that U.S. forces might suffer thousands of casualties, ” responses were dramatically different; only 43% said they favored military action, while 48% said they opposed it. The introduction of U.S. casualties altered the context of the question and influenced whether people favored or opposed military action in Iraq.

There has been a substantial amount of research to gauge the impact of different ways of asking questions and how to minimize differences in the way respondents interpret what is being asked. The issues related to question wording are more numerous than can be treated adequately in this short space, but below are a few of the important things to consider:

First, it is important to ask questions that are clear and specific and that each respondent will be able to answer. If a question is open-ended, it should be evident to respondents that they can answer in their own words and what type of response they should provide (an issue or problem, a month, number of days, etc.). Closed-ended questions should include all reasonable responses (i.e., the list of options is exhaustive) and the response categories should not overlap (i.e., response options should be mutually exclusive). Further, it is important to discern when it is best to use forced-choice close-ended questions (often denoted with a radio button in online surveys) versus “select-all-that-apply” lists (or check-all boxes). A 2019 Center study found that forced-choice questions tend to yield more accurate responses, especially for sensitive questions. Based on that research, the Center generally avoids using select-all-that-apply questions.

It is also important to ask only one question at a time. Questions that ask respondents to evaluate more than one concept (known as double-barreled questions) – such as “How much confidence do you have in President Obama to handle domestic and foreign policy?” – are difficult for respondents to answer and often lead to responses that are difficult to interpret. In this example, it would be more effective to ask two separate questions, one about domestic policy and another about foreign policy.

In general, questions that use simple and concrete language are more easily understood by respondents. It is especially important to consider the education level of the survey population when thinking about how easy it will be for respondents to interpret and answer a question. Double negatives (e.g., do you favor or oppose not allowing gays and lesbians to legally marry) or unfamiliar abbreviations or jargon (e.g., ANWR instead of Arctic National Wildlife Refuge) can result in respondent confusion and should be avoided.

Similarly, it is important to consider whether certain words may be viewed as biased or potentially offensive to some respondents, as well as the emotional reaction that some words may provoke. For example, in a 2005 Pew Research Center survey, 51% of respondents said they favored “making it legal for doctors to give terminally ill patients the means to end their lives,” but only 44% said they favored “making it legal for doctors to assist terminally ill patients in committing suicide.” Although both versions of the question are asking about the same thing, the reaction of respondents was different. In another example, respondents have reacted differently to questions using the word “welfare” as opposed to the more generic “assistance to the poor.” Several experiments have shown that there is much greater public support for expanding “assistance to the poor” than for expanding “welfare.”

We often write two versions of a question and ask half of the survey sample one version of the question and the other half the second version. Thus, we say we have two forms of the questionnaire. Respondents are assigned randomly to receive either form, so we can assume that the two groups of respondents are essentially identical. On questions where two versions are used, significant differences in the answers between the two forms tell us that the difference is a result of the way we worded the two versions.

One of the most common formats used in survey questions is the “agree-disagree” format. In this type of question, respondents are asked whether they agree or disagree with a particular statement. Research has shown that, compared with the better educated and better informed, less educated and less informed respondents have a greater tendency to agree with such statements. This is sometimes called an “acquiescence bias” (since some kinds of respondents are more likely to acquiesce to the assertion than are others). This behavior is even more pronounced when there’s an interviewer present, rather than when the survey is self-administered. A better practice is to offer respondents a choice between alternative statements. A Pew Research Center experiment with one of its routinely asked values questions illustrates the difference that question format can make. Not only does the forced choice format yield a very different result overall from the agree-disagree format, but the pattern of answers between respondents with more or less formal education also tends to be very different.

One other challenge in developing questionnaires is what is called “social desirability bias.” People have a natural tendency to want to be accepted and liked, and this may lead people to provide inaccurate answers to questions that deal with sensitive subjects. Research has shown that respondents understate alcohol and drug use, tax evasion and racial bias. They also may overstate church attendance, charitable contributions and the likelihood that they will vote in an election. Researchers attempt to account for this potential bias in crafting questions about these topics. For instance, when Pew Research Center surveys ask about past voting behavior, it is important to note that circumstances may have prevented the respondent from voting: “In the 2012 presidential election between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, did things come up that kept you from voting, or did you happen to vote?” The choice of response options can also make it easier for people to be honest. For example, a question about church attendance might include three of six response options that indicate infrequent attendance. Research has also shown that social desirability bias can be greater when an interviewer is present (e.g., telephone and face-to-face surveys) than when respondents complete the survey themselves (e.g., paper and web surveys).

Lastly, because slight modifications in question wording can affect responses, identical question wording should be used when the intention is to compare results to those from earlier surveys. Similarly, because question wording and responses can vary based on the mode used to survey respondents, researchers should carefully evaluate the likely effects on trend measurements if a different survey mode will be used to assess change in opinion over time.

Question order

Once the survey questions are developed, particular attention should be paid to how they are ordered in the questionnaire. Surveyors must be attentive to how questions early in a questionnaire may have unintended effects on how respondents answer subsequent questions. Researchers have demonstrated that the order in which questions are asked can influence how people respond; earlier questions can unintentionally provide context for the questions that follow (these effects are called “order effects”).

One kind of order effect can be seen in responses to open-ended questions. Pew Research Center surveys generally ask open-ended questions about national problems, opinions about leaders and similar topics near the beginning of the questionnaire. If closed-ended questions that relate to the topic are placed before the open-ended question, respondents are much more likely to mention concepts or considerations raised in those earlier questions when responding to the open-ended question.

For closed-ended opinion questions, there are two main types of order effects: contrast effects ( where the order results in greater differences in responses), and assimilation effects (where responses are more similar as a result of their order).

An example of a contrast effect can be seen in a Pew Research Center poll conducted in October 2003, a dozen years before same-sex marriage was legalized in the U.S. That poll found that people were more likely to favor allowing gays and lesbians to enter into legal agreements that give them the same rights as married couples when this question was asked after one about whether they favored or opposed allowing gays and lesbians to marry (45% favored legal agreements when asked after the marriage question, but 37% favored legal agreements without the immediate preceding context of a question about same-sex marriage). Responses to the question about same-sex marriage, meanwhile, were not significantly affected by its placement before or after the legal agreements question.

Another experiment embedded in a December 2008 Pew Research Center poll also resulted in a contrast effect. When people were asked “All in all, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way things are going in this country today?” immediately after having been asked “Do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling his job as president?”; 88% said they were dissatisfied, compared with only 78% without the context of the prior question.

Responses to presidential approval remained relatively unchanged whether national satisfaction was asked before or after it. A similar finding occurred in December 2004 when both satisfaction and presidential approval were much higher (57% were dissatisfied when Bush approval was asked first vs. 51% when general satisfaction was asked first).

Several studies also have shown that asking a more specific question before a more general question (e.g., asking about happiness with one’s marriage before asking about one’s overall happiness) can result in a contrast effect. Although some exceptions have been found, people tend to avoid redundancy by excluding the more specific question from the general rating.

Assimilation effects occur when responses to two questions are more consistent or closer together because of their placement in the questionnaire. We found an example of an assimilation effect in a Pew Research Center poll conducted in November 2008 when we asked whether Republican leaders should work with Obama or stand up to him on important issues and whether Democratic leaders should work with Republican leaders or stand up to them on important issues. People were more likely to say that Republican leaders should work with Obama when the question was preceded by the one asking what Democratic leaders should do in working with Republican leaders (81% vs. 66%). However, when people were first asked about Republican leaders working with Obama, fewer said that Democratic leaders should work with Republican leaders (71% vs. 82%).

The order questions are asked is of particular importance when tracking trends over time. As a result, care should be taken to ensure that the context is similar each time a question is asked. Modifying the context of the question could call into question any observed changes over time (see measuring change over time for more information).

A questionnaire, like a conversation, should be grouped by topic and unfold in a logical order. It is often helpful to begin the survey with simple questions that respondents will find interesting and engaging. Throughout the survey, an effort should be made to keep the survey interesting and not overburden respondents with several difficult questions right after one another. Demographic questions such as income, education or age should not be asked near the beginning of a survey unless they are needed to determine eligibility for the survey or for routing respondents through particular sections of the questionnaire. Even then, it is best to precede such items with more interesting and engaging questions. One virtue of survey panels like the ATP is that demographic questions usually only need to be asked once a year, not in each survey.

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Published: 17 April 2024

Distinct experiences and care needs of advanced cancer patients with good ECOG performance status: a qualitative phenomenological study

Ping Chen 1 , 3 na1 ,
Mingfu Ding 2 na1 ,
Changlin Li 3 ,
Yujuan Long 4 ,
Deng Pan 5 ,
Taiguo Liu 3 &
Cheng Yi 1

BMC Palliative Care volume 23 , Article number: 102 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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Advanced cancer patients with good Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (score 0–1) are underrepresented in current qualitative reports compared with their dying counterparts.

To explore the experiences and care needs of advanced cancer patients with good ECOG.

A qualitative phenomenological approach using semi-structured interview was employed. Data was analyzed using the Colaizzi’s method.

Setting/Participants

Purposive sample of terminal solid cancer patients on palliative care aged 18–70 years with a 0–1 ECOG score were recruited from a tertiary general hospital.

Sixteen participants were interviewed. Seven themes were generated from the transcripts, including experiencing no or mild symptoms; independence in self-care, decision-making, and financial capacity; prioritization of cancer growth suppression over symptom management; financial concerns; hope for prognosis and life; reluctance to discuss death and after-death arrangements; and use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and religious coping.

Conclusions

Advanced cancer patients with good ECOG have distinct experiences and care needs from their dying counterparts. They tend to experience no or mild symptoms, demonstrate a strong sense of independence, and prioritize cancer suppression over symptom management. Financial concerns were common and impact their care-related decision-making. Though being hopeful for their prognosis and life, many are reluctant to discuss death and after-death arrangements. Many Chinese patients use herbal medicine as a CAM modality but need improved awareness of and accessibility to treatment options. Healthcare professionals and policy-makers should recognize their unique experiences and needs when tailoring care strategies and policies.

Key statements

What is already known about the topic?

• Even in their advanced stage, cancer patients with good ECOG performance status are capable of self-care and less reliant on care provided by other.

• Existing qualitative research mainly focuses on advanced cancer patients with poor ECOG, emphasizing pain management, emotional distress, and palliative care.

What this paper adds?

• Our findings reveal distinct experiences and care needs of advanced cancer patients with good ECOG performance status from their dying counterparts.

Implications for practice, theory or policy .

• Healthcare professionals should recognize and address the patient group’s distinct needs.

• Future research should further investigate their symptom trajectory, influencing factors, and care needs to fill the gap in their cancer journey.

• Policy-makers should develop tailored policies that consider good ECOG performance status.

Peer Review reports

Introduction

Cancer is a major global public health issue, which affects millions of people around the world and in China. There were estimated 19.3 million new cancer cases and 10 million cancer deaths globally in 2020 [ 1 ]. China accounted for 24% of newly diagnosed cases and 30% of the cancer-related deaths [ 2 ]. As treatments and early detection methods continue to advance, the number of people living with cancer are on the rise, whose life expectancy is extended. For instance, the five-year survival rate for cancer patients in China rose from 30.9% in 2003–2005 to 40.5% in 2012–2015 [ 3 ], highlighting the growing population of individuals living with cancer for extended periods.

Cancer staging is crucial in clinical oncology. It provides pivotal information on the extent and spread of the disease to guide treatment decisions and prognosis [ 4 ]. Advanced-stage cancer patients, typically characterized by extensive tumor growth and metastasis, often face more aggressive treatments and poorer prognoses compared with those in an earlier stage. However, advanced cancer patients with good physical performance status, commonly measured as an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) score, are often underrepresented in the current qualitative research. Instead, their counterparts with poorer ECOG PS who are usually in the final stage of disease are the focus of current research interests, who typically experience more severe symptoms, functional decline, and higher risks of adverse events [ 5 , 6 ]. Researchers may opt not to recruit patients with good ECOG PS, who are more likely to continue working and engaging in daily activities and may be less accessible [ 7 ]. Also, this patient population may be neglected in favor of cancer patients nearing death because of limited research funding and resources [ 8 ].

In our clinical practice of palliative and hospice care, we often encounter cancer patients in the advanced stage with good ECOG PS (score 0–1). They impress us by demonstrating distinct physical and psychological experiences as well as varied care needs from those with poorer PS. This led us to hypothesize that despite the advanced stage of disease, cancer patients with good ECOG PS may have different experiences and care needs from their dying counterparts. Therefore, we devised this qualitative phenomenological study, which aimed to explore the experiences and care needs of advanced cancer patients with good ECOG PS. Our findings may shed light on some distinct characteristics of this underrepresented patient group and reveal novel areas potentially meaningful for future research. The evidence may find merit in supporting care-providers and decision-makers to more specifically tailor their strategies when caring for cancer patients in the advanced stage.

Study design

This was a phenomenological qualitative study. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted face-to-face with eligible participants to gather information about their lived experiences and care needs. The interviews continued until data saturation was achieved [ 9 ], at which point no new insights emerged from further interviews. Colaizzi’s method was employed to analyze the collected data [ 10 ].

Ethical consideration and informed consent

The study was ethically approved by the Ethics Committee of Chengdu Seventh People’s Hospital (reference number AF-SOP-09-2.1). Written informed consents were signed with all participants.

The present study took place at the Oncology Department of Chengdu Seventh People’s Hospital, a tertiary general hospital situated in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, Southwest China. As one of the national pilot centers for palliative and hospice care, this department offers both curative cancer treatments and palliative or hospice care to cancer patients across all stages of tumor progression.

Research team

Our research team consisted of 8 members, including 6 oncologists and 2 nurses. Each researcher had a minimum of 5 years of clinical experience in oncology, with at least 2 years in palliative care. Additionally, all team members were trained in phenomenological qualitative methodology. None of the researchers held religious affiliations or had any known inclined theoretical or ethical perspectives. The principal investigator underwent training in face-to-face semi-structured interview.

Participants

Participants were recruited from patients who received treatment and/or follow-up care at the Oncology Department between July and September 2022. The principal investigator screened potential participants based on the following inclusion and exclusion criteria:

Inclusion criteria: A patient should (1) be 18–70 yrs old with a stage IV cancer diagnosis of solid tumor and a life expectancy > 6 mo; (2) have an ECOG PS score of 0–1; (3) be currently undergoing palliative therapies, including but not limited to palliative chemotherapy and radiotherapy; (4) be aware of their diagnosis; (5) be able to participate in a 30 min in-depth interview; (6) possess sufficient cognitive capacity and verbal communication ability; and (7) provide consent to participate in the study and for the publication of findings.

Exclusion criteria: A patient was ineligible if they (1) were < 18 or > 70 yrs old; (2) had a non-cancer or non-solid tumor diagnosis, a tumor stage below IV, an ECOG PS score > 1, or a life expectancy < 6 mo; (3) were unaware of their diagnosis; (4) were receiving hospice or end-of-life care; (5) were physically unfit for an interview, as assessed by the interviewer; (6) had a known mental illness or exhibited insufficient cognitive and communication capacity; or (7) failed to provide consent.

Sampling and data collection

Purposive sampling was employed to select participants. The primary investigator accessed candidates’ medical records on the hospital’s electronic medical record system, screening them against the inclusion and exclusion criteria. She then approached a potential participant and made a brief casual conversation to visually assess their physical and mental status, cognitive abilities, and communication skills.

If the candidate seemed suitable for further interview, the primary investigator explained the study’s objectives and process, and inquired if they were interested in participating. After obtaining informed consent, the primary investigator either initiated the interview immediately or scheduled it for a later time, typically within the next 72 h. For those with scheduled interviews, the interviewer reassessed the participant’s status at the time of the interview. If the participant was deemed unfit by the primary investigator, the interview would be canceled and the participant excluded.

Participants were interviewed individually in a designated room, without the presence of family members. If a participant displayed signs of physical discomfort or reluctance to continue, the interview would be discontinued and any incomplete interviews discarded.

The sampling process persisted until data saturation was reached [ 9 ], at which point the interviews no longer produced new analytical information.

Semi-structured interview

The primary investigator conducted all semi-structured interviews to ensure consistency across the study. To prevent interviewer burnout and allow for timely verbatim transcription, no more than three participants were interviewed on a single day. Each interview was audio-recorded in its entirety.

Before delving into specific questions, the interviewer posed a grand tour question to guide the participant, typically phrased as “How do you feel today?” or “Could you tell me about how you feel recently?” Probing questions such as “Could you tell me more about the care/doctors/nurses?“, “Has the therapy made you feel better?“, and “What makes you think that?” were utilized to encourage participants to provide more detailed responses. The interviewer employed various techniques, such as rhetorical questioning, repetition, and response, to uncover the participants’ genuine feelings. Field notes were taken throughout the interviews to document the participants’ tone of voice, notable facial expressions, and body gestures. (Supplement 1 )

Immediately following each interview, the audio recordings and notes were cataloged. Another investigator transcribed the recordings verbatim and verified the accuracy of transcriptions within 24 h after the interview. To ensure anonymity, the records and transcriptions were de-identified, with participants assigned numerical identifiers (P1, P2, etc.) in place of personal information. All patient data, recordings, and transcriptions were maintained with strict confidentiality.

To ensure the rigor of this study, several strategies were employed. The interviewer maintained neutrality throughout the interviews by refraining from expressing personal opinions or judgments. When unclear statements or feelings arose, the primary investigator sought clarification from the participants during the interview. In cases of disagreement among researchers, the team referred back to the interview transcriptions and, if necessary, sought further clarification from the participants.

Participants and interviews

In this study, we interviewed 16 participants aged 33–64 yrs (mean age, 55.1 yrs), including 7 females. The interviews had an average duration of 17.7 min (range, 10.5–42.5 min). All participants were medically insured and diagnosed with stage IV solid tumors. Half of the participants (8/16) were asymptomatic, while the remaining experienced mild symptoms. Among the participants, 15 expressed expectations with their current treatment to suppress tumor growth, and 4 of symptomatic patients expected it to alleviate symptoms. Nine participants reported using Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) as a complement to their ongoing treatment. Two participants reported holding religious beliefs, both identifying as Christians. Detailed sociodemographic and clinical information of the participants is in Tables 1 and 2 .

Findings from interviews

We extracted seven overarching themes from the interviews, as follows:

Theme 1: experiencing no or mild symptoms

The majority of participants reported experiencing either no symptoms or only mild symptoms during the interview period, which did not substantially impact their daily lives. However, a few participants recounted instances of severe symptoms, such as debilitating pain, that hindered their ability to engage in routine daily activities.

“(I) feel fine. Almost nothing. Just a little coughing now and then.” - P7 .

“No, I feel not bad… (I) only feel more tired than before every day. Nothing else.” - P8 .

“My shoulder used to hurt really badly. I couldn’t lift my right arm… It hurt so badly that I’d rather die… Couldn’t do anything… (The pain) was relieved again after ascites extraction. Now it hurts a little some times but OK.” - P11 .

The most severe symptom was described by Participant 16, who had experienced abdominal distention, which was managed by ascites extraction:

“My belly felt very full all the time… Better after the ascites was extracted. (I) couldn’t do anything then but can take care of myself again now, at least do some of my own things now.” (Smiled) - P16 .

Theme 2: independence in self-care, decision-making, and financial capacity

The participants exhibited a strong sense of independence in multiple aspects, including self-care, care-related decision-making, and financial capability for care expenses.

Rather than being heavily dependent on family members or other informal caregivers, the majority of participants were either fully or partially self-sufficient in managing their daily living activities:

“I take care of myself. My husband helps sometimes especially when I’m hospitalized but I don’t like his cooking.” - P1 .

“I can take care of myself. They (family members) are busy working every day. I cook my meals. Easier for me to choose what I want to eat.” - P4 .

“My wife looks after me and I try to take care of my own daily living as long as I feel good enough.” - P10 .

Most participants seemed resolute in making their own decisions while having little trouble seeking input from a variety of sources:

“… I make my own decisions… My nephew works for a pharmaceutical company… He suggests me to ask if I can test only some of the gene sequencing tests…” - P1 .

In some cases, they even exhibited resistance to external interference with their decision-making, especial concerning their treatment-related decisions:

“This is my life. (I) should think for myself, whether (I) continue my treatment or stop.” - P3 .

Some participants mentioned that they paid for their treatments with their own savings and were hesitant to spend money from other family members or borrowed money for fear of becoming a burden:

“For now (I) still have enough money (for the treatments). (My medical) insurance reimburse most of the expense… more than 90% reimbursed. I only pay less than 10%.” - P5 .

“I pay for my own treatments… (I) don’t want him (his son) to spend his money. He’s not even married yet.” - P16 .

Some did not even quit working:

“I go back to work sometimes but they (superiors at work) don’t require me. Most of the time I work at home. Only some easy assignments… They pay me the minimal salary… I understand. It’s not easy for them either. Already very kind of them to keep me like this.” - P15 .

Theme 3: prioritization of cancer growth suppression over symptom management

Notably, when asked about their primary expectations with their current care, 15 out of 16 participants expressed a desire for cancer growth suppression. This included all 8 asymptomatic participants and 4 of the mildly symptomatic patients:

“I’ll take the PD-1 treatment (a targeted therapy) if my gene sequencing can find some new biomarker.” - P6 .

“… to control its (tumor) growth. I don’t know how much longer… There might be a new drug or treatment. Who knows.” (Laughed) - P7 .

Only 4 symptomatic participants mentioned alleviating their symptoms:

“My shoulder hurt really badly… After the ascites extraction, it didn’t hurt any more. It came back later and was relieved again after ascites extraction. Now it hurts a little some times but OK.” - P1 .

Theme 4: financial concerns

During the interviews, all participants mentioned financial concerns or burdens at some point, in some cases without any prompting from the interviewer. This was frequently associated with their decision to discontinue their current treatment. Notably, “running out of money” was identified as the primary reason for discontinuing treatment, which was emphasized more strongly than “not respond to therapy”:

“I’ll go on with the therapies as long as (I) have money… My son told me just to keep getting treated. He borrowed 8,000 Yuan when (he) came back from Shanghai. But I don’t want him to borrow money… I don’t want to become a burden (for my family). (I) just stop my treatment when I run out of money.” - P4 .

“… I’ll go on (with the treatment) as long as I can. Have to discontinue if no more money. What else can I do?” - P6 .

The availability of medical insurance reimbursement played a critical role in enabling them to afford ongoing treatment:

“The disease is a heavy burden. I can still afford it now. My medical insurance reimburses most of it but still a heavy burden. I’ll just discontinue therapy when run out of money.” - P2 .

Theme 5: hope for prognosis and life

Despite being aware of their diagnoses, the participants demonstrated a sense of hope for the prognosis of their treatments and their future prospects in life:

“I have no regret in life. My only unfinished business is to see my son getting married. I want to live to see it.” - P1 .

“The targeted therapy worked very well for me. I’m still taking it. Hopefully, it will last long.” - P9 .

Instead of giving up, they tended to seek new potential treatments if a particular therapy had failed:

“The doctor told me to take gene sequencing and see if some new biomarkers can be found after I stopped responding to the last medicine. I did and am waiting for the results now. (I) hope they can find a new one… Is there any other treatment I can use?” - P2 .

“… (the tumor) grew and spread again after my last surgery. The doctor said that more surgeries may not do any more good but there are still other possibilities, like targeted therapy.” - P7 .

Interestingly, none of the participants brought up topics such as the desire for dying with dignity or the consideration of a Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) agreement.

Theme 6: reluctance to discuss death and after-death arrangements

Two specific questions were incorporated into the interviews to inquire whether participants had contemplated their own death and discussed after-death arrangements with their families. The responses were varied. Nearly half of the participants (7/16) reported that they had either never or rarely thought about death, nor had they discussed after-death arrangements with their family members:

“I have never thought about it (death). Don’t want to… still a little afraid to talk about it.” - P5 .

“It crosses my mind sometimes but I don’t think about it… (I) have never discussed (the after-death arrangements) with them (family). It’s not time yet.” - P8 .

In contrast, some other participants seemed open to think about and discuss them:

“I did. That’s fine. I know I have it (cancer). They know I have it too. There’s no need to hide or fear. It’s pointless. Doesn’t help with anything. I talked about it (my death) with them (my family) once. They were kinda shy and almost cried. Then I stopped.” (Laughed) - P12 .

“(I) discussed my after-death arrangements with my family already. Better to get prepared earlier. No one knows when the time will come.” - P13 .

Theme 7: use of complementary and alternative medicine and religious coping

Seven participants reported utilizing complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities, which were primarily limited to Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, and massage. The main reasons for use of CAM were to assist in suppressing tumor growth and alleviating symptoms:

“I took Chinese herbal medicine after chemotherapy to help with my nausea and vomiting. I also had acupuncture for my headache.” - P2 .

“I went to see a traditional Chinese medicine doctor. He was famous for treating cancer with herbal medicine.” - P9 .

An interesting observation was that two participants cited engaging in religious activities as part of their coping strategies. Notably, one of them adopted her religious practices shortly after receiving her cancer diagnosis:

“I began to believing in Christianity two years again… one month after I was diagnosed. The sisters (fellow believers) said that they would pray for me to heal… I enjoy the peace and joy.” - P2 .

“Yes, I’m a Christian… I pray for my health and healing sometimes.” - P16 .

Main findings

On this qualitative study, we sought to explore the experiences and care needs of advanced cancer patients with good ECOG PS, a population that has not been extensively studied. Understanding their unique perspectives is vital for optimizing care and ensuring that the patients’ needs are met in the continuum of cancer care. We were able to extract seven overarching themes from the narratives of our in-depth interviews with 16 participants, including their symptoms, sense of independence, treatment priorities, financial concerns, hope, reluctance to discuss death, and use of complementary and alternative medicine.

In the current study, we found most of our participants either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic. This is consistent with previous studies about the relationship between performance status, symptom burden, and disease stage. The ECOG PS is widely used and essential measure of the functional capacity of cancer patient, which is shown to correlate with clinical outcomes, treatment tolerance, and survival [ 11 ]. Patients with good ECOG PS generally have no or limited disease-related restrictions, despite the advanced cancer stage. According to Cormier et al., several factors may contribute to their contrast with the poor PS patients, such as better overall health, effective symptom management, and more favorable tumor characteristics or response to treatment [ 12 ]. This practically differentiates the two sub-groups of advanced cancer patients not only in terms of their experiences of symptoms but their distinct care needs. Compared with their counterparts with poor PS, the better performing patients need less symptom management and psychological support and may have different care priorities, which echoes with our finding that the participants prioritized tumor suppression therapies over symptom management. It is important for care-providers to recognize the variability in symptom burden due to varied ECOG PS, monitor the symptom trajectory of a patient, and devise care strategies accordingly.

The second theme highlights the participants’ strong sense of independence in various aspects of their cancer journey, including self-care, care-related decision-making, and financial capacity. Their good ECOG PS may enable them to maintain functional autonomy and actively engage in daily activities and decision-making processes [ 11 ], who are either fully or partially self-sufficient in managing their daily living activities. This finding is significant as advanced cancer patients with good PS may require less assistance from family members and other informal caregivers. This autonomy in self-care can contribute to their overall quality of life and psychological well-being because maintaining independence is often considered essential in coping with cancer [ 13 ]. The participants’ resoluteness in making their own decisions while seeking input from various sources demonstrates their active engagement in their care process, which may lead to better treatment outcomes and satisfaction with care, as patients who participate in their care decisions often report feeling more empowered and in control of their lives [ 14 ]. It is vital for healthcare professionals to respect and support the patients’ autonomy by providing the necessary information and guidance for them to make informed choices about care [ 15 ]. Another aspect of independence was their financial capacity. According to Lentz and colleagues, having the financial resources to pay for care can alleviate some of the stress and burden associated with managing cancer and its treatments [ 16 ], which can further contribute to a patient’s sense of control and well-being during their care journey.

It is worth noting, however, that the participants in this study may not be representative of the broader population of advanced cancer patients because they were all medically insured, which covered a significant portion of their medical expenses. This reduced their out-of-pocket costs significantly, contributing to their sense of financial independence. The potential selection bias in our sample should be considered when interpreting our findings. The experiences of participants with medical insurance might not accurately reflect those without such coverage. Uninsured or under-insured patients may face substantial financial burden and stress relating to the costs of care [ 16 ]. Furthermore, financial ability to pay for care can play a crucial role in a patient’s decision-making, particularly when it comes to deciding whether to continue or discontinue treatment. Patients who are financially constrained may be more likely to consider discontinuing treatment, even if they are clinically eligible for and may benefit from the treatment [ 16 ], which was evident in our study. The financial burden of cancer treatment can lead to significant distress, prompting patients to weigh the benefits of treatment against the costs [ 17 ]. This may result in decisions not entirely aligned with their medical needs and preferences and potentially compromise their quality of care and clinical outcomes [ 18 ]. It is imperative that healthcare professionals should be attentive to a patient’s financial concerns, even when they perform well physically, and engage in open discussions about the costs of care and potential resources to support their decision-making.

The finding that advanced cancer patients with good ECOG PS prioritize cancer suppression therapies over symptom management was expectable. This preference can be easily understood according to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs where one would strive to fulfill their basic needs before addressing higher-order needs [ 19 ]. In our context, symptom management can be considered a basic need, as it addresses a patient’s physiological and safety concerns. Once the basic need is met, patients tend to shift their focus to higher-order needs, such as achieving the best possible cancer control and prolonging survival. In our case, the participants with good ECOG PS are mostly asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic. Their basic needs in terms of symptom management are relatively well-addressed. Therefore, they are more likely to prioritize such higher-order needs as cancer suppression for better clinical outcomes and maintain their functional status. This finding has significant implications for improving the prognosis of advanced cancer patients with good ECOG PS, who are generally more functional and experience fewer severe symptoms and as a result may be physically more tolerant to therapies, including aggressive or experimental treatments. This increased tolerance can enable clinicians to consider a broader range of treatment options, which may lead to better cancer control and improved their clinical outcomes, including better symptom management and prolonged survival. Additionally, these patients seem more driven to explore new and experimental treatment options. Their willingness to participate in clinical trials or seek innovative therapies may provide them with access to cutting-edge treatments with potentially benefits for their prognosis and survival [ 20 ]. As healthcare professionals, we should recognize this motivation and support them by providing information on clinical trials or innovative therapies.

Hope is known to have significant implications for advanced cancer patients, which may influences their emotional well-being, treatment decisions, and overall quality of life [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ]. We found that the patients with good ECOG PS demonstrate hope for their prognosis and future prospects of life. Though being hopeful is generally beneficial for advanced cancer patients and may reinforce patient’s motivation to seek care positively, it must be noted that it can sometimes lead to unrealistic expectations or misguided decision-making [ 25 ]. This is particularly relevant in advanced cancer patients with good ECOG PS because their hopefulness and desire for aggressive treatment may lead them to misjudge their physical status and pursue therapies with limited efficacy or significant side effects [ 26 , 27 ]. It becomes crucial for healthcare professionals to be aware of this potential pitfall and ensure that patients are properly informed about their prognosis, treatment options, and potential risks and benefits.

It was noteworthy that none of our participants brought up such topics as the desire for dying with dignity or the consideration of a DNR agreement. Their relatively better quality of life and sense of hopefulness could make them more focused on treatment and improving prognosis, rather than considering end-of-life decisions [ 23 , 24 ]. Besides fear for death, another possible attributing factor is culture. Death and after-death arrangements are commonly thought of as negative topics or even taboos in Chinese culture, which are usually avoided especially when an individual is still living [ 28 ]. This resonates with Theme 6 where many participants were found reluctant to contemplate their own death and discuss after-death arrangements with their families. Their needs to be prepared for death, seek dignity in passing, and make arrangements after their deaths are expected to increase as they near the end of life [ 29 ]. Healthcare professionals should monitor their disease progression closely and offer support when needed.

Almost half of our participants (7/16) reported using CAM modalities, which were primarily limited to Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, and massage. The main reasons for employing CAM were to aid in suppressing tumor growth and alleviating symptoms. This finding highlights the diverse approaches that patients may take in searching for effective treatments, particularly where conventional therapies have limited efficacy or are associated with substantial side effects [ 11 ]. The limited diversity of CAM modalities suggests that the patients may lack awareness or accessibility to a broader array of CAM options, which is consistent with previous reports [ 30 , 31 ]. Furthermore, despite the clinical trials to investigate the safety and efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine as a complement to mainstream cancer treatments, there is still insufficient evidence to establish CAM modalities for suppressing tumor growth. As a result, use of CAM should be approached with caution and mainly considered for purposes other than tumor treatment.

It is intriguing to find that two of the participants engaged in religious activities as part of their coping strategies because Chinese people are often believed to have a lower prevalence of religious beliefs and studies investigating religious coping in the Chinese population are scarce [ 32 ]. A main impression of the two religious patients was that they seemed to use religion for practical purposes, rather than fully embracing the beliefs. This is consistent with previous studies where cancer patients may seek out religious practices as a way to manage stress, find peace, and maintain a sense of hope during difficult times. Praying for healing, for example, can provide a sense of control and agency in a situation where they may feel powerless [ 33 ]. Future research may continue to pursue the subject among Chinese cancer patients.

Compared with dying advanced cancer patients with poor ECOG PS, those with good ECOG PS display distinct experiences and care needs. They generally have milder symptoms, higher independence in self-care, decision-making, and financial capacity, and prioritize tumor suppression therapies over symptom management. On the other hand, patients with poor ECOG PS grapple with a higher symptom burden, increased reliance on support, and a focus on symptom relief and palliative care. Though sharing concerns about finances, demonstrating hopefulness, utilizing CAM, the two groups have varying degrees and objectives. Recognizing these distinctions is essential for healthcare professionals to provide customized, patient-centered care to address the unique needs of the well-performing cancer patients.

Strengths and limitations

As one of the few qualitative investigations to explore the experiences and care needs of advanced cancer patients with good ECOG PS, our study revealed that this patient group is distinct from their dying counterparts, who are the focus of the current research literature. Our findings highlight some observations characteristic of the patient group such as their asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic experiences, stronger sense of independence in various perspectives, and distinct care prioritization from those nearing death. However, further quantitative studies are needed to determine the association and synergistic dynamics of such characteristics.

Implications for practice

It is vital for healthcare professionals and policy-makers to recognize these unique experiences and care needs of advanced cancer patients with good ECOG PS and respond by providing necessary information, education, treatment options, and care strategies.

Data availability

Due to the sensitive nature of the interview recordings, the original audio recordings are prohibited from sharing. The desensitized transcripts and demographic data are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Cancer Psychology and Health Management Committee of Sichuan Cancer Society (S.C.S.) for their exceptional guidance.

This work was supported by Medical Research Project of Sichuan Medical Association (S20061) and the Joint Research Fund of Chengdu Medical College-Chengdu Seventh People’s Hospital (2020LHJYZD-03). The funders had no role in the design and conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data; preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript; and decision to submit the manuscript for publication.

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Ping Chen and Mingfu Ding contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

Abdominal Oncology Ward, Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China

Ping Chen & Cheng Yi

Rehabilitation Medicine Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China

Mingfu Ding

Department of Oncology, Chengdu Seventh People’s Hospital (Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Chengdu Medical College), No. 1 Shi’er Zhong Street, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China

Ping Chen, Changlin Li, Li Ma & Taiguo Liu

Department of Intensive Care Unit, Chengdu Seventh People’s Hospital (Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Chengdu Medical College), No. 1 Shi’er Zhong Street, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China

Yujuan Long

Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences and the People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530016, Guangxi, China

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Contributions

PC is the primary investigator and conducted the interviews. PC, MD, TL, and CY conceptualised and designed this study. PC, CL, and YL processed the data and verified accuracy of data against the transcripts. PC, MD, CL, YL, DP, LM, TL, and CY analyzed the data and interpreted the findings. PC, TL, and CY wrote the initial draft. MD, CL, and YL provided critical feedback about the draft. All authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript for submission.

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Correspondence to Taiguo Liu or Cheng Yi .

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This study was performed according to the appropriate Chinese laws and regulations, the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki, and Good Clinical Practice guidelines. The study was ethically approved by the Ethics Committee of Chengdu Seventh People’s Hospital (reference number AF-SOP-09-2.1). Written informed consents were signed with all participants.

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Chen, P., Ding, M., Li, C. et al. Distinct experiences and care needs of advanced cancer patients with good ECOG performance status: a qualitative phenomenological study. BMC Palliat Care 23 , 102 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-024-01425-3

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A Practical Guide to Writing Quantitative and Qualitative Research Questions and Hypotheses in Scholarly Articles

Edward barroga.

1 Department of General Education, Graduate School of Nursing Science, St. Luke’s International University, Tokyo, Japan.

Glafera Janet Matanguihan

2 Department of Biological Sciences, Messiah University, Mechanicsburg, PA, USA.

The development of research questions and the subsequent hypotheses are prerequisites to defining the main research purpose and specific objectives of a study. Consequently, these objectives determine the study design and research outcome. The development of research questions is a process based on knowledge of current trends, cutting-edge studies, and technological advances in the research field. Excellent research questions are focused and require a comprehensive literature search and in-depth understanding of the problem being investigated. Initially, research questions may be written as descriptive questions which could be developed into inferential questions. These questions must be specific and concise to provide a clear foundation for developing hypotheses. Hypotheses are more formal predictions about the research outcomes. These specify the possible results that may or may not be expected regarding the relationship between groups. Thus, research questions and hypotheses clarify the main purpose and specific objectives of the study, which in turn dictate the design of the study, its direction, and outcome. Studies developed from good research questions and hypotheses will have trustworthy outcomes with wide-ranging social and health implications.

INTRODUCTION

Scientific research is usually initiated by posing evidenced-based research questions which are then explicitly restated as hypotheses. 1 , 2 The hypotheses provide directions to guide the study, solutions, explanations, and expected results. 3 , 4 Both research questions and hypotheses are essentially formulated based on conventional theories and real-world processes, which allow the inception of novel studies and the ethical testing of ideas. 5 , 6

It is crucial to have knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative research 2 as both types of research involve writing research questions and hypotheses. 7 However, these crucial elements of research are sometimes overlooked; if not overlooked, then framed without the forethought and meticulous attention it needs. Planning and careful consideration are needed when developing quantitative or qualitative research, particularly when conceptualizing research questions and hypotheses. 4

There is a continuing need to support researchers in the creation of innovative research questions and hypotheses, as well as for journal articles that carefully review these elements. 1 When research questions and hypotheses are not carefully thought of, unethical studies and poor outcomes usually ensue. Carefully formulated research questions and hypotheses define well-founded objectives, which in turn determine the appropriate design, course, and outcome of the study. This article then aims to discuss in detail the various aspects of crafting research questions and hypotheses, with the goal of guiding researchers as they develop their own. Examples from the authors and peer-reviewed scientific articles in the healthcare field are provided to illustrate key points.

DEFINITIONS AND RELATIONSHIP OF RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND HYPOTHESES

A research question is what a study aims to answer after data analysis and interpretation. The answer is written in length in the discussion section of the paper. Thus, the research question gives a preview of the different parts and variables of the study meant to address the problem posed in the research question. 1 An excellent research question clarifies the research writing while facilitating understanding of the research topic, objective, scope, and limitations of the study. 5

On the other hand, a research hypothesis is an educated statement of an expected outcome. This statement is based on background research and current knowledge. 8 , 9 The research hypothesis makes a specific prediction about a new phenomenon 10 or a formal statement on the expected relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable. 3 , 11 It provides a tentative answer to the research question to be tested or explored. 4

Hypotheses employ reasoning to predict a theory-based outcome. 10 These can also be developed from theories by focusing on components of theories that have not yet been observed. 10 The validity of hypotheses is often based on the testability of the prediction made in a reproducible experiment. 8

Conversely, hypotheses can also be rephrased as research questions. Several hypotheses based on existing theories and knowledge may be needed to answer a research question. Developing ethical research questions and hypotheses creates a research design that has logical relationships among variables. These relationships serve as a solid foundation for the conduct of the study. 4 , 11 Haphazardly constructed research questions can result in poorly formulated hypotheses and improper study designs, leading to unreliable results. Thus, the formulations of relevant research questions and verifiable hypotheses are crucial when beginning research. 12

CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND HYPOTHESES

Excellent research questions are specific and focused. These integrate collective data and observations to confirm or refute the subsequent hypotheses. Well-constructed hypotheses are based on previous reports and verify the research context. These are realistic, in-depth, sufficiently complex, and reproducible. More importantly, these hypotheses can be addressed and tested. 13

There are several characteristics of well-developed hypotheses. Good hypotheses are 1) empirically testable 7 , 10 , 11 , 13 ; 2) backed by preliminary evidence 9 ; 3) testable by ethical research 7 , 9 ; 4) based on original ideas 9 ; 5) have evidenced-based logical reasoning 10 ; and 6) can be predicted. 11 Good hypotheses can infer ethical and positive implications, indicating the presence of a relationship or effect relevant to the research theme. 7 , 11 These are initially developed from a general theory and branch into specific hypotheses by deductive reasoning. In the absence of a theory to base the hypotheses, inductive reasoning based on specific observations or findings form more general hypotheses. 10

TYPES OF RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND HYPOTHESES

Research questions and hypotheses are developed according to the type of research, which can be broadly classified into quantitative and qualitative research. We provide a summary of the types of research questions and hypotheses under quantitative and qualitative research categories in Table 1 .

Research questions in quantitative research

In quantitative research, research questions inquire about the relationships among variables being investigated and are usually framed at the start of the study. These are precise and typically linked to the subject population, dependent and independent variables, and research design. 1 Research questions may also attempt to describe the behavior of a population in relation to one or more variables, or describe the characteristics of variables to be measured ( descriptive research questions ). 1 , 5 , 14 These questions may also aim to discover differences between groups within the context of an outcome variable ( comparative research questions ), 1 , 5 , 14 or elucidate trends and interactions among variables ( relationship research questions ). 1 , 5 We provide examples of descriptive, comparative, and relationship research questions in quantitative research in Table 2 .

Hypotheses in quantitative research

In quantitative research, hypotheses predict the expected relationships among variables. 15 Relationships among variables that can be predicted include 1) between a single dependent variable and a single independent variable ( simple hypothesis ) or 2) between two or more independent and dependent variables ( complex hypothesis ). 4 , 11 Hypotheses may also specify the expected direction to be followed and imply an intellectual commitment to a particular outcome ( directional hypothesis ) 4 . On the other hand, hypotheses may not predict the exact direction and are used in the absence of a theory, or when findings contradict previous studies ( non-directional hypothesis ). 4 In addition, hypotheses can 1) define interdependency between variables ( associative hypothesis ), 4 2) propose an effect on the dependent variable from manipulation of the independent variable ( causal hypothesis ), 4 3) state a negative relationship between two variables ( null hypothesis ), 4 , 11 , 15 4) replace the working hypothesis if rejected ( alternative hypothesis ), 15 explain the relationship of phenomena to possibly generate a theory ( working hypothesis ), 11 5) involve quantifiable variables that can be tested statistically ( statistical hypothesis ), 11 6) or express a relationship whose interlinks can be verified logically ( logical hypothesis ). 11 We provide examples of simple, complex, directional, non-directional, associative, causal, null, alternative, working, statistical, and logical hypotheses in quantitative research, as well as the definition of quantitative hypothesis-testing research in Table 3 .

Research questions in qualitative research

Unlike research questions in quantitative research, research questions in qualitative research are usually continuously reviewed and reformulated. The central question and associated subquestions are stated more than the hypotheses. 15 The central question broadly explores a complex set of factors surrounding the central phenomenon, aiming to present the varied perspectives of participants. 15

There are varied goals for which qualitative research questions are developed. These questions can function in several ways, such as to 1) identify and describe existing conditions ( contextual research question s); 2) describe a phenomenon ( descriptive research questions ); 3) assess the effectiveness of existing methods, protocols, theories, or procedures ( evaluation research questions ); 4) examine a phenomenon or analyze the reasons or relationships between subjects or phenomena ( explanatory research questions ); or 5) focus on unknown aspects of a particular topic ( exploratory research questions ). 5 In addition, some qualitative research questions provide new ideas for the development of theories and actions ( generative research questions ) or advance specific ideologies of a position ( ideological research questions ). 1 Other qualitative research questions may build on a body of existing literature and become working guidelines ( ethnographic research questions ). Research questions may also be broadly stated without specific reference to the existing literature or a typology of questions ( phenomenological research questions ), may be directed towards generating a theory of some process ( grounded theory questions ), or may address a description of the case and the emerging themes ( qualitative case study questions ). 15 We provide examples of contextual, descriptive, evaluation, explanatory, exploratory, generative, ideological, ethnographic, phenomenological, grounded theory, and qualitative case study research questions in qualitative research in Table 4 , and the definition of qualitative hypothesis-generating research in Table 5 .

Qualitative studies usually pose at least one central research question and several subquestions starting with How or What . These research questions use exploratory verbs such as explore or describe . These also focus on one central phenomenon of interest, and may mention the participants and research site. 15

Hypotheses in qualitative research

Hypotheses in qualitative research are stated in the form of a clear statement concerning the problem to be investigated. Unlike in quantitative research where hypotheses are usually developed to be tested, qualitative research can lead to both hypothesis-testing and hypothesis-generating outcomes. 2 When studies require both quantitative and qualitative research questions, this suggests an integrative process between both research methods wherein a single mixed-methods research question can be developed. 1

FRAMEWORKS FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND HYPOTHESES

Research questions followed by hypotheses should be developed before the start of the study. 1 , 12 , 14 It is crucial to develop feasible research questions on a topic that is interesting to both the researcher and the scientific community. This can be achieved by a meticulous review of previous and current studies to establish a novel topic. Specific areas are subsequently focused on to generate ethical research questions. The relevance of the research questions is evaluated in terms of clarity of the resulting data, specificity of the methodology, objectivity of the outcome, depth of the research, and impact of the study. 1 , 5 These aspects constitute the FINER criteria (i.e., Feasible, Interesting, Novel, Ethical, and Relevant). 1 Clarity and effectiveness are achieved if research questions meet the FINER criteria. In addition to the FINER criteria, Ratan et al. described focus, complexity, novelty, feasibility, and measurability for evaluating the effectiveness of research questions. 14

The PICOT and PEO frameworks are also used when developing research questions. 1 The following elements are addressed in these frameworks, PICOT: P-population/patients/problem, I-intervention or indicator being studied, C-comparison group, O-outcome of interest, and T-timeframe of the study; PEO: P-population being studied, E-exposure to preexisting conditions, and O-outcome of interest. 1 Research questions are also considered good if these meet the “FINERMAPS” framework: Feasible, Interesting, Novel, Ethical, Relevant, Manageable, Appropriate, Potential value/publishable, and Systematic. 14

As we indicated earlier, research questions and hypotheses that are not carefully formulated result in unethical studies or poor outcomes. To illustrate this, we provide some examples of ambiguous research question and hypotheses that result in unclear and weak research objectives in quantitative research ( Table 6 ) 16 and qualitative research ( Table 7 ) 17 , and how to transform these ambiguous research question(s) and hypothesis(es) into clear and good statements.

a These statements were composed for comparison and illustrative purposes only.

b These statements are direct quotes from Higashihara and Horiuchi. 16

a This statement is a direct quote from Shimoda et al. 17

The other statements were composed for comparison and illustrative purposes only.

CONSTRUCTING RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND HYPOTHESES

To construct effective research questions and hypotheses, it is very important to 1) clarify the background and 2) identify the research problem at the outset of the research, within a specific timeframe. 9 Then, 3) review or conduct preliminary research to collect all available knowledge about the possible research questions by studying theories and previous studies. 18 Afterwards, 4) construct research questions to investigate the research problem. Identify variables to be accessed from the research questions 4 and make operational definitions of constructs from the research problem and questions. Thereafter, 5) construct specific deductive or inductive predictions in the form of hypotheses. 4 Finally, 6) state the study aims . This general flow for constructing effective research questions and hypotheses prior to conducting research is shown in Fig. 1 .

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Research questions are used more frequently in qualitative research than objectives or hypotheses. 3 These questions seek to discover, understand, explore or describe experiences by asking “What” or “How.” The questions are open-ended to elicit a description rather than to relate variables or compare groups. The questions are continually reviewed, reformulated, and changed during the qualitative study. 3 Research questions are also used more frequently in survey projects than hypotheses in experiments in quantitative research to compare variables and their relationships.

Hypotheses are constructed based on the variables identified and as an if-then statement, following the template, ‘If a specific action is taken, then a certain outcome is expected.’ At this stage, some ideas regarding expectations from the research to be conducted must be drawn. 18 Then, the variables to be manipulated (independent) and influenced (dependent) are defined. 4 Thereafter, the hypothesis is stated and refined, and reproducible data tailored to the hypothesis are identified, collected, and analyzed. 4 The hypotheses must be testable and specific, 18 and should describe the variables and their relationships, the specific group being studied, and the predicted research outcome. 18 Hypotheses construction involves a testable proposition to be deduced from theory, and independent and dependent variables to be separated and measured separately. 3 Therefore, good hypotheses must be based on good research questions constructed at the start of a study or trial. 12

In summary, research questions are constructed after establishing the background of the study. Hypotheses are then developed based on the research questions. Thus, it is crucial to have excellent research questions to generate superior hypotheses. In turn, these would determine the research objectives and the design of the study, and ultimately, the outcome of the research. 12 Algorithms for building research questions and hypotheses are shown in Fig. 2 for quantitative research and in Fig. 3 for qualitative research.

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EXAMPLES OF RESEARCH QUESTIONS FROM PUBLISHED ARTICLES

EXAMPLE 1. Descriptive research question (quantitative research)
- Presents research variables to be assessed (distinct phenotypes and subphenotypes)
“BACKGROUND: Since COVID-19 was identified, its clinical and biological heterogeneity has been recognized. Identifying COVID-19 phenotypes might help guide basic, clinical, and translational research efforts.
RESEARCH QUESTION: Does the clinical spectrum of patients with COVID-19 contain distinct phenotypes and subphenotypes? ” 19
EXAMPLE 2. Relationship research question (quantitative research)
- Shows interactions between dependent variable (static postural control) and independent variable (peripheral visual field loss)
“Background: Integration of visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive sensations contributes to postural control. People with peripheral visual field loss have serious postural instability. However, the directional specificity of postural stability and sensory reweighting caused by gradual peripheral visual field loss remain unclear.
Research question: What are the effects of peripheral visual field loss on static postural control ?” 20
EXAMPLE 3. Comparative research question (quantitative research)
- Clarifies the difference among groups with an outcome variable (patients enrolled in COMPERA with moderate PH or severe PH in COPD) and another group without the outcome variable (patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH))
“BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in COPD is a poorly investigated clinical condition.
RESEARCH QUESTION: Which factors determine the outcome of PH in COPD?
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We analyzed the characteristics and outcome of patients enrolled in the Comparative, Prospective Registry of Newly Initiated Therapies for Pulmonary Hypertension (COMPERA) with moderate or severe PH in COPD as defined during the 6th PH World Symposium who received medical therapy for PH and compared them with patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) .” 21
EXAMPLE 4. Exploratory research question (qualitative research)
- Explores areas that have not been fully investigated (perspectives of families and children who receive care in clinic-based child obesity treatment) to have a deeper understanding of the research problem
“Problem: Interventions for children with obesity lead to only modest improvements in BMI and long-term outcomes, and data are limited on the perspectives of families of children with obesity in clinic-based treatment. This scoping review seeks to answer the question: What is known about the perspectives of families and children who receive care in clinic-based child obesity treatment? This review aims to explore the scope of perspectives reported by families of children with obesity who have received individualized outpatient clinic-based obesity treatment.” 22
EXAMPLE 5. Relationship research question (quantitative research)
- Defines interactions between dependent variable (use of ankle strategies) and independent variable (changes in muscle tone)
“Background: To maintain an upright standing posture against external disturbances, the human body mainly employs two types of postural control strategies: “ankle strategy” and “hip strategy.” While it has been reported that the magnitude of the disturbance alters the use of postural control strategies, it has not been elucidated how the level of muscle tone, one of the crucial parameters of bodily function, determines the use of each strategy. We have previously confirmed using forward dynamics simulations of human musculoskeletal models that an increased muscle tone promotes the use of ankle strategies. The objective of the present study was to experimentally evaluate a hypothesis: an increased muscle tone promotes the use of ankle strategies. Research question: Do changes in the muscle tone affect the use of ankle strategies ?” 23

EXAMPLES OF HYPOTHESES IN PUBLISHED ARTICLES

EXAMPLE 1. Working hypothesis (quantitative research)
- A hypothesis that is initially accepted for further research to produce a feasible theory
“As fever may have benefit in shortening the duration of viral illness, it is plausible to hypothesize that the antipyretic efficacy of ibuprofen may be hindering the benefits of a fever response when taken during the early stages of COVID-19 illness .” 24
“In conclusion, it is plausible to hypothesize that the antipyretic efficacy of ibuprofen may be hindering the benefits of a fever response . The difference in perceived safety of these agents in COVID-19 illness could be related to the more potent efficacy to reduce fever with ibuprofen compared to acetaminophen. Compelling data on the benefit of fever warrant further research and review to determine when to treat or withhold ibuprofen for early stage fever for COVID-19 and other related viral illnesses .” 24
EXAMPLE 2. Exploratory hypothesis (qualitative research)
- Explores particular areas deeper to clarify subjective experience and develop a formal hypothesis potentially testable in a future quantitative approach
“We hypothesized that when thinking about a past experience of help-seeking, a self distancing prompt would cause increased help-seeking intentions and more favorable help-seeking outcome expectations .” 25
“Conclusion
Although a priori hypotheses were not supported, further research is warranted as results indicate the potential for using self-distancing approaches to increasing help-seeking among some people with depressive symptomatology.” 25
EXAMPLE 3. Hypothesis-generating research to establish a framework for hypothesis testing (qualitative research)
“We hypothesize that compassionate care is beneficial for patients (better outcomes), healthcare systems and payers (lower costs), and healthcare providers (lower burnout). ” 26
Compassionomics is the branch of knowledge and scientific study of the effects of compassionate healthcare. Our main hypotheses are that compassionate healthcare is beneficial for (1) patients, by improving clinical outcomes, (2) healthcare systems and payers, by supporting financial sustainability, and (3) HCPs, by lowering burnout and promoting resilience and well-being. The purpose of this paper is to establish a scientific framework for testing the hypotheses above . If these hypotheses are confirmed through rigorous research, compassionomics will belong in the science of evidence-based medicine, with major implications for all healthcare domains.” 26
EXAMPLE 4. Statistical hypothesis (quantitative research)
- An assumption is made about the relationship among several population characteristics ( gender differences in sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of adults with ADHD ). Validity is tested by statistical experiment or analysis ( chi-square test, Students t-test, and logistic regression analysis)
“Our research investigated gender differences in sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of adults with ADHD in a Japanese clinical sample. Due to unique Japanese cultural ideals and expectations of women's behavior that are in opposition to ADHD symptoms, we hypothesized that women with ADHD experience more difficulties and present more dysfunctions than men . We tested the following hypotheses: first, women with ADHD have more comorbidities than men with ADHD; second, women with ADHD experience more social hardships than men, such as having less full-time employment and being more likely to be divorced.” 27
“Statistical Analysis
( text omitted ) Between-gender comparisons were made using the chi-squared test for categorical variables and Students t-test for continuous variables…( text omitted ). A logistic regression analysis was performed for employment status, marital status, and comorbidity to evaluate the independent effects of gender on these dependent variables.” 27

EXAMPLES OF HYPOTHESIS AS WRITTEN IN PUBLISHED ARTICLES IN RELATION TO OTHER PARTS

EXAMPLE 1. Background, hypotheses, and aims are provided
“Pregnant women need skilled care during pregnancy and childbirth, but that skilled care is often delayed in some countries …( text omitted ). The focused antenatal care (FANC) model of WHO recommends that nurses provide information or counseling to all pregnant women …( text omitted ). Job aids are visual support materials that provide the right kind of information using graphics and words in a simple and yet effective manner. When nurses are not highly trained or have many work details to attend to, these job aids can serve as a content reminder for the nurses and can be used for educating their patients (Jennings, Yebadokpo, Affo, & Agbogbe, 2010) ( text omitted ). Importantly, additional evidence is needed to confirm how job aids can further improve the quality of ANC counseling by health workers in maternal care …( text omitted )” 28
“ This has led us to hypothesize that the quality of ANC counseling would be better if supported by job aids. Consequently, a better quality of ANC counseling is expected to produce higher levels of awareness concerning the danger signs of pregnancy and a more favorable impression of the caring behavior of nurses .” 28
“This study aimed to examine the differences in the responses of pregnant women to a job aid-supported intervention during ANC visit in terms of 1) their understanding of the danger signs of pregnancy and 2) their impression of the caring behaviors of nurses to pregnant women in rural Tanzania.” 28
EXAMPLE 2. Background, hypotheses, and aims are provided
“We conducted a two-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate and compare changes in salivary cortisol and oxytocin levels of first-time pregnant women between experimental and control groups. The women in the experimental group touched and held an infant for 30 min (experimental intervention protocol), whereas those in the control group watched a DVD movie of an infant (control intervention protocol). The primary outcome was salivary cortisol level and the secondary outcome was salivary oxytocin level.” 29
“ We hypothesize that at 30 min after touching and holding an infant, the salivary cortisol level will significantly decrease and the salivary oxytocin level will increase in the experimental group compared with the control group .” 29
EXAMPLE 3. Background, aim, and hypothesis are provided
“In countries where the maternal mortality ratio remains high, antenatal education to increase Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR) is considered one of the top priorities [1]. BPCR includes birth plans during the antenatal period, such as the birthplace, birth attendant, transportation, health facility for complications, expenses, and birth materials, as well as family coordination to achieve such birth plans. In Tanzania, although increasing, only about half of all pregnant women attend an antenatal clinic more than four times [4]. Moreover, the information provided during antenatal care (ANC) is insufficient. In the resource-poor settings, antenatal group education is a potential approach because of the limited time for individual counseling at antenatal clinics.” 30
“This study aimed to evaluate an antenatal group education program among pregnant women and their families with respect to birth-preparedness and maternal and infant outcomes in rural villages of Tanzania.” 30
“ The study hypothesis was if Tanzanian pregnant women and their families received a family-oriented antenatal group education, they would (1) have a higher level of BPCR, (2) attend antenatal clinic four or more times, (3) give birth in a health facility, (4) have less complications of women at birth, and (5) have less complications and deaths of infants than those who did not receive the education .” 30

Research questions and hypotheses are crucial components to any type of research, whether quantitative or qualitative. These questions should be developed at the very beginning of the study. Excellent research questions lead to superior hypotheses, which, like a compass, set the direction of research, and can often determine the successful conduct of the study. Many research studies have floundered because the development of research questions and subsequent hypotheses was not given the thought and meticulous attention needed. The development of research questions and hypotheses is an iterative process based on extensive knowledge of the literature and insightful grasp of the knowledge gap. Focused, concise, and specific research questions provide a strong foundation for constructing hypotheses which serve as formal predictions about the research outcomes. Research questions and hypotheses are crucial elements of research that should not be overlooked. They should be carefully thought of and constructed when planning research. This avoids unethical studies and poor outcomes by defining well-founded objectives that determine the design, course, and outcome of the study.

Disclosure: The authors have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.

Author Contributions:

Conceptualization: Barroga E, Matanguihan GJ.
Methodology: Barroga E, Matanguihan GJ.
Writing - original draft: Barroga E, Matanguihan GJ.
Writing - review & editing: Barroga E, Matanguihan GJ.

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