Methods and techniques in qualitative research: a comprehensive review in the social sciences

Abstract

Qualitative research is a methodological approach that seeks to understand social phenomena from a holistic and detailed perspective, focusing on the interpretation and deep understanding of social reality. The objective of this research was to describe qualitative research methods in the social sciences. For this purpose, a qualitative, descriptive, documentary review methodology was used. Fifty-two materials were chosen for analysis, of which one is an explanatory video and 51 scientific articles, books and other academic documents. The results demonstrate that, in the field of qualitative social science research, each step of the process is crucial to obtain valid and reliable results. In posing the research problem and research question, methodologies must be considered to ensure that the questions are feasible, interesting, novel, ethical, and relevant to science. The selection of the population and sample requires balancing creativity with scientific rigor to ensure representativeness and methodological quality. As for data collection techniques and instruments, such as interviews and observation, each has specific advantages and considerations that must be taken into account when selecting the appropriate technique for the study. Finally, in the processing and analysis of qualitative data, it is essential to use rigorous approaches to ensure the validity and reliability of the results, allowing researchers to generate meaningful knowledge in the field of social sciences.