Performing Subjectivist Studies in the Qualitative Traditions Responsive to Users - Evaluation Methods in Biomedical Informatics - page 271

Qualitative inquiry is distinguished by the organization and sequence of
investigative actions within a study. Within objectivist studies the familiar
sequence progresses along a linear path from the research problem, through
a literature review, the development of a research design, the collection and
analysis of data, and finally arrives at a statement of conclusions. Each of
these activities is also included in qualitative work, but the sequence is
neither linear nor quite so predictable. As discussed in Chapter 9, every
element of a qualitative study—the questions, relevant literature, data col-
lection, and interpretation of results—is continually examined and refined.
Work proceeds continuously through an iterative loop with frequent adjust-
ments as the data and theory are gradually combined into explanation. We
can define a starting place for a study, where a decision is made to invest
resources into answering a set of questions. We can also define a stopping
place, where a decision is made that an argument has been assembled that
adequately captures the significant data and answers the initially posited
questions. The path between beginning and end is flexible by design and
intention. We use the term “argument” to denote the key findings of the
study and the rationale that supports them.
The Four Qualitative Processes
Within a qualitative/subjectivist study, the processes of gathering and inter-
preting data happen continuously in a cycling or spiraling fashion. There
are cycles of data collection in which the deliberate effort is to explore—
to find data that suggest new questions as well as answers. This requires an
openness to and curiosity about events and details. There are times when
the purpose is to seek data that either confirm to or conflict with an emerg-
ing explanation. Confirmatory work includes the effort to ensure that the
findings from the most recent experience “in the field” are cross-checked
against data from other times and places. It also includes a search for other
kinds of data that should be evident or absent if current thinking is accu-
rate. Work that explores conflicting data is also necessary so that many per-
spectives can be understood and the study can be as thorough as possible.
One way to conceptualize the qualitative/subjectivist investigation pro-
cess, and perhaps set it apart from objectivist work, is to describe four types
of thought processes that take place throughout the lifetime of a study. Typ-
ically, these are turned on and off by the investigative team, as they are
needed.
The Managerial Planning Process
Planning allows the investigator to maintain control over the study process.
Starting with imagination about the full range of what might be possible to
accomplish in a study and ending with concrete schedules and appointments