case studies

Research studies that involve an in-depth examination of a single person or a group of people. A case study might also examine an institution.

content analysis

A data collection method that examines communication messages that are usually in written form.

ethnographic studies

Research studies that involve the collection and analysis of data about cultural groups.

external criticism (external appraisal, external examination)

A type of examination of historical data that is concerned with the authenticity or genuineness of the data. External criticism might be used to determine if a letter was actually written by the person whose signature was contained on the letter.

focus group

A small group of individuals who meet together and are asked questions by a moderator about a certain topic or topics.

grounded theory studies

Research studies in which data are collected and analyzed and then a theory is developed that is "grounded" in the data.

historical studies

Research studies that are concerned with the identification, location, evaluation, and synthesis of data from the past.

internal criticism

A type of examination of historical data that is concerned with the accuracy of the data. Internal criticism might be used to determine if a document contained an accurate recording of events as they actually happened.

phenomenological studies

Research studies that examine human experiences through the descriptions of the meanings of these experiences provided by the people involved.

saturation

The researcher is hearing a repetition of themes or ideas as additional participants are interviewed in a qualitative study.

triangulation

Combining both qualitative and quantitative methods in one study.

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