Julie G. Donalek, DNSc, RN, APRN, BC, is an Assistant Professor, DePaul University Department of Nursing, Chicago, IL.
Sandie Soldwisch, PhD, RN, APRN,BC, is a Professor, North Park University School of Nursing, Chicago, IL.
Note: This article is the first in a series presenting the basics of qualitative research for nurses. It is meant to complement the series on quantitative methods that has appeared in this journal. This first article will introduce the method, focus on the perspective that underlies all qualitative research, and contrast this perspective with underlying quantitative methods. Nurses may find a special attraction to qualitative research. Nurses focus on the individual, the family, and the community as they experience health and illness. Nurses believe in respecting differences, in recognizing the role of culture in the interpretation of life events, and in understanding how history, gender, and socioeconomic status mold the human life world. These beliefs underlie the practice of qualitative research as well.
