Methodological leeway and obstacles in qualitative research: reflections on procedural and practical issues in Tanzania
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Date
2024
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
SAGE Publications
Abstract
Despite being subject to criticism, qualitative research methodology remains a unique and valuable approach in collecting rich and informative data. However, this may vary from one context to another and researchers understanding of the context. Grounded on the decolonization notion of qualitative research, this paper explains leeways and obstacles in conducting research, reflecting upon the procedural and practical aspects that represent the reality in Tanzania based on two cases. Our paper emphasizes that it is essential to understand and capture the real-world reflective of the voices of the population whom the study targets, which may be easier for local/native researchers. This is because the local/native researchers may be able to explain the research processes and findings in consideration of the socio-cultural settings and political environment. The paper acknowledges that qualitative research requires patience and time, which may have financial implications. It also acknowledges that some populations are facing research fatigue exacerbated by inadequate research dissemination plans. Understanding the context of the study area or topic and applying appropriate methodological approaches to overcome obstacles and gather required adequate and relevant information is thus of importance.
Description
Full text. Available at https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069241242001
Keywords
Qualitative research, Research methodology, Data collection, Decolonization, Procedural aspects, Practical aspects, Tanzania, Local researchers, Native researchers, Socio-cultural settings, Political environment, Patience, Financial implications, Research fatigue, Research dissemination, Context understanding, Methodological approaches, Obstacles
Citation
Telaky, S. N., & Mwanyoka, I. (2024). Methodological Leeway and Obstacles in Qualitative Research: Reflections on Procedural and Practical Issues in Tanzania. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 23, 16094069241242001.