Qualities of a Qualitative Researcher

Researchers conduct qualitative research because they want to inform and want to learn more and think uniquely about a research topic that is unusual from the common numerical quantitative survey research data. Qualitative research is determined by the truth it places the researcher at the center of the data-gathering phase. The researcher and the research instrument are the main components that will help to produce a successful qualitative research. These components are inter-connected with each other. It complements with the emphases on meaning, context and the researcher subjectivity potential.  The unique nature of qualitative inquiry is composed of distinctive set of attributes that has a great impact on the qualitative research design. The phrase tells that the researcher plays an important role in a qualitative research. According to (Lincoln & Guba, 1985) first introduced the concept of the human being as research instrument to stress the uniqueness of the researchers' role in the process of scientific inquiry. The researcher is the primary collection instrument which means that a researcher will become a research instrument in order to gather data and information.

The interaction of the researcher to the subject matter and research participants instills an in-depth understanding that is beneficial to a thorough analysis and interpretation of the results. However, the intimacy between the researcher and the participants concerns the researcher's ability to collect and interpret data in an objective and unbiased manner. The implications vary through the result of the data gathered. The most common problem that occurs is the bias on the data gathered. It is obtained when there is a strong bond between the researchers and the participants that affect the formulation of questions and the answers of the participants. "Objectivity is the regulative ideal that guides all inquiry which is largely a measure directed at how researchers undertake and carry out their research in that it requires them to be precise, unbiased, open, honest, receptive to criticism, etc." (Smith, Phillips & Schwandt, 1990). The objectivity of the study depends on the characteristics of the subject of study. Researchers can avoid personal bias during the analysis of data by administering a strict and apprehensive control. The outcome of the study is based on the findings of the researcher, the research instruments, and the qualitative research. If the process was properly executed, the qualitative research will be successful and valid by avoiding the barriers and problems which are greatly affects the validity of the study.

The qualities and skills that will make you a good qualitative researcher are: open-minded, observant, good listener, sensitive, responsive, fast writer and flexible. These qualities will help to make the most appropriate instrument for inquiries. It helps to arrive at the deeper meaning and understanding of the data gathered. It will also help to have emancipation and critical awareness. Being open-minded will help to have a broader understanding of the data gathered. Being observant will contribute a lot during an interview because this will help provide additional answers to the research questions which cannot be answered by the case studies. These are the data gathered through observation. A good qualitative researcher should be sensitive to the things happening around him/her. This will help to gather more information for the study. Being responsive is also important. During an interview, it will be helpful if the researcher asks many questions to the case study. This will help to provide information that is not answered by the research questions. And also it will help to provide a clearer understanding during the interview because asking questions will lead to many topics that will be talked about.  Writing is a form of gathering information. Having a good writing skill will help you become a good qualitative researcher especially in fulfilling the task of being a note-taker. Lastly, being flexible helps to do many tasks during an interview. Being flexible will help a researcher to do many things. You can be moderator, a note taker and an interviewer during the interview.