Abordagem, projeto e métodos de investigação qualitativa em contexto educacional

Abstract

With this article it is intended to present the results of a narrative bibliographic review, focused on the methodological definition of a qualitative research in educational setting. For this, the main methodological elements are identified, their different types and particularities, as well as the selection criteria. This article is organized in three parts. In the first part, the research approach is considered, as a general plan that conducts the investigation, referring to the types of approach that exist and their specific characteristics from an ontological, epistemological and methodological point of view. For the selection of the type of approach, three criteria are presented. Finally, some of the particularities of qualitative approaches are pointed out. The second part is dedicated to the research design, understood as the logical structure of the study, referring to the different types and their characteristics. The research strategies frequently adopted in qualitative studies are then presented, as well as the selection criteria. Finally, taking into account its importance in studies in an educational context, the case study strategy is deepened, mentioning its particularities and the aspects to be considered in the definition process. In the third part, the research methods are addressed, referring to the different procedures most followed in qualitative studies, the types of evidence and some examples. Three important aspects are then highlighted for the definition of data collection and recording methods. Finally, a set of recommendations for the data analysis and interpretation process is presented.