If you’ve followed along in the previous post (Qual on a Budget: DIY) and found that your research question is too large, or that you need to employ several different methods, it may be a good idea to consult a research group for a more in-depth study. We’ll discuss here what those challenges might look like and when you might want to reach out for assistance in meeting those challenges to gain the valuable insights you need. 

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Challenges in Qualitative Research 

Complexity

Your research question might simply be too large to tackle in-house. If your research question is complex or multifaceted, a research group can help design a study that captures the nuances of your question and provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the issue at hand.

Participation

Even if your question is scaled down and focused, you might not have the time or resources needed to conduct your study. Finding and recruiting participants for interviews and focus groups can be surprisingly challenging! Many organizations have a sense of how to reach their clients or customers, but a major challenge is getting their attention and participation—research is no different. An experienced research group can help you maximize your resources to ensure that you get the most out of your qualitative Study.

Expertise

Another challenge you may encounter is expertise. If you are new to conducting qualitative research or are not familiar with how to execute the methodologies involved, a research group can provide you with the expertise you need to design and conduct a successful study.

Data Analysis

Perhaps you know your question and can conduct some good, small-scale qualitative research. A final challenge that organizations run into is how to analyze those results and turn it into something meaningful and actionable for their company. The actual analysis can be very time-consuming and complex, particularly if you are not familiar with coding techniques (or software).

Company Politics

Disseminating your findings and recommendations in-house may be difficult as well—what if your findings point to a direction that your organization has been reluctant to pursue? This could put you and your team in an uncomfortable position. A third-party research group does not necessarily have to navigate internal politics in the same way, and their findings might appear more “neutral” in this regard.

How a Research Group can Assist you in your Qualitative Needs 

A research group comes to the table with a less biased perspective and thus can minimize the influence of internal biases and assumptions. This can lead to more objective and useful findings from a fresh point of view, and new ideas can invigorate your business approach.  Additionally, a third-party research group can maintain confidentiality and anonymity for the participants, which can encourage more honest and open responses. The rigor of the research depends a great deal on how participants are engaged and how they are assured about the ways in which their data is handled.  

To summarize, qualitative research can be challenging and time-consuming, especially when dealing with complex or multifaceted research questions, limited resources, or lack of expertise. However, consulting a research group can help you design and conduct a successful study, analyze your findings, and provide objective and unbiased insights that can galvanize your business approach. Ultimately, engaging with a research group can ensure that you get the most out of your qualitative study and gain valuable insights that can inform your decision-making.