Women's Decision-Making And Factors Affecting Their Choice Of ...

The first is ability to access participants' definitions and interpretations.
Qualitative research is credited with offering the possibility of exploring the way
that participants define the experiences and practices which are the purpose of the
research (Crabtree and Miller 1991; de Vries, Weijts, Dijkstra et al 1992; Jensen
1989; Paget 1983; West 1990). The method is thought to be appropriate because
it is seen to uncover the insider's perspective (Jensen 1989), and how participants
understand their world (Merriam 1988; Oiler 1993; Secker, Wimbush, Watson et
at 1995).
The qualitative interview is also found to be useful in cases where the
researcher cannot observe that which needs to be studied, such as, thoughts,
feelings, intentions, and experiences (McCracken 1988; Patton 1980). Silverman
argues that data generated from interviews grant authentic insights into
participants' experiences (Silverman 1993). Additionally, skilful interviewing
helps to uncover the meanings, beliefs, understandings and cultures of
participants' that help to counter those of the researcher (Secker, Wimbush,
Watson et at 1995), as well as preventing imposition of those assumptions upon
participants' view of the world (Britten 1995). The use of qualitative interviews
also allows the participant's perspective on the subject of interest to unfold as the
participant views it (Marshall and Rossman 1989). It is argued that highly
structured methods of data collection can prevent the range and depth of
participants' feelings and opinions from being uncovered, which may be more
accessible through qualitative interviewing (Pill 1995).
The second strength of qualitative research is that it penetrates participants'
public accounts (Murphy, Dingwall, Greatbatch et al 1998). It is argued that
qualitative methods of interviewing are more likely to uncover a true version of
events (Denzin 1970). Qualitative interviewing is also credited with the ability to
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