INTRODUCTION TO QUALITATIVE RESEARCH: APPROACHES, PARADIGMS & METHODS by Dr M N. Munakampe - University of Zambia, School of Public Health_unza

Description

This academic presentation by Dr M N. Munakampe from the University of Zambia School of Public Health introduces the fundamentals of qualitative research for tertiary-level studies. It defines qualitative research as an exploratory approach focused on understanding social context, behaviors, attitudes, perceptions, and meanings as described by participants, contrasting it with quantitative methods. The material outlines key reasons for using qualitative research in public health, emphasizing its strength in addressing complex behavioral, social, and cultural dimensions of health issues. It covers central concepts such as cultural relativism and critical self-awareness, and details major qualitative research approaches including ethnography, grounded theory, case studies, and phenomenology. This resource is essential for university and college students in diploma, degree, or postgraduate programs in public health, social sciences, and health research, providing a foundation for designing studies that explore human experiences and social phenomena. Download these notes to develop skills in qualitative inquiry and enhance your research methodology toolkit.