Affiliation:
1. Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Cincinnati Ohio USA
2. Department of Education, Gevirtz Graduate School of Education University of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara California USA
Abstract
ObjectiveQualitative and mixed methods methodology is becoming more commonplace in otolaryngology as the field strives to understand more complex concepts of the ear, nose, and throat. This methodology can have tremendous utility in studies directed at patient‐centered care by offering practical insights and granular detail—directly from patients—which may not be realized by quantitative approaches.MethodsNarrative Review.ResultsThis review focuses on what questions can be answered by qualitative research, the basics of the underlying principals and different methodologies utilized, and describes the pearls, pitfalls, and rigor of qualitative research.ConclusionsThis understanding of qualitative inquiry is critical for the otolaryngologist to stay current on what is published and have the ability to include this in their research repertoire. Laryngoscope, 134:27–31, 2024