Preferences of Students towards Conducting Qualitative Research in Social Sciences at Higher Education Level

Abstract

The study aimed to explore the intentions of higher education students towards conducting qualitative research in social sciences. The study included four PhD and six MPhil students from Punjab Univeristy (Institute of Education and Research) and Eduacation University who were selected through purposive sampling technique. A semi-structured interview protocol was constructed which was validated through experts’ opinion. The respondents were asked about their feelings, knowledge, skills, interests and barriers towards qualitative research. A thematic analysis was applied after obtaining the data through audio recording and field notes. The results revealed that most of the PhD scholars did not possess knowledge and skills required to conduct qualitative research. There was no visible difference between the responses of IER (PU) and EU students. But PhD and MPhil Students had different preferences towards conducting qualitative research.