What is a disadvantage of qualitative research methods?

The correct answer highlights a significant concern in qualitative research methods: the potential for bias in participant selection. Qualitative research often relies on smaller, non-random samples to gather in-depth insights about specific phenomena. This approach allows researchers to explore participants' lived experiences, perspectives, and emotions in detail. However, if the selection of participants is not carefully managed, the resulting data may not represent the broader population accurately. Such bias can undermine the validity and generalizability of the findings, as the insights gathered may reflect only a narrow viewpoint rather than a comprehensive understanding of the issue at hand. This is particularly critical in qualitative studies where the emphasis on context and nuanced understanding makes participant diversity essential for enriched and reliable analysis.

Choosing participants without a structured sampling strategy can lead to findings that are skewed, pointing to the importance of thoughtful recruitment in qualitative research design to mitigate these biases.