NRS 433 Topic 2 DQ 2
The three types of qualitative research are phenomenological, grounded theory, and ethnographic
research. Compare the differences and similarities between two of the three types of qualitative
studies and give an example of each.
In the nursing field there are different types of research that are used to find the answer to
problems. When there is a need to find the answers to questions, qualitative research may be
used. When a nurse uses qualitative research, they may use a phenomenological, grounded
theory or ethnographic research to find their answer. Out of these three different types of
research, there lies some similarities as well as differences (Grove, S., Gray, J., Burns, N.,
2015).
The gathering of information for grounded theory and ethnographic research hold some
similarities. For instance, if a nurse is doing qualitative research on the grieving process of
individuals, for grounded theory, a nurse needs to understand and assess people during their
grieving time before formulating a theory. Interviews can be given with both types of research
and problems can be seen and drawn upon. With ethnographic research, an individual will need
to study specific cultures during grieving times, and gather information to see how certain
cultures deal with a loss or hardship. With both of these types of research, a nurse can have valid
information so they can formulate theories and have a better understanding of how to deal with
patients as well as certain cultures with grieving (Differences and similarities, 2014).
Although there are similarities between grounded theory and ethnographic research, each type of
research has its differences. Ethnographic research tends to investigate and understand certain
cultures in a specific area. If a nurse wants to study pain management and how a specific culture
handles pain, ethnographic research can be used. The nurse will study individuals in their own
environment, and gather information through interviewing individuals. Once a nurse has
gathered enough information, they can use the valid research by delivering adequate care based
off of one’s culture (What is ethnographic research, n.d.). Ground theory relates more to
literature and gathering numbers and answers so the data can be analyzed. Interviews can be
used, but the data from the interviews will be pulled apart and separated into different
categories. Unlike ethnographic research and just studying one set of individuals, grounded
theory research can just focus on one question such as how to handle pain management
