Mackey et al. describe a qualitative study they have conducted as a series of semi-structured interviews. They identify the purpose of their research as “to explore the experiences and perceptions of patients who regain employment after a burn injury and to contrast these with the experiences of those who remain unemployed or were unable to resume their job.” In order to achieve this central aim, researchers chose a qualitative design that would help them explain how and why factors previously identified in quantitative studies matter. However, Mackey et al. did not specifically explain why semi-structured interviews were the most suitable option.
Draucker et al. present a study that deals with the serious issue of dating violence among young adults aged 13-18. According to the researchers, a great number of adolescents experience violence in their relationships, which leads to psychopathology and trauma in the future. The purpose of the study is “to create a typology of common aggressive events that occur in the context of violent adolescent dating relationships and to provide an in-depth description of the event characteristics.” Since it deals with the heterogeneity of adolescent dating violence, the study addresses diversity by developing meaningful classifications of violent incidents in relationships.
Draucker et al. incorporate a cross-case analysis based on interview transcripts from their parent project in order to categorize the events from a situational perspective. Interviews enabled scientists to consider multiple event characteristics such as the involvement of third parties or drugs. The utilization of adaptive sampling helped researchers to recruit a population that is otherwise dispersed or hidden. Draucker and his colleagues managed to redirect their recruitment efforts in order to ensure diversity (racial and socioeconomic) among the interviewees.