Qualitative PhD research doesn't manipulate variables. Instead, pick one core design: case study, phenomenology, grounded theory, narrative, ethnography, or field research. Each shapes how you describe and understand your phenomenon.
What's research method for a qualitative study? It's almost always non-experimental. You're not manipulating numbers or people into certain classes to be able to do analysis on changes of certain things. Think of it as you're describing, you're exploring, you're understanding. And ultimately, research design. Which of the qualitative methods are you going to be using in your research design? Examples are case studies, phenomenological approach, —grounded theory, narrative, ethnography, field research. And that's just the beginning list, but these are probably the most popular. So qualitative is the approach, non-experimental is the method—case study, phenomenology, narrative—that's your research design. Drop the word "help" in the comments and I'll send you the link for our free dissertation help community.
