Qualitative research in neurological studies

Introduction and objective: The main core of neurological studies is humans and their behaviors, health status and neurological changes as phenomenon. Although neurological changes and health status are measurable and investigable by quantitative researches but inability to quantitatively measurement of human behavior and dissatisfaction with the results of this measurement , have led to an intense interest in using other approach entitled qualitative research as new way to discover knowledge in neurology. This article describes type and application of various qualitative studies. Method: Based on critique of literature review about qualitative researches and their applications , this article shares with the reader the foundations and important type of qualitative researches such as phenomenology , grounded theory , ethnography and historical research. Result: Qualitative researches are soft science with holistic approach on subjective domain which develops theory. In these studies that data collected by communication and observation, basic elements of analysis is word which analyzed by interpretation in scientific process. The main goal of phenomenology is assessment and description of lived experiences about phenomenon. .In this type of qualitative researches, participants expressed their experiences, activities and feeling for investigator, then researcher interpreted their expressions. Grounded theory explores how beliefs are related to action and how people define reality. Ethnography Seeks to understand people and their culture and learn by people. History is a search for wisdom-one can learn from the past and historical research is the best way for examination previous program. Conclusion: According to above, neurologist can apply these new approaches for investigation in neurological studies in the future.

Qualitative research, phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, historical research, neurological study