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Open research questions in Qualitative Research Methods and Applications

114 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 1,522 Qualitative Research Methods and Applications papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.

What the literature leaves open

  • Background QDAS is a technology used by qualitative FS scholars, but little is known about its prevalence or how it is used.

    Qualitative Data Analysis Software and Family Science: 2011–2020 Usage Trends · 2025 · DOI

  • The transferability of the results to other GenAI platforms or across time is limited. The study used a single GenAI platform (Microsoft Copilot). The study had a small dataset of 23 interview transcripts.

    The Role of Generative Artificial Intelligence in the Analysis of Qualitative Data Compared With Human-Led Analysis · 2026 · DOI

  • Exploring the use of GenAI in other qualitative and mixed-methods designs. Developing strategies to improve the adoption of different roles by GenAI platforms.

    The Role of Generative Artificial Intelligence in the Analysis of Qualitative Data Compared With Human-Led Analysis · 2026 · DOI

  • This study introduces a conceptualization of data journeys, addressing a prevailing gap in research that has emphasized downstream dynamics of data use while overlooking the processes through which data are mobilized and how their own meaning is constructed, shaping their later economic value in use.

    Reconstructing Data Journeys: A Meta-Synthesis Of Qualitative Case Studies · 2026

  • The study has a limited number of transcripts (20). The paper does not provide a comprehensive comparison with other topic modeling approaches.

    Expert Validation of Thematic Modeling (BERTopic) and Subsequent Application of LLM to Selected Topics in Qualitative Research Within the Framework of Thematic Analysis · 2026 · DOI

  • The paper identifies a gap in the existing literature on the application of machine learning and generative language models to qualitative interview analysis. The study highlights the need for a mixed methodology combining topic modeling with expert supervision.

    Expert Validation of Thematic Modeling (BERTopic) and Subsequent Application of LLM to Selected Topics in Qualitative Research Within the Framework of Thematic Analysis · 2026 · DOI

  • The high cost of proprietary software limits accessibility. Closed formats and vendor dependencies create barriers to cross-institutional collaboration, reproducibility, and reusability.

    Guide: Open-Source Tools for Qualitative Data Analysis · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a need to explore the effectiveness of RTBL in promoting research competencies among students. The study aims to address this gap by examining the experiences of students in a qualitative research methods course.

    Znaczenia nadawane przez przyszłe nauczycielki przedszkola i klas I-III procesowi stawania się badaczem zjawisk społecznych w warunkach Research Team-Based Learning · 2026 · DOI

  • The paper suggests that future research should explore the concept of research as a dynamic and relational process. The study highlights the need for further analysis of the transformation of the researcher's engagement and the construction of meanings in the research process. The paper provides a foundation for future research on the topic.

    Reinterpretacja dyskursów doświadczenia badawczego jako ślad aktywnego czytania Barbiera · 2026 · DOI

  • Investigate the use of sociometric methods in larger or more anonymous groups. Explore the integration of qualitative methods to explain underlying reasons for choices.

    The Sociometric Method Techniques of Social Research and Measurement · 2026 · DOI

  • The sociometric method's applicability is limited to small, face-to-face groups where members already know one another reasonably well. It does not explain why particular choices are made; it must be supplemented by interviews or other qualitative methods.

    The Sociometric Method Techniques of Social Research and Measurement · 2026 · DOI

  • Ensuring the privacy and security of data sent to the OpenAI API. The need for careful data preparation and management to ensure accurate results. The challenge of designing effective prompts to maximize the potential of GPT in qualitative analysis.

    Artificial intelligence in qualitative analysis: a practical guide and reflections based on results from using GPT to analyze interview data in a substance use program · 2025 · DOI

  • The need for a practical guide on using GPT in qualitative research. The lack of studies on the reliability and validity of GPT in qualitative coding and theory-driven analysis. The potential of GPT in enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of qualitative analysis.

    Artificial intelligence in qualitative analysis: a practical guide and reflections based on results from using GPT to analyze interview data in a substance use program · 2025 · DOI

  • Using reflective response data collected from participants of a beginner qualitative coding workshop, this paper adds to the limited literature on student experiences using QDAS by examining gender differences in how participants critically reflected on their first experience using QDAS and examines the likelihood that participants would use QDAS in their future work.

    “Why was I not taught to use this software earlier?” A gendered exploration of university students’ beliefs towards their future use of CAQDAS · 2019 · DOI

  • Consequently, few studies have examined the student experience and decision-making process regarding the use of QDAS in the university setting (Paulus, Woods, Atkins, & Mackin, 2015).

    “Why was I not taught to use this software earlier?” A gendered exploration of university students’ beliefs towards their future use of CAQDAS · 2019 · DOI

  • Hardware access and physical strain. Learning and changing software. Inadequate qualitative software. Lack of computer support staff sensitive to qualitative issues.

    Computing in Qualitative Sociology: Guest column · 1987 · DOI

  • There is a lack of empirical examination of the use of computers by qualitative sociologists. There is a need to understand the impact of computers on the research process in qualitative research.

    Computing in Qualitative Sociology: Guest column · 1987 · DOI

  • Revising the SEPARATE.BAS program to take a more structured approach. Translating the program into more structured languages, such as Pascal and PL/1.

    SEPARATE.BAS: A microcomputer program to assist in the textual analysis of qualitative data · 1987 · DOI

  • The need for a microcomputer program to assist in the textual analysis of qualitative data. The lack of a convenient way for researchers to divide transcribed texts into individual files.

    SEPARATE.BAS: A microcomputer program to assist in the textual analysis of qualitative data · 1987 · DOI

  • The need for a systematic and rigorous approach to qualitative data analysis, - The lack of a flexible system for creating and manipulating knowledge bases, - The need for a system that integrates logic programming with LISP

    Using logic programming to facilitate qualitative data analysis · 1986 · DOI

  • The paper identifies the gap in the use of word processor macros for computer-assisted qualitative analysis. The author notes that there is a small market for software specially for fieldworkers and that the labor-intensive character of software development makes special programs very expensive.

    Using word processor macros for computer-assisted qualitative analysis · 1986 · DOI

  • There is a gap between the use of quantitative and qualitative methods in planning. Qualitative methods are rarely explicitly acknowledged in planning practice.

    Some Uses and Potentials of Qualitative Methods in Planning · 1986 · DOI

  • The paper identifies a gap in the use of phenomenological research in psychology. It highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of human experience.

    Qualitative Research: A Viable Psychological Alternative · 1985 · DOI

  • The debate between quantitative and qualitative methods has led to a gap in understanding how to combine methods. Prior work has not fully explored the possibilities for unification of methods.

    Numbers and Words · 1985 · DOI

  • Future research can apply AGA to other evaluation research tasks. Future research can explore the use of AGA in other contexts, such as education or business.

    The Associative Group Analysis Method and Evaluation Research · 1985 · DOI

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114 open questions have been extracted from the limitations and future-work passages of 1,522 Qualitative Research Methods and Applications papers in our library. Each one below links back to the study that raised it, so you can read the original claim in context.

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