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Open research questions in Qualitative Research Methods and Applications

118 gap statements mined from Qualitative Research Methods and Applications papers in our 7.9M-paper local library, which holds 1,817 papers on the topic — drawn mostly from each paper's own stated research gap, future-work, challenge and limitation notes, and its abstract. The ones listed below are a selection still marked open; each names the study that raised it, with a DOI link where the paper has one.

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What the literature leaves open

  • Future studies should examine whether the AI-Augmented Transformatizing Protocol improves analytic transparency, representational fidelity, methodological rigor, and the quality of meta-inferences when compared with conventional approaches to mixed methods analysis.

    On AI-augmented transformatizing in practice: protocols, quality criteria, and reporting standards for Human-AI Augmented Mixed Methods Research · 2026 · DOI

  • Future research could address these limitations by systematically exploring multiple GenAI platforms in order to understand variability across platforms. Therefore, future research could explore the role of GenAI in supporting analysis across multiple designs. A limitation of this study is the transferability of the results to other GenAI platforms or across time, as GenAI continues to learn and evolve.

    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 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • The study identifies the challenge of unclear methods in L2 research, which can undermine trustworthiness. The study highlights the challenge of limited epistemological justification and detail on collaboration in L2 research. The study notes the challenge of frequent, poorly explained methodological mash-ups in L2 research.

    Sharing transparently: Caring for trustworthiness in qualitative data analysis in L2 research · 2026 · DOI

  • Future research may consider comparing the findings across a series of temperature parameters. Further research is needed to enable experimentation of these advanced uses. Given the rapid advancement of AI language models, such as GPT, there may be untapped capabilities for qualitative research not explored in the current study.

    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 research highlights the need for a methodological tool to guide case selection and analyze social differences.

    Popular Habitus: Updating the Concept of “Habitus” as a Guide for the Selection of Cases of Analysis in Qualitative Digital Research · 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Evaluators are encouraged to explore its utility and to join in additional research on how AGA and the results it produces can be used in more applied settings.

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

  • There is a lack of general procedural canons or specific decision rules for analyzing and verifying qualitative data. The authors aim to address this gap by describing their approach to data reduction and display.

    Drawing valid meaning from qualitative data: Some techniques of data reduction and display · 1983 · DOI

  • The study highlights the need to investigate the influence of technical requirements, client demands, and research team preferences on formalization.

    The Formalization of Qualitative Research · 1983 · 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 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

  • To replicate the model in other contexts, it must be tested through other means of empirical research - The study of the 'Maranza' phenomenon in the suburbs of Milan - Application in other contexts at high risk of marginalization-defined by Wacquant…

    Popular Habitus: Updating the Concept of “Habitus” as a Guide for the Selection of Cases of Analysis in Qualitative Digital Research · 2025 · 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 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…

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

  • For example, the process of validation can, like the process of enquiry, be broadened to include the perspectives and judgments of the researched-so that those who have been excluded historically from the processes of problem definition, data interpretation, and validation can begin to participate in these processes as authentic subjects in inquiry (Reason and Rowan, 1981) instead of being limited…

    Notions of Validity in Qualitative Research Methodology · 1983 · DOI

Most-cited papers in Qualitative Research Methods and Applications

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Open questions raised by papers listed on this page include: (1) Future research could address these limitations by systematically exploring multiple GenAI platforms in order to understand variability across platforms (“The Role of Generative Artificial Intelligence in the Analysis of Qualitative…”, 2026); (2) There is a need to explore the effectiveness of RTBL in promoting research competencies among students (“Znaczenia nadawane przez przyszłe nauczycielki przedszkola i klas I-III…”, 2026); (3) The paper suggests that future research should explore the concept of research as a dynamic and relational process (“Reinterpretacja dyskursów doświadczenia badawczego jako ślad aktywnego czytania…”, 2026); (4) Future research may consider comparing the findings across a series of temperature parameters (“Artificial intelligence in qualitative analysis: a practical guide and…”, 2025); (5) 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…”, 1987). 118 gap statements have been mined from Qualitative Research Methods and Applications papers in our 7.9M-paper local library, which holds 1,817 papers on the topic; the gaps come from whichever of those papers state one. They are mostly the research gaps the authors state and the papers' abstracts, plus future-work, limitations and challenges passages. The ones listed below are a selection still marked open; each names the study that raised it, with a DOI link where the paper has one, so you can read the original claim in context.

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