Conducting cross-cultural research qualitatively in social science: setting the scene

Abstract

Research methodologies need to be aware of new requirements coming from society and, in this point, qualitative inquiry is a basic pillar to bring real transformative social impact. (González, 2021: 11) In this Handbook, the use of qualitative research inquiry is strongly advocated. Qualitative research is essential when researchers have little knowledge of a research area that deals with subjective experiences and situational meanings of their research participants (Liamputtong, 2020). Additionally, the qualitative approach provides a great opportunity for "conveying sensitivity" (Davies et al., 2009: 6). Thus, it helps to eliminate or reduce the distrust that individuals from different cultural groups may have toward research and the researchers (Davies et al., 2009;Denzin & Salvo, 2020;Liamputtong, 2010Liamputtong, , 2020. Qualitative research relies heavily on "words" or narratives that people tell researchers. The focus of this approach is on the social world instead of the world of nature (Cardano, 2020;Liamputtong, 2020Liamputtong, , 2022. Fundamentally, researching social life differs from researching natural phenomena. In the social world, we deal with the subjective experiences of human beings. Thus, our understanding of people's realities can change in different social contexts and over time (Cardano, 2020;Denzin & Salvo, 2020;Liamputtong, 2020). As Goitom (2020: 551) suggests, "the qualitative research paradigm is engaged with understanding how social experiences are created and given meaning."Interpretation and flexibility are the focus of qualitative research (Liamputtong, 2020). The interpretive and flexible approach is necessary for cross-cultural research because the focus of qualitative research is on meaning and interpretation (Creswell