Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam (CECE) Practice Exam

All of the following statements are TRUE about qualitative research EXCEPT:

1. Aims to understand how behaviors occur

2. Data represented in words

3. Data includes interview transcripts and artifacts

4. Sampling is usually randomized like quantitative studies

The correct answer is: Sampling is usually randomized like quantitative studies

Qualitative research is characterized by its emphasis on understanding human experience and behavior in a natural context. It typically seeks to uncover the meanings individuals assign to their actions, allowing for a deeper exploration of complex phenomena. Sampling in qualitative research is generally purposeful rather than randomized. This means that researchers intentionally select participants who can provide rich, relevant, and varied information about the phenomena being studied. This approach contrasts with quantitative studies, which often rely on random sampling to ensure that results are generalizable to a larger population. By utilizing purposeful sampling, qualitative researchers can dive deeper into specific contexts, experiences, or actions that are particularly relevant to their research questions. Therefore, the statement regarding sampling being usually randomized aligns poorly with the principles of qualitative research, making it the statement that does not accurately reflect the nature of qualitative studies. All other statements correctly represent the characteristics of qualitative research, emphasizing its narrative focus, the types of data collected, and the data representation.