Editing Qualitative research (section)

=== Recursivity ===
In qualitative research, the idea of [[Recursion|recursivity]] refers to the emergent nature of research design. In contrast to standardized research methods, recursivity embodies the idea that the qualitative researcher can change a study's design during the [[data collection]] phase.<ref name=":02"/>

Recursivity in qualitative research procedures contrasts to the methods used by scientists who conduct [[experiment]]s. From the  perspective of the scientist, data collection, data analysis, discussion of the data in the context of the research literature, and drawing conclusions should be each undertaken once (or at most a small number of times). In qualitative research however, data are collected repeatedly until one or more specific stopping conditions are met, reflecting a nonstatic attitude to the planning and design of research activities. An example of this dynamism might be when the qualitative researcher unexpectedly changes their research focus or design midway through a study, based on their first interim data analysis. The researcher can even make further unplanned changes based on another interim data analysis. Such an approach would not be permitted in an experiment. Qualitative researchers would argue that recursivity in developing the relevant evidence enables the researcher to be more open to unexpected results and emerging new [[Construct (psychology)|constructs]].<ref name=":02"/>