Introduction to Qualitative Methods in Developmental Science

This chapter introduces core principles of qualitative research in developmental and social sciences, using a fictional case study on college course registration to illustrate the power of qualitative methods. The authors explore how different epistemological frameworks shape research questions and interpretations. Emphasizing lived experience and meaning making, the chapter guides readers through selecting appropriate qualitative methods for study design and data analysis. Practical considerations such as researcher positionality and ethics are woven throughout. By highlighting the value of qualitative inquiry in understanding complex social phenomena, the chapter equips researchers with tools to investigate how people experience and make sense of their worlds.