A qualitative study is a research approach focused on exploring and understanding the meanings, experiences, and perspectives of individuals or groups. Unlike quantitative studies, which emphasise numerical data and statistical analysis, qualitative studies aim to capture the complexity of human behavior and social phenomena through rich, descriptive data.
Adding another search line with keywords or phrases directly related to a study type will help narrow results and is one way of finding the study type you are interested in.
Some of the keywords related to qualitative studies might include, but are not limited to the following:
| qualitative | ethnograph* | phenomenol* | grounded theor* |
| life experience* | narrative | focus group* | lived experience* |
| questionnaire* | interview* | survey* | field stud* |
Example:
Subject headings are standard descriptions used by databases to help with searching. They will differ across databases but help to retrieve articles on a topic, even if different words are used in the text.
Subject headings should be investigated within each database but some examples for qualitative studies may include:
Learn more about Subject Headings
Search filters are pre-made search strategies designed to retrieve specific results from databases including different study types. They can sometimes be very complex multi-line searches that you can add to your existing search strategy and then combine with AND.
Careful consideration is required when using search filters to ensure they meet specific needs.
ISSG Search Filters Resource: Qualitative Research Filters Link
Qualitative Studies - MEDLINE. In: Canada's Drug Agency Search Filters Database. Ottawa: Canada's Drug Agency; 2025: Link
Qualitative Add-On Option - Surveys and Questionnaires - MEDLINE. In: Canada's Drug Agency Search Filters Database. Ottawa: Canada's Drug Agency; 2025: Link