Understanding Qualitative Research Methodology: A Systematic Review
David Makateng 
& Ntsoaki Teresa Mokala
Issue: Vol.6 No.3 Issue Article 7 pp. 327 – 335
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.2025637 | Published online 14th March, 2025
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
As novice researchers and supervisors, the researchers of the current study have noticed that many postgraduate students encounter challenges in understanding qualitative research methodology. As such, the purpose of this work is to offer guidelines for new researchers on how to undertake and comprehend qualitative research. The main objective of this research article is to further the discussion of qualitative research principles and its essential aspects. Researchers and scholars alike make an effort to define qualitative research and the essential components of qualitative research design. This paper is a guide for inexperienced researchers because it demystifies the use of these phrases and adds to the body of knowledge by providing guidance to novice researchers as they embark on their research journey, helping them comprehend the principles and characteristics of qualitative research. The main objective of this paper is to unfold a rich understanding of qualitative research methodology, and it attempts to explore on some of key issues in regard to social explanations to novice researchers in the arena of qualitative methods, also, to practically present qualitative research method. This paper concludes by putting forward examples of when to use qualitative research methodology.
Keywords: Qualitative Research, Methodology, Qualitative Research Methods, Social Sciences, Novice Researchers.
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David Seetsa Makateng is a research scholar currently pursuing a PhD in Sociology at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat, India (soon to submit). His research focuses on ‘The Sociological perspective of Juvenile Delinquency in Lesotho. David holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, in China. He worked on “The Challenges of Decentralization and Local Government in the Kingdom of Lesotho: – A case study of Maseru City Council.” He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy at St. Augustine’s Seminary, in Lesotho, which laid the foundation for his critical thinking and analytical skills. With a strong academic background and a diverse international experience, David’s work bridges the gap between the field of Sociology and Public Administration, this fusion of studies enhances the understanding of how societal structures and public policies intersect and influence each other, particularly in addressing the existing complex social challenges.
Dr. Ntsoaki Teresa Mokala, a Y2 NRF rated researcher, is a Lecturer in the Division of Languages, Literacies and Literatures at the University of the Witwatersrand, Republic of South Africa. She has and continues to publish her work in accredited journals, both locally and internationally. Her research trajectory is on culture, language teaching in multilingual classrooms, oral traditions, translanguaging, inclusive education, inclusive teaching practices, transformative paradigms, teacher development, integration of technology in teaching African languages, intellectualization of African languages and language in education policy.
Makateng, David and Ntsoaki Teresa Mokala. “Understanding Qualitative Research Methodology: A Systematic Review,” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 6, no.3 (2025): 327 – 335. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.2025637
© 2025 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
