A different type of lighting research – A qualitative methodology

As lighting researchers we can learn from our colleagues in the humanities who have progressed qualitative research methods to a high level of rigour. We should consider using qualitative research methods more. Such methods allow exploration of complex issues involving human views and behaviour, and help researchers address difficult to answer questions that otherwise go unanswered. Good quality qualitative research can provide rich explanations of what went on in a given situation. Validity and reliability are considered differently with this type of research methodology. This paper attempts to identify when qualitative research is appropriate, what questions it can answer in lighting research, how it is done, list the features and provide a simple brief example of a post occupancy evaluation case study. It is argued that qualitative research can be used with quantitative research; before quantitative research to inform it or afterwards to explain it; but it can also be extremely informative in itself and act as a catalyst for change to readers who can see the outcomes in a context that applies to them.