Qualitative methods like interviews, focus groups, observations, and storytelling are great tools for Business Analysts. They help us understand people’s feelings, behaviors, and experiences—things numbers alone can’t explain.
But these methods also come with some common problems. If we’re not careful, they can affect the quality of our research. In this post, I’ll walk you through the most common pitfalls of qualitative methods and share simple ways to handle them:
- Subjectivity and bias
- Sampling limitations
- Data collection challenges
- Time and effort required
Subjectivity and Bias
One big challenge in qualitative research is subjectivity—our personal opinions—and bias, when our own beliefs or assumptions affect how we see things.
Unlike numbers, which are usually clear and objective, qualitative data depends on how we interpret it. That means a Business Analyst’s personal experiences may unintentionally shape the results.
How to handle it
- Set clear rules: Decide your research goals and follow a consistent method when collecting and analyzing data.
- Mix methods: Use different techniques (interviews, observations, document reviews) so you’re not relying on just one perspective.
- Stay self-aware: Reflect on your own biases and discuss your findings with others to stay as neutral as possible.
Sampling Limitations
Qualitative studies usually work with small groups, which can limit diversity. Sometimes time, money, or access issues make it hard to reach a variety of participants. This can lead to incomplete or unbalanced insights.
How to handle it
- Talk to different people: Include a range of stakeholders, review different types of documents, and look at multiple situations.
- Focus on quality: It’s better to get detailed insights from the right people than to chase large numbers.
- Be honest about limits: If your sample isn’t broad, mention that clearly when sharing your results.
Data Collection Challenges
Collecting qualitative data isn’t always smooth. You might face problems like:
- Difficulty getting access to the right people
- Participants not feeling comfortable opening up
- Managing lots of unstructured data
How to handle it
- Build trust: Make sure participants know their information is confidential and that they can leave anytime.
- Use different tools: Combine interviews, surveys, and observations to get a fuller picture.
- Stay flexible: Adjust your methods if something isn’t working well.
Time and Effort Required
Qualitative research takes a lot of time. Doing interviews, running focus groups, and analyzing data can be slow and labor-intensive.
How to handle it
- Stick to your goals: Collect only the data you really need.
- Be efficient: Use structured interviews, focused observations, and even digital tools to save time.
- Plan ahead: Create guides and frameworks before you start so your work is more organized.
- Work together: Share the workload with teammates and get different perspectives.
- Adapt as you go: Review your progress and make changes if things are slowing you down.
Qualitative methods are powerful for understanding people, but they aren’t without challenges. Issues like bias, small samples, data collection problems, and time demands can reduce the quality of research.
The good news? With careful planning, diverse methods, and an open mind, you can overcome these pitfalls and make sure your research produces reliable and meaningful insights.