Qualitative Psychology Research

Qualitative Research

The researcher's qualitative research consisted of speaking with platonic friends of the opposite sex in casual random settings. The qualitative research was completely random using friends by chance that had no idea of the experiment. In doing so the researcher realizes that it is unethical, but figured it was the only way to find the real answers to his problem. During the conversation the researcher at one point or another came to ask the same four questions to all of the subjects involved in the experiment. The four questions were as follows: 1) we are strictly platonic friends, right? 2) Why are you my friend? 3) Have you ever wanted to be more than friends? 4) Is it a possibility for us to be more than friends? The "so called" platonic friends names will all remain confidential in order to keep their business private. To this point there have been ten random friends that have partaken in the qualitative study.

In most of the studies the answers stayed consistent. To question number one all ten subjects agreed that "Yes we are platonic friends." For question number two, all sorts of answers were recorded. Most stayed along the line of conventional reasons for being a friend. Some mentioned reasons such as cute, funny, easy to talk to and popular. Three of the ten did however mention that they in fact didn't want to be friends when we first met. They stated they were looking for ore from the beginning it just didn't happen. Question number three an astonishing seven out of ten platonic friends noted they at one point of another did want to be ore than friends. One individual went as far as to say that they quit being my friend due to the fact that she found out that I was involved with another girl. In question four again another seven out of ten friends agreed that something more could become of our friendship. Two mentioned that they had

hoped that it would have already happened. Most that replied yes to question number four either looked puzzled of asked if I was still involved with my girlfriend.

In one example for the researcher was left stunned. For privacy sake we will call the subject by the fake name of molly. In the platonic informal interview with Molly the researchers exact problem was proven just the way predicted. The platonic friend molly has been a long time friend. A bit of background information to the scenario is that this friend and the researcher have been platonic friends for over a year. The friendship involves much of the same hobbies such as sports and working out. The same questions were posed in the natural random setting at the YMCA. In fact this happened to be the same place the friendship began. While working out and conversating like always the four questions were gradually asked. The answer to question number one stayed constant. She answered with a “yes were friends, why?” The researcher replied just curious. The researcher then went on to number two and asked the question. She gave the same old friendship remarks; nice, polite, funny mostly the usual. The subject changed and we went on with our business. The researcher later approached the molly and posed question number three. Now this is where the study became interesting. She paused and then replied, “Do you remember when we first met? I came in and worked out almost every day.” The researcher answered yes. Molly went on