Qualitative research serves a different purpose from quantitative research by its nature. The aim here is to reach in-depth data on a subject, situation or event being researched rather than generalising. These data are analysed, described, interpreted and presented to the reader in relation to the research purpose. In this way, what is going on in the social world is made understandable (Miles et al., 2014; Creswell, 2008:204-205; Creswell, 2012:16). Therefore, unlike the nature of quantitative research that deals with numbers, qualitative research deals with meanings and is based on people's perceptions (Dey, 2005:11; Stake, 2010:11).
In qualitative research, it is possible to understand the actors, participants, perceptions and perspectives in the research area by the researcher talking to the participants( Creswell, 2013:186; Patton, 2002:4-5). Therefore, qualitative research requires collecting data from participants selected through purposive sampling to obtain in-depth information about the subject (Berg, 2001:32). Selecting and in-depth examination of purposeful, information-rich situations and people is a common sampling method in qualitative research (Patton, 2002:243 2; Hays & Singh, 2012:8). In addition, it is also possible to collect and analyse qualitative data by collecting and analysing documents in a specific field or by conducting observations in a specific research area or environment. Qualitative researches are based on the results presented to the reader with analysis methods such as descriptive, interpretive or content analysis, in which different data collection methods such as these are carried out alone or together. Thus, an in-depth understanding of what is going on in relation to the current situation, subject, event or problems is provided.
Due to these contributions, qualitative researches are scientific method tools used by a large number of researchers from different fields. The aim of this book is to reveal the relationship between qualitative research methods and academics, researchers and industry professionals who carry out studies related to the air transport sector. This book aims to exemplify qualitative research practices in the aviation sector while providing in-depth analyses of what is going on in the sector. At the same time, this book discusses the importance of qualitative research for understanding the structures in the sector and the experiences of aviation professionals.
PURPOSE
There are several objectives in the conduct of this book. The first is to clearly establish the relationship between air transport and qualitative research methods. The second is to discuss the need for qualitative research to understand the unique nature of the industry. In this way, it is to reveal how the perceptions and experiences of professionals and managers in the sector can respond to research problems related to the sector. At the same time, this book aims to reveal what is currently happening in the sector in depth through qualitative research. Another aim of the book is to present various examples of qualitative research conducted in the field of aviation for those who are interested. Finally, this book aims to raise awareness about qualitative research methods among aviation authorities and sector employees.