What is one potential consequence of ignoring contextual factors in qualitative research?

Ignoring contextual factors in qualitative research can lead to reduced relevance of findings. This is because qualitative research relies heavily on understanding the specific social, cultural, and environmental contexts in which participants operate. If these contextual factors are overlooked, the data gathered may not accurately reflect the realities of participants' lives, leading to conclusions that do not resonate with or meaningfully apply to the population being studied. When findings lack relevance, they may fail to contribute to the understanding of the phenomena under investigation, thereby diminishing their usefulness in practical applications or further research. This emphasizes the importance of considering the broader context in order to generate insights that are grounded in the lived experiences and perspectives of the participants.