Abstract
In this paper we present definition, classification and main characteristics of qualitative research as well as its advantages and disadvantages. We also compare the main features of qualitative and quantitative study designs. Examples are given to demonstrate practical steps in qualitative inquiry to demonstrate that qualitative research can sufficiently contribute to evidence generation in medicine and public health complementing quantitative research with answers on questions "why" and "how", which cannot be answered by quantitative research. The paper presents basic information on qualitative studies and does not substitute specialized literature.