Qualitative Research Lecture 2

what do researchers come up with when designing a qualitative study

with a topic/area of investigation after reviewing literature

what are the first two steps of designing a qualitative study

1. identifying an issue or problem to study (what, who)

2. reading about the problem/issue/topic

why do we have to read about the problem relating to our qualitative research

• it provides background understanding

• informs research questions

• helps to identify research gaps (methodological/contextual/theoretical)

why is purpose, questions and methods all interrelated when designing the qualitative study

so that the study appears as cohesive as a whole (methodological congruence)

what aspects are involved in the research process for a qualitative study

1. identifying a particular social issue to study

2. asking open-ended questions about the issue

3. organising and analysing data

4. presenting data based on participants’ views as well as our own interpretations

5. engage in a process call reflexivity

presentation findings includes…

quotations as evidence of the claims we make of participants’ views

what do researchers need to pay attention to throughout the research process

ethical considerations

give some standard ethical considerations 

• voluntary participation 

• informed consent

• non-maleficence 

• anonymity and confidentiality 

• giving back to participants for their time and effort

what is the aim when presenting your qualitative study

to present an accurate account of participants’ views

how is research assessed 

it is assessed for quality by various bodies 

what are ‘good’ characteristics of a qualitative study

• researcher begins with a single focus with a clear aim

• researcher frames the study within the assumptions and characteristics of the qualitative approach to research

• researcher uses a recognised approach to research

• the study includes detailed methods and rigorous approach to data collection, analysis and write-up

• researcher analyses data using multiple levels of abstraction

when is rigor seen

• when extensive data collection in the field occurs

• when researchers conduct multiple levels of data analysis

how do researchers present their findings at times

as multiple themes that can be combined to form larger themes

what are other ‘good’ characterisitcs of qualitative study

• persuasive writing

• study reflecting history, culture and personal experiences of the researcher - reflexivity

• ethical

what does ethical research involve

it involves more than simply obtaining permission from institutional review boards

how is a research proposal structured

• introduction

• method

• ethical consideration

• relevance/significance of the study

• limitations of study

• proposed timeline

• references (APA forma)

• Appendices