1. Designing a Qualitative Study
Chapter 3
Designing a Qualitative Study
Creswell Qualitative Inquiry 2e

2. Creswell Qualitative Inquiry 2e
Key Questions
What are the key characteristics of all qualitative studies?
When do we use qualitative research?
What is required to undertake a qualitative research study?
How do we design a qualitative study?
What topics should be addressed in a plan or proposal for a qualitative study?
Creswell Qualitative Inquiry 2e

3. Definitions: Denzin and Lincoln
Qualitative research is a situated activity that locates the observer in the world. It consists of a set of interpretive, material practices that make the world visible. These practices transform the world. They turn the world into a series of representations, including field notes, interviews, conversations, photographs, recordings and memos to self. At this level, qualitative research involves an interpretive, naturalistic approach to the world. This means that qualitative researchers study things in their natural settings, attempting to make sense of, or interpret, phenomena in terms of the meanings people bring to them. (2005, p.3)
Creswell Qualitative Inquiry 2e

4. Definitions: Creswell
Qualitative research begins with assumptions, a worldview, the possible use of theoretical lens, and the study of research problems inquiring into the meaning individuals or groups ascribe to a social or human problem. To study this problem, qualitative researchers use an emerging qualitative approach to inquiry, the collection of data in a natural setting sensitive to the people and places under study, and data analysis that is inductive and establishes patterns or themes. The final written report or presentation includes the voices of participants, the reflexivity of the researcher, a complexity, description, and interpretation of the problem, and it extends the literature or signals a call for action. (Creswell 2007)
Creswell Qualitative Inquiry 2e

5. Characteristics of Qualitative Research
LeCompte &
Schensul
(1999)
Marshall &
Rossman
Hatch
(2002)
Natural setting field focused as source of data for
close inaction
Yes
Researcher as key instrument of data collection
Multiple data sources in words or images
Analysis of data inductively, recursively, interactively
Focus on participants’ perspectives,
their meaning, their subjective views
Frames human behavior and belief within a social-
political/historical context or cultural lens
Emergent rather than tightly prefigure
Fundamentally interpretive – researcher reflects on
her/his role, role of the reader, and the role of the
participants in shaping the study
Views social phenomenon holistically
3.5
Creswell Qualitative Inquiry 2e

6. Common Characteristics of Qualitative Research
Natural setting
Researcher as key instrument
Multiple sources of data
Inductive data analysis
Participant meanings
Emergent design
Theoretical lens
Interpretive
Holistic account
Creswell Qualitative Inquiry 2e

7. When to Use Qualitative Research
When there is a need to explore a problem or an issue
When there is a need to have complex detailed understanding of an issue
When there is a need to empower individuals to tell their story and hear their voices
When there is a need to write in a literary flexible style that conveys stories, plays or poems without the restrictions of formal academic structures of writing
Creswell Qualitative Inquiry 2e

8. When to Use Qualitative Research
When there is a need to understand the contexts or settings of the participants
When there is a need to follow up quantitative research to help explain linkages in causal theories or models
When there is a need to develop theories when only partial or inadequate theories exist
When quantitative measures do not fit the problem
Creswell Qualitative Inquiry 2e

9. What the Qualitative Researcher Must be Willing to Do
Commit extensive time in the field
Engage in complex and time-consuming data analysis
Sorting through large amounts of data
Reducing data to a few themes or categories
Write long passages
The evidence must substantiate claims
Writer must show multiple perspectives
Participate in a form of social and human science research that does not have firm guidelines or specific procedures and is evolving and changing constantly
Creswell Qualitative Inquiry 2e

10. Designing a Qualitative Study: A Social Science Framework
Identify an issue or problem
Examine the literature related to the problem to locate deficiencies
Construct a purpose and write research questions
Gather data
Analyze data
Write the report
Are sensitive to ethical considerations
Use validity strategies
Creswell Qualitative Inquiry 2e

11. Designing a Qualitative Study: Differences to Consider
The use of the literature
It is used to inform the questions asked
It may be reviewed late
It may only be used to help document the importance of the research problem
The use of theory
Ethnographers use cultural theory as a basic building block
Grounded theory develops theory during the process of research
A priori theories may be used in some disciplines
Creswell Qualitative Inquiry 2e

12. What Constitutes a “Good” Qualitative Study
The study uses rigorous data collection procedures
The study recognizes philosophical assumptions and key characteristics of qualitative research
The study uses an accepted “approach” to qualitative research (such as advanced in this book)
The study has a single focus
Creswell Qualitative Inquiry 2e

13. What Constitutes a “Good” Qualitative Study
The study includes detailed methods
The study uses multiple levels of analysis
The study is written persuasively
The study demonstrates reflexivity of the author(s)
The study is ethical
Creswell Qualitative Inquiry 2e

14. Writing Formats for a Qualitative Proposal or Plan
Scientific approaches
Storytelling
Performances
Poems
Some structures contain a theoretical lens
Some structures serve to advocate for change
No one standard is accepted structure
Writing formats many times vary with the approaches to qualitative research
Creswell Qualitative Inquiry 2e

15. Three Models of Writing Structures for Qualitative Proposals/Plans
Structure without a theoretical lens or advocacy perspective (Creswell, 2003)
Structure with a theoretical lens and an advocacy perspective (Marshall & Rossman, 1999; Creswell, 2003)
Structure based on nine central arguments (Maxwell, 1996)
Creswell Qualitative Inquiry 2e

16. A General Approach (Creswell, 2003)
Introduction
Statement of the problem (including literature)
Purpose of the study
Research questions
Delimitations and limitations of the study
Significance of the study
Procedures
Characteristics of qualitative research (optional)
Qualitative research strategy
Role of the researcher
Data collection procedures
Data analysis procedures
Verification procedures
Narrative structure
Creswell Qualitative Inquiry 2e

17. A General Approach (Creswell, 2003)
Anticipated ethical issues
Significance of the study
Preliminary pilot findings
Appendices
Interview protocols
Observational protocols
Timeline
Proposed budget
Creswell Qualitative Inquiry 2e

18. A Proposal That Includes a Theoretical Lens (Marshall & Rossman, 1999)
Introduction
Overview
Type and purpose
Potential significance
Framework and general research questions
Review of related literature
Theoretical traditions
Essays by informed experts (related research)
Creswell Qualitative Inquiry 2e

19. A Proposal That Includes a Theoretical Lens (Marshall & Rossman, 1999)
Design and methodology
Overall approach and rationale
Site or population selection
Data-gathering methods
Data analysis procedures
Trustworthiness
Personal biography
Ethics and political considerations
Creswell Qualitative Inquiry 2e

20. Advocacy/Participatory Format (Creswell, 2003)
Introduction
Statement of the problem (including relevant literature about the problem)
Advocacy/Participatory issue
Purpose of the study
The research questions
Delimitations and limitations of the study
Creswell Qualitative Inquiry 2e

21. Advocacy/Participatory Format (Creswell, 2003)
Procedures
Characteristics of qualitative research (optional)
Qualitative research strategy
Role of the researcher
Data collection procedures (including collaborative approaches used and sensitivity toward the participants)
Data recording procedures
Data analysis procedures
Strategies for validating findings
Narrative structure of the report
Creswell Qualitative Inquiry 2e

22. Advocacy/Participatory Format (Creswell, 2003)
Anticipated ethical issues
Significance of the study
Preliminary pilot findings
Expected advocacy/participatory changes
Appendices
Interview protocols
Observational protocols
Timeline
Proposed budget
Creswell Qualitative Inquiry 2e

23. Adaptation of Maxwell’s (1996) Approach
We need to better understand… (the topic).
We know little about… (the topic).
I propose to study…
The setting and participants are appropriate for this study.
The methods I plan to use will provide the data I need to answer the research questions.
Creswell Qualitative Inquiry 2e

24. Study Proposal Outline: Adaptation of Maxwell’s (1996) Approach
Analysis will generate answers to these questions.
The findings will be validated by…
The study poses no serious ethical problems.
Preliminary results support the practicability and value of the study.
Creswell Qualitative Inquiry 2e

25. Designing a Qualitative Study
Chapter 3
Designing a Qualitative Study
Creswell Qualitative Inquiry 2e