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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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