1. 1 Research Paper Writing Mavis Shang 97 年度第二學期 Section III

2. 2 Qualitative Method I. Main Purpose of Qualitative Research: Provide in-depth descriptions to interpret something by using case study, personal experiences, interview, observation Complexity, contextual, exploration, discovery, inductive logic

3. 3 II. Strategies for Qualitative Research: 1. Ethnographic research: Describe and analyze practices and beliefs of cultures and communities by interacting with people in their everyday lives 2. Case study: Detailed study of one individual (of a group) through observation Qualitative Method

4. 4 3. Phenomenological research: Seek the individual’s perceptions and meaning of a phenomenon or experience; “what is the meaning of the experience of this phenomenon for this person or group of people?”

5. 5 Qualitative Method 4. Grounded theory: Develop a theory after gathering and analyzing the data 5. Participatory research: Co-research the issue cooperatively 6. Clinical research: Understand a problem within a clinical context 7. Focus groups: Observe the interaction within the group (e.g., group interviews)

6. 6 III. General Methodological Guidelines: “Interview” A. The researcher is the instrument B. Speaking for the other C. Focus on an area of inquiry D. Explore research sites E. Gaining permission F. Negotiating entry G. Entering the field H. Role of the researcher Qualitative Method

7. 7 A. The researcher is the “instrument”: 1. what questions to ask 2. in what order 3. what to observe 4. what to write down 5. key person to collect and interpret data

8. 8 Qualitative Method B. Speaking for the other: Retell someone’s story or experiences in a new way (re-writing) C. Focus on an area of inquiry: Explore the topic based on literature review and research questions (tentative) D. Explore research sites: Collect information from the place (location) you do the study by piloting, sampling, etc.

9. 9 Qualitative Method E. Gaining permission: Try to get permission from the “gatekeepers” (those with power and authority) F. Negotiating entry: How to get the true information with protection of human beings and their organization G. Entering the field: Make plans to enter the field in the least disruptive manner

10. 10 Qualitative Method H. Role of the researcher: Unbiased, objective, discover multiple views of the participants; more interactive 1. Supervisor (with authority) 2. Leader (e.g., scout leaders) 3. Friend (with respect)

11. 11 Qualitative Method IV. Critically Analyzing Qualitative Research: A. Credibility B. Transferability C. Dependability D. Confirmability E. Authenticity F. Emancipatory

12. 12 Qualitative Method A. Credibility: Internal validity (a correspondence between how the researcher observes and participants express viewpoints) 1. Prolonged and substantial engagement: Give enough time staying at the site 2. Persistent observation: Sufficient observation until identifying clear issues/picture 3. Peer debreifing: Discuss with the disinterested peers for better research ideas

13. 13 Qualitative Method 4. Negative case analysis: If the finding doesn’t fit the hypothesis, seek more information and analyze the negative case 5. Progressive subjectivity: Be open-minded and keep changing if necessary 6. Member checks: Share research results with peers for comment 7. Triangulation: Check information from different sources or methods to find consistency (e.g., quantitative data = qualitative findings)

14. 14 Qualitative Method B. Transferability: Thick description (provide sufficient details such as time, place, context) and multiple cases for external validity (generalize the results to other similar situation) C. Dependability: Reliability (maintain the same result without change no matter tested how many times) D. Confirmability: Objectivity (provide evidences by synthesizing data instead of researcher’s imagination)

15. 15 Qualitative Method E. Authenticity: Present a balanced view of all values and beliefs Fairness: Display different views (pros and cons) Ontological authenticity: Show individual’s real experiences Catalytic authenticity: Get evidences of participants’ views by the “inquiry” process

16. 16 Qualitative Method F. Transformative Paradigm Criteria: Positionality or standpoint epistemology: The research result can not contain all universal truth because a lot of factors may influence the result; should avoid showing the position or standpoint of the author Community: Know the research site well to link the research results to positive action within that community

17. 17 Qualitative Method Attention to voice: Speak for the minority Critical reflexivity: Be sensitive to understand the psychological state of participants Reciprocity: Develop trust with participants Sharing the perquisites of privilege: Share research results