Qualitative Research

1. CHAPTER6 Qualitative Research

2. Although qualitative research is viewed as a general approach based on its epistemology, we can identify traditions or subdisciplines that have some inherent differences related primarily to the purposed of the research.

3. 一、Components of Research Design • Working Design The working design is the preliminary plan that begins the research. Decisions are made about the subjects or sites to be studied, the length of time for data collection, and possible variables to be considered.

4. For example: An ethnographic study of the school environment of regular and learning disabled students to determine factors related to potential dropout.

5. Working Hypotheses Qualitative research used inductive inquiry, which for data collection means that it commences without any preconceived theories or hypotheses. However, all researchers are influenced by their own backgrounds, and some information is likely to be available about the research problems.

6. Data Collection Methods of data collection are interactive or noninteractive depending on whether or not the researcher interacts with the subjects being studied. Observation, interview, and document collection and review are commonly used methods, and taking specimen records and oral histories are possible methods of data collection in qualitative research.

7. Data Analysis and Interpretation Data analysis in qualitative research is a process of categorization, description, and synthesis. Data reduction is necessary for the description and interpretation of the phenomenon under study.

8. Working Design Subjects to be studied Site selection Length of the Study Possible variables identified Working Hypotheses Foreshadowed problems Research questions Generating grounded theory Data Collection Interview oral histories Observation specimen records Document collection and review Data Analysis and Interpretation Data reduction coding Data organization Checking hypotheses and theories Description Components of Research Design in Qualitative Research

9. 二、Types of Design in Qualitative Research • Case study research is used extensively in qualitative research and historical organizational case studies and observational case studies are the two most commonly used designs.

10. 三、Reliability and Validity of Qualitative Research Because qualitative research occurs in the natural setting it is extremely difficult to replicate studies. Nevertheless, a well-organized, complete persuasive presentation of procedures and results enhances external reliability.

11. Internal reliability, that is, consistency in the research process, can be addressed in a number of ways. • Internal validity relies on the logical analysis of the results, as the researcher develops the description of the phenomenon under study.

12. Validity of qualitative research for the most part is established on a logical basis, and providing an argument for validity requires well-documented research and a comprehensive description.

13. 四、Use of Technology in Qualitative Research • Computers used in qualitative research can be useful for conducting mechanical tasks such as searching and arranging descriptive data, but they cannot perform the conceptual tasks.

14. Exercises • To find a qualitative research study from a professional journal such as the CET China Educational Technology. In reviewing the article, identify the specifics of the research design used for the researches. How is the issue of external validity or generalizability addressed?

15. References Barker, R.G. (1968). Ecological psychology: Concepts and methods for studying the environment of human behavior. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press Bogdan R.C., and Biklen, S.K. (2003). Qualitative research in education (4th ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.