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- Qualitative research (6)
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Articles 1 - 28 of 28
Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Methods And Ethics In A Life History Study Of Teacher Thinking, James A. Muchmore
Methods And Ethics In A Life History Study Of Teacher Thinking, James A. Muchmore
The Qualitative Report
During the past decade, there has been an increasing interest in the use of life history and narrative approaches to study teacher thinking and teacher development. Unlike other forms of educational research, in which relationships between researchers and participants are characterized by business-like transactions that rarely extend into the realm of the personal, life history and narrative research can involve relationships that are personal and complex. Such research can also generate massive amounts of data--in the form of field notes, interview transcripts, and other documents--which are very difficult to synthesize. This article presents some of the methodological and ethical issues …
The Presentation Of Paradise: Impression Management And The Contemporary Nursing Home, Jason S. Ulsperger, John Paul
The Presentation Of Paradise: Impression Management And The Contemporary Nursing Home, Jason S. Ulsperger, John Paul
The Qualitative Report
This report discusses dramaturgical perspectives, organizational impression management, and the history of the nursing home industry. Through participant observation, it uses a critical dramaturgical analysis to examine social interaction in three for-profit nursing homes. It explores how employees in these facilities create impressions of affective care in the face of negative publicity and long-term care competition. Specifically, the article examines four impression management tactics related to nursing home environments, concluding with suggestions for future research relating to organizational deviance.
Doing Family Research At The Jail: Reflections Of A Prison Widow, Joyce A. Arditti
Doing Family Research At The Jail: Reflections Of A Prison Widow, Joyce A. Arditti
The Qualitative Report
In this article, I reflect on my experience running a small family research project at a local jail. I focus on methodological and policy issues inherent in controversial research, as well as my own personal reactions to the criminal justice system. Implications of insider status are discussed as they apply to researcher stance and responsibilities in corrections settings.
Enhancing The Rigor Of Qualitative Research: Application Of A Case Methodology To Build Theories Of It Implementation, Guy Paré
The Qualitative Report
This paper presents and illustrates how the approach proposed by Eisenhardt (1989) for building theories from intensive qualitative research, more precisely case study research, can help information systems and medical informatics researchers understand and explain the inherently dynamic nature of IT implementation. The approach, which adopts a positivist view of research, relies on past literature and empirical data as well as on the insights of the researcher to build incrementally more powerful theories. We describe in some detail how this methodology was applied in a particular case study on IT implementation in the health care context and how the use …
Class Size Reduction: A Facilitator Of Instructional Program Coherence, Derick M. Kiger
Class Size Reduction: A Facilitator Of Instructional Program Coherence, Derick M. Kiger
The Qualitative Report
This case study evaluation explored how class size reduction (CSR) combined with other reform initiatives and contextual factors to affect student achievement. The evaluand was an elementary school that implemented Wisconsin's fortified CSR program named SAGE. Evidence was collected from existing records and purposively selected teachers via a focus group. A three-phase "cut and paste" analysis strategy was used to reduce data, display data, and draw and verify conclusions. Main and interaction effects are reported. Findings suggest smaller classes may affect student achievement by facilitating the coherence of school-level instructional programs.
Post-It Notes: Social Workers And Research Participants Sticking Together, Judy Heitzman
Post-It Notes: Social Workers And Research Participants Sticking Together, Judy Heitzman
The Qualitative Report
This autoethnography reflects the author's perceptions of a collaborative social work process called qualitative inquiry. Using a quiltmaking metaphor, the author creates a recipe for collaborative learning between qualitative researchers and study participants. The metaphors associated with quiltmaking reflect a participatory action research model, and encourage qualitative researchers to stretch their creativity and collaboration skills.
Anorexic Eating: Two Case Studies In Hong Kong, Zenobia C.Y. Chan, Joyce L.C. Ma
Anorexic Eating: Two Case Studies In Hong Kong, Zenobia C.Y. Chan, Joyce L.C. Ma
The Qualitative Report
Little attention has been paid to the eating experience of anorectic females during the course of their illness. In order to enrich this understanding, two adult anorexics were selected and their emails were collected and analyzed. Analysis of these emails reveals the patients' experiences with and feelings about eating, which can provide an in-depth understanding of their circumstances and family dynamics. The paper ends with a discussion of the results, limitations, and implications of using emails as the data source of a qualitative study, and how they can reveal the informants' inner landscapes.
Using Metaphor To Make Sense And Build Theory In Qualitative Analysis, Peter Aubusson
Using Metaphor To Make Sense And Build Theory In Qualitative Analysis, Peter Aubusson
The Qualitative Report
This paper proposes analogical mapping as a strategy for data analysis. Research is often messy. Where it explores the unknown and follows unexpected paths it often generates unanticipated findings. Presented with extensive data and the initial analysis describing 'themes' the researcher asks, "What does it all mean?" Thus we are challenged to make sense of the world we see, to theorise and not merely describe. This report outlines a method of analysis using metaphor as a thinking tool to interpret findings from a study in education. In the study reported here, metaphor provided a means of analysis to delve deeply …
A Differential Construct Methodology For Modelling Predictive Cultural Values, Béatrice Boufoy -Bastick
A Differential Construct Methodology For Modelling Predictive Cultural Values, Béatrice Boufoy -Bastick
The Qualitative Report
This paper presents an explanatory model of cultural behaviours, which resulted from a four-year ethnographic study of the different academic attainments in English of indigenous Fijians and the Indo-Fijians in the Fiji Islands. Fiji is a natural laboratory for investigating differential cultural behaviours because of these two culturally distinct main ethnic groups. Their different cultural behaviours were found to serve different values within each culture. A three-construct grounded model of these different values emerged from observations and analyses of these behaviours. These constructs were then de-constructed to define and explain a fourth target construct of their Differential Teaching Behaviours, which …
Subjectivity In Research: Why Not ? But…, Martin Drapeau
Subjectivity In Research: Why Not ? But…, Martin Drapeau
The Qualitative Report
This article addresses the question of subjectivity in research. In order to facilitate the use of subjectivity in a research context, the author reminds readers of possible procedures as suggested in the literature. Particular attention is given to the idea of peer debriefing. Inspired by psychoanalysis, the author expands on the concept of discussant or debriefer and suggests that by doing so, subjectivity can be better understood. It is suggested that this may actually be fully integrated into a study in order to both better understand the subject under examination as well as the influence of the research mentor and …
Role Of High School Teachers In Swedish Psychology Education: A Phenomenological Study, Torsten Norlander, Alexander Blom, Trevor Archer
Role Of High School Teachers In Swedish Psychology Education: A Phenomenological Study, Torsten Norlander, Alexander Blom, Trevor Archer
The Qualitative Report
A descriptive, qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews involving six high school teachers of psychology was carried out in order to ascertain the factors contributing to the outcome of education in the discipline. The Empirical Phenomenological Psychological method (EPP-method) was used. Eighteen categories of "meaning units" were derived from the analysis of the interview materials and are described together with representative quotations taken directly from the raw material. Didactic image but also school leadership, governors, politicians and students all influenced content, organisation and teaching of the psychology course, which is viewed not only as an autonomous subject in its own right …
Caregivers' Experiences Of Informal Support In The Context Of Hiv/Aids, Premilla D'Cruz
Caregivers' Experiences Of Informal Support In The Context Of Hiv/Aids, Premilla D'Cruz
The Qualitative Report
Social support is an important buffer for family caregivers of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHIV/AIDS). With limited formal support options, these caregivers have to rely increasingly on informal networks. Yet, accessing this avenue is also fraught with difficulty due to the stigmatising nature of HIV infection. Research in this area is not just not sparse, but focusses largely on sources of support and the circumscribing effects of stigma. To further our understanding, a qualitative study was conducted using various concepts from social support theory. Twelve family caregivers in Mumbai, India, were interviewed, using the in-depth interview method. An iterative, thematic …
Cognition And The Language Of Learning In South Africa: A Grade 10 Economics Perspective, Gawie Schlebusch
Cognition And The Language Of Learning In South Africa: A Grade 10 Economics Perspective, Gawie Schlebusch
The Qualitative Report
In South Africa an increasing number of learners are taught through the medium of English. Limited English proficiency (LEP) learners who enter classes where English is the language of learning, encounter serious problems in coping with their academic work. These learners have usually acquired informal, colloquial language or Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS), but lack Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP). The primary aim of this article is to explore the language dilemma which Grade ten LEP learners' experience. From these findings, recommendations are made concerning ways in which educators can support English language acquisition in the context of the learning …
Communication, Culture And Community: Towards A Cultural Analysis Of Community Media, Kevin Howley
Communication, Culture And Community: Towards A Cultural Analysis Of Community Media, Kevin Howley
The Qualitative Report
This paper promotes a research agenda committed to a sustained, multiperspectival cultural analysis of community-based media. In doing so, the essay takes up two interrelated arguments. First, it is suggested that community media represent a conspicuous blind spot in cultural approaches to communication studies: a situation that is at odds with the hallmarks of cultural studies scholarship, especially its affirmation of popular forms of resistance and its celebration of and keen appreciation for local cultural production. Second, the author maintains that as a site of intense struggle over cultural production, distribution, and consumption within and through communication and information technologies, …
Learners' Lives: A Narrative Analysis, Heather J. Richmond
Learners' Lives: A Narrative Analysis, Heather J. Richmond
The Qualitative Report
Learner's lives, a narrative impulse, establishes the importance of stories, provides an illustrative example of the analysis of an adult learner's story. The paper provides a step-by-step account of how a researcher conducted a narrative analysis and developed an organizational structure useful for other researchers.
A Principled Complementarity Of Method: In Defence Of Methodological Eclecticism And The Qualitative-Quantitative Debate, Andy Roberts
A Principled Complementarity Of Method: In Defence Of Methodological Eclecticism And The Qualitative-Quantitative Debate, Andy Roberts
The Qualitative Report
I found PhD study to be a stimulating, challenging and ideal conduit for exploring knowledge via discussion, argument and defence: to have the opportunity to explore method, methodology, epistemology, ontology and what may constitute 'acceptable' research practice is an enriching experience. I had previously heard of intepretivists decrying positivists et cetera, but I was unprepared to find quantitative researchers and lecturers openly dismissing qualitative approaches, and finding dismissals by qualitative researchers of the use of a quantitative approach: such are disappointing and confusing to a trainee researcher. Thus, a far less enriching experience for a trainee researcher is being faced …
Research As A Learning Experience: A Phenomenological Explication, Charlotte Pietersen
Research As A Learning Experience: A Phenomenological Explication, Charlotte Pietersen
The Qualitative Report
A phenomenological method was employed to explore the learning experiences of seven honours psychology learners who have completed research projects. The research event was experienced as a learning adventure, a period of personal growth, and also lead to a strong appreciation of the differences between doing research in practice and research as described in texts. They regarded time management and problem solving skills as important prerequisites to successful research. Findings provide guidelines for academics involved in the research training of learners and are a useful source of information, to provide insight into and alert learners to the challenges of research.
Going Beyond The Demonstrable Range In Educational Scholarship: Exploring The Intersections Of Poetry And Research, Liza Hayes Percer
Going Beyond The Demonstrable Range In Educational Scholarship: Exploring The Intersections Of Poetry And Research, Liza Hayes Percer
The Qualitative Report
This essay reflects on experimental writing that incorporates poetry into research. The author supports the move toward research writing that breaks the constraints of traditional academic writing, but raises the concern that such writing must not casually adopt the form and name of poetry without studying the craft. Along these lines, she suggests that in order for work that introduces poetry into research to be done effectively, researchers must study the craft of writing poetry as critically as they study the craft of writing research. Finally, the author suggests that instead of attempting to map poetry onto research, researchers may …
Factors Related To Community Mobilization And Continued Involvement In A Community-Based Effort To Enhance Adolescents' Sexual Behaviour, Christine Joffres, Deborah Langille, Janet Rigby, Donald B. Langille
Factors Related To Community Mobilization And Continued Involvement In A Community-Based Effort To Enhance Adolescents' Sexual Behaviour, Christine Joffres, Deborah Langille, Janet Rigby, Donald B. Langille
The Qualitative Report
Purpose: This article describes and proposes a model of the factors that influenced community members' initial mobilization, continuing effort, or lack of involvement in a community based-intervention on adolescents' sexual health in Nova Scotia, Canada. Design: This study was conducted within the constructivist paradigm and guided by the principles of grounded theory. Methods: Factors related to community members' initial and continued involvement were explored using analyses of the contents of in-depth interviews and written documentation through pattern identification, clustering of conceptual groupings, identification of relationships between variables, constant comparisons, and theoretical memos. Subjects: Respondents included 14 participants, the 12 members …
The Technicity Paradigm And Scientism In Qualitative Research, Carol J. Steiner
The Technicity Paradigm And Scientism In Qualitative Research, Carol J. Steiner
The Qualitative Report
This philosophical paper suggests that almost all academic research, including qualitative research, is conducted under the influence of a "technicity paradigm" which values objectivity, generalisability and rationality. This paper explores, from a Heideggerian perspective, the fundamental characteristics of research under the influence of technicity and discusses how these characteristics manifest in qualitative research. It includes a reflection on what qualitative research might be like if it could escape the influence of technicity and realise its potential for inclusive and relevant knowledge making.
Music As A Metaphor For Thesis Writing, Gertina J. Van Schalkwyk
Music As A Metaphor For Thesis Writing, Gertina J. Van Schalkwyk
The Qualitative Report
In the final throws of writing a doctoral thesis the struggle was to find a structure for presenting the vast amounts of literature that had to be integrated and synthesised to form a coherent whole and linking psychology and music, the basis for my thesis. As a systems theorist and adherent to social constructionist views, the metaphor plays an important role in constructing realities, and the framework that came to mind for structuring and presenting my thesis was that of the concerto from the Western classical music genre. In this paper I will explain how this metaphor was used for …
"Planned Barriers" Against Destructive Psychological Processes In Care Organizations, Gurli Fyhr
"Planned Barriers" Against Destructive Psychological Processes In Care Organizations, Gurli Fyhr
The Qualitative Report
This is the first study in a long-term qualitative, theory generating, research project aimed at uncovering conditions that facilitate development of destructive psychological processes in care organizations. Special focus was put on three previously identified problem areas, i.e., staff privileges, conflicting educational traditions/cultures among staff, and psychological reparative work on the part of the staff. A special approved home for teenage boys with serious psychosocial, drug and criminal problems was studied. The strategy used was grounded theory together with abductive reasoning. Data were collected using institutional documents, questionnaires and individual psychotherapeutic interviews. In spite of a target group with serious …
Getting At The Moral Leadership Of Education Deans, Shelley B. Wepner, Antonia D'Onofrio, Bernice Willis, Stephen C. Wilhite
Getting At The Moral Leadership Of Education Deans, Shelley B. Wepner, Antonia D'Onofrio, Bernice Willis, Stephen C. Wilhite
The Qualitative Report
Vignettes were used to prompt four education deans to think aloud about ways in which they would resolve problems with embedded moral issues. Thematic coding was used to analyze the interview texts that had been tape recorded and transcribed. There was general support for the two moral themes of holding to broad social ideals and negotiating for mutually acceptable outcomes, but individual expressions of specific strategies and actions differed. The results of this study support a multi-dimensional approach to the study of the leadership of deans that simultaneously examines the moral, social, intellectual and emotional aspects of problem solving. The …
Understanding Of Emotions And Emotion Regulation In Adolescent Females With Conduct Problems: A Qualitative Analysis, Lynne M. Kostiuk, Gregory T. Fouts
Understanding Of Emotions And Emotion Regulation In Adolescent Females With Conduct Problems: A Qualitative Analysis, Lynne M. Kostiuk, Gregory T. Fouts
The Qualitative Report
Adolescent girls with conduct problems were interviewed regarding their (a) understanding of positive and negative emotions, (b) parental context of experiencing emotions, (c) ways of regulating emotions, (d) success in emotion regulation, and (e) use of alternative strategies in dealing with emotions. It was found that the girls have relatively little understanding of their negative internal states and/or are unable to express them to others, especially to fathers. They have few successful strategies for regulating negative emotions in themselves and others and are unaware of alternative strategies. This dysregulatory pattern likely prevents them from learning more appropriate ways of expressing …
Use Of Focus Groups In Survey Item Development, Sylvia C. Nassar-Mcmillan, L. Dianne Borders
Use Of Focus Groups In Survey Item Development, Sylvia C. Nassar-Mcmillan, L. Dianne Borders
The Qualitative Report
Focus groups are rapidly gaining popularity as a field research tool. This technique can be particularly effective in survey item development, as illustrated here via development of the Volunteer Work Behaviors Questionnaire. The steps involved in this process, ranging from item generation to finalizing logistics, are outlined. Implications for further research are proposed.
Bias In Qualitative Research: Voices From An Online Classroom, Beloo Mehra
Bias In Qualitative Research: Voices From An Online Classroom, Beloo Mehra
The Qualitative Report
The issue of bias in qualitative research is an important one, and demands special attention and discussion in any qualitative research methods class. This reflective paper, written in the tradition of teacher-research, presents an analysis of how my students and I, working in an online classroom environment, learn together about the role researcher self and subjectivity play in designing and conducting qualitative research. While researcher bias and subjectivity are commonly understood as inevitable and important by most qualitative researchers, the beginners in qualitative research classes are generally not very comfortable with the idea of research that is not value-neutral. A …
Redefining Our Understanding Of Narrative, Amardo Rodriguez
Redefining Our Understanding Of Narrative, Amardo Rodriguez
The Qualitative Report
This paper is born out of my concern about the increasing use of narrative as merely a different methodology. I argue that narrative as methodology ultimately depoliticizes the potentiality of narratives. Narrative simply becomes one of the many methods that belong to qualitative inquiry. We generally discuss narrative as story-telling. We also focus on doing good narrative analysis. In this paper I recast in narrative in language of cosmology so as to highlight the libratory potentiality that narrative affords persons who strive for a new and different world. I discuss narrative in terms of being in the world. I also …
What's Rapport Got To Do With It? The Practical Accomplishment Of Fieldwork Relations Between Young Female Researchers And Socially Marginalised Older Men, Cherry Russell, Denise Touchard, Maree Porter
What's Rapport Got To Do With It? The Practical Accomplishment Of Fieldwork Relations Between Young Female Researchers And Socially Marginalised Older Men, Cherry Russell, Denise Touchard, Maree Porter
The Qualitative Report
Drawing on field notes, interview transcripts and personal reflections, this paper describes an ethnographic research project as a practical accomplishment. The project has employed two young female fieldworkers in negotiating and documenting the social worlds of socially disadvantaged and marginalised older men in inner city Sydney, Australia. We provide a rich description of the various processes involved in this kind of research such as gaining entry, recruiting participants, obtaining consent and conducting interviews. Our analytical and interpretive focus is on the social relationships of fieldwork and the problematic role of rapport as the ideal (or only) basis for such relationships. …