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Apple-Polishers, Ass-Kissers And Suck-Ups: Towards A Sociology Of Ingratiation, Daniel D. Martin, Janelle L. Wilson Aug 2012

Apple-Polishers, Ass-Kissers And Suck-Ups: Towards A Sociology Of Ingratiation, Daniel D. Martin, Janelle L. Wilson

The Qualitative Report

In this paper we use one form of communicative action, “brownnosing”, as a social lens for understanding power relations in both formal, organizational contexts and interpersonal relationships. We investigate this phenomenon by assessing processes of ingratiation at school and work settings. We do so using data collected from over one hundred student respondents to ascertain the meanings, uses, and outcomes of brownnosing. The study finds that members of the “millennial generation” develop skills in both the act of brownnosing and the detection of this form of communication as they participate in a variety of contexts, including family, school, work, and …


“The Road Not Taken” – Israeli Teachers’ Reactions To Top-Down Educational Reform, Roxana G. Reichman, Shlomit Artzi Aug 2012

“The Road Not Taken” – Israeli Teachers’ Reactions To Top-Down Educational Reform, Roxana G. Reichman, Shlomit Artzi

The Qualitative Report

The authors have investigated teachers’ reactions towards an imposed reform initiated by the Israeli Ministry of Education in collaboration with one of two teachers’ unions based on the messages and letters sent by high school teachers to an internet forum during a teachers’ strike which took place between October and December of 2007. This study is the result of collaborative work between a teacher educator and a veteran teacher studying towards her Master of Education degree in Learning and Instruction. The research question was: What were the teachers’ attitudes regarding the “New Horizon” reform as conveyed on an internet forum …


Ouch! Recruitment Of Overweight And Obese Adolescent Boys For Qualitative Research, Zachary Morrison, David Gregory, Steven Thibodeau, Jennifer Copeland Aug 2012

Ouch! Recruitment Of Overweight And Obese Adolescent Boys For Qualitative Research, Zachary Morrison, David Gregory, Steven Thibodeau, Jennifer Copeland

The Qualitative Report

The purpose of this study is to examine the complexities of recruiting overweight and obese adolescent boys for qualitative research, discuss specific recruitment considerations for this population, and offer guidance to researchers interested in recruiting overweight adolescent boys. Three overweight adolescent boys and six community professionals participated in this study. Data collection methods included fieldwork observations (60 hours) and person-centered interviews (N=9). Emergent themes revealed that establishing trust, understanding the sensitivities of discussing obesity, and considering adolescent boys’ fears of sharing personal information may have enhanced recruitment success. Researchers should consider the importance of building relationships with professionals who can …


The Journal Project And The I In Qualitative Research: Three Theoretical Lenses On Subjectivity And Self, Judith Davidson Aug 2012

The Journal Project And The I In Qualitative Research: Three Theoretical Lenses On Subjectivity And Self, Judith Davidson

The Qualitative Report

From the beginnings of qualitative research in the late 19th century to today, researchers have struggled to make sense of the notion of self or subjectivity; in other words, the I in the research. We ask ourselves: Who is the researcher? How is their notion of self present during research? How is research a site for contested notions of self? Who is the I in qualitative research?


A Grounded Theory Of Connectivity And Persistence In A Limited Residency Doctoral Program, Steven R. Terrell, Martha M. Snyder, Laurie P. Dringus, Elizabeth Maddrey Jul 2012

A Grounded Theory Of Connectivity And Persistence In A Limited Residency Doctoral Program, Steven R. Terrell, Martha M. Snyder, Laurie P. Dringus, Elizabeth Maddrey

The Qualitative Report

Limited-residency and online doctoral programs have an attrition rate significantly higher than traditional programs. This grounded-theory study focused on issues pertaining to communication between students, their peers and faculty and how interpersonal communication may affect persistence. Data were collected from 17 students actively working on their dissertation in a limited-residency educational technology program. The resultant theory indicated that students felt communication between themselves and peers is possible but not common. Students also indicated that dissertation supervisors are readily accessible but longer than expected response times may contribute to a lack of student success. The results suggest the development and effective …


When Language Lies: Truth, Silence, And Codes Of Deception, Tammy C. Cline Jul 2012

When Language Lies: Truth, Silence, And Codes Of Deception, Tammy C. Cline

The Qualitative Report

What does an autoethnography look like? How do you conduct reliable qualitative research when you are both the researcher and the researched? Where do you find truth as an adult when you discover your life as a child was full of secrets? In his book "A Need to Know: The Clandestine History of a CIA Family”, author H. J. Goodall (2006), tells the story of his personal journey investigating his own life growing up with a father who was a counter-intelligence offer in the cold-war era. While this narrative is an engaging and readable account, it is also a work …


“I Am Not The Same After My Erasmus”: A Qualitative Research, Selami Aydin Jul 2012

“I Am Not The Same After My Erasmus”: A Qualitative Research, Selami Aydin

The Qualitative Report

No data has been found about the influences of the ERASMUS program on Turkish pre-service teachers of English who participated in the ERASMUS Mobility Program. Thus, in this study the researcher aims to evaluate the ERASMUS Mobility Program regarding its contributions to the progress of Turkish pre-service teachers of English and the problems they encountered during the process. The sample group of the study consisted of 23 pre-service teachers and a background questionnaire, interviews, group discussions and essay papers were used for data collection. The results indicated that the ERASMUS process has some significant benefits to language skills and professional …


Using Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (Caqdas) To Re-Examine Traditionally Analyzed Data: Expanding Our Understanding Of The Data And Of Ourselves As Scholars, Linnea L. Rademaker, Elizabeth J. Grace, Stephen K. Curda May 2012

Using Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (Caqdas) To Re-Examine Traditionally Analyzed Data: Expanding Our Understanding Of The Data And Of Ourselves As Scholars, Linnea L. Rademaker, Elizabeth J. Grace, Stephen K. Curda

The Qualitative Report

As diverse members of a college of education evaluation committee one of our charges is to support faculty as we document and improve our teaching. Our committee asked faculty to respond to three qualitative questions, documenting ways in which interdepartmental and cross-department conversations are used to promote reflective thinking about our practice. Three of us investigated the use of CAQDAS to provide an additional level of analysis and how we learned more about ourselves as scholars through this collaboration. Our findings include recommendations regarding the use of CAQDAS to support collaborative efforts by diverse scholars.


Learning The Concept Of Researcher As Instrument In Qualitative Research, Mengxuan Annie Xu, Gail Blair Storr May 2012

Learning The Concept Of Researcher As Instrument In Qualitative Research, Mengxuan Annie Xu, Gail Blair Storr

The Qualitative Report

The authors describe the process whereby a student with a background in economics was guided to understand the central role in qualitative research of the researcher as instrument. The instructor designed a three-part mock research project designed to provide experiential knowledge of the enterprise of qualitative research. Students, as neophyte qualitative researchers, were guided to develop a sophisticated understanding of the necessity for congruence between the ontological and epistemological philosophical underpinnings of the research question, data collection techniques, and analysis. An example of the trail of analytic decisions one student made during analysis is included to show the complexity of …


Keeping Focus Isn’T Easy: A Review Of Refocusing Focus Groups: A Practical Guide, Latonja Sallet May 2012

Keeping Focus Isn’T Easy: A Review Of Refocusing Focus Groups: A Practical Guide, Latonja Sallet

The Qualitative Report

The purpose of this review is to examine the salient aspects of the book Refocusing Focus Groups: A Practical Guide by Robert J. Morais (2010). This review will consider some of the strengths and weaknesses of focus groups as well as explain whether or not the author effectively achieved his goal of providing a tool that can be used by veterans and novices of qualitative research. Additionally, this review will further describe, analyze, and explore the book as well as what other researchers have shared about focus groups by comparing my experience with reading the book and how I was …


Turkey’S Ministry Of National Education Study-Abroad Program: Is The Mone Making The Most Of Its Investment?, Servet Celik May 2012

Turkey’S Ministry Of National Education Study-Abroad Program: Is The Mone Making The Most Of Its Investment?, Servet Celik

The Qualitative Report

To answer an overwhelming demand for university faculty, Turkey’s Ministry of National Education (MoNE) developed a scholarship program to sponsor graduate study abroad. After completion, program recipients are expected to serve in Turkey’s universities. However, the cost of the program relative to the contributions of returning scholars has led to tremendous criticism. In order to explore whether this program is truly worth the investment, the author chose a qualitative research design to investigate the experiences of two program beneficiaries. The results revealed that their contributions were minimized by numerous institutional barriers; consequently, the system was unable to fully benefit from …


Qualitative And Quantitative Approaches To The Study Of Poverty: Taming The Tensions And Appreciating The Complementarities, Sulaiman Y. Balarabe Kura May 2012

Qualitative And Quantitative Approaches To The Study Of Poverty: Taming The Tensions And Appreciating The Complementarities, Sulaiman Y. Balarabe Kura

The Qualitative Report

There is a germane relationship between qualitative and quantitative approaches to social science research. The relationship is empirically and theoretically demonstrated by poverty researchers. The study of poverty, as argued in this article, is a study of both numbers and contextualities. This article provides a general overview of qualitative and quantitative approaches to poverty studies and argues that only a combination of the two approaches, where necessary, would provide a robust, rich and reliable data for researching issues of poverty. Hence, the contemporary drive towards a mixed methods approach in poverty research is not only welcomed but certainly timely as …


Assessment Of The Utilization Of Hiv Interventions By Sex Workers In Selected Brothels In Bangladesh: An Exploratory Study, Nafisa Lira Huq, Mahbub Elahi Chowdhury May 2012

Assessment Of The Utilization Of Hiv Interventions By Sex Workers In Selected Brothels In Bangladesh: An Exploratory Study, Nafisa Lira Huq, Mahbub Elahi Chowdhury

The Qualitative Report

In this qualitative study of brothel-based Female Sex Workers (FSWs), the authors explored factors that influence safe sex practices of FSWs within an integrated HIV intervention. Qualitative methods, including focus group discussions (FGDs), in-depth interviews and key informant interviews were applied in four brothels in Bangladesh. Young and elderly FSWs, Sordarnis (Madams who own young FSWs and who may be either active or inactive sex workers themselves), program managers and providers were the participants for this study. Findings showed that condom use was high but not consistent among bonded FSWs (those who are under the control of a Sordarni) who …


Teachers Are Making A Difference: Understanding The Influence Of Favorite Teachers, Mark A. Smith, Karen Schmidt Apr 2012

Teachers Are Making A Difference: Understanding The Influence Of Favorite Teachers, Mark A. Smith, Karen Schmidt

The Qualitative Report

Using the theoretical framework of occupational socialization, the purpose of this study was to examine preservice physical education teachers’ beliefs and values of teachers and teaching through analysis and interpretation of favorite teacher narratives. One hundred and eighty six preservice physical education teachers’ narratives were collected and analyzed using open and axial coding (Corbin & Strauss, 2008). The qualities and characteristics identified through analysis were organized into seven inclusive sub-categories of favorite teacher characteristics and abilities and were articulated into three central themes, described as Pay it Forward, Caring in Teaching, and Motivated to Learn. The findings suggest that understanding …


Marketing Metaphoria: Undressing The Mind Of The Consumer, Vickie Covington Apr 2012

Marketing Metaphoria: Undressing The Mind Of The Consumer, Vickie Covington

The Qualitative Report

The book by Gerald Zaltman and Lindsay Zaltman (2008), Marketing Metaphoria: What Deep Metaphors Reveal about the Minds of Consumers, builds on the premise that most thoughts are unconscious and what people think are actually in frames of pictures, not necessarily words. The authors focus on seven deep metaphors in which they believe is the key to understanding consumer’s minds and thus that marketing firms and managers can truly understand what consumer’s desire and need. These seven deep metaphors are explained in detail and are the meat of this book. Mr. Zaltman has conducted several thousand qualitative inquiries using his …


Layering Sel(F)Ves: Finding Acceptance, Community And Praxis Through Collage, Sarah K. Mackenzie, Mary M. Wolf Apr 2012

Layering Sel(F)Ves: Finding Acceptance, Community And Praxis Through Collage, Sarah K. Mackenzie, Mary M. Wolf

The Qualitative Report

There are multiple aspects that shape one’s experience as a student teacher; however often as teacher educators, we focus on the intellectual rather than the emotional nature of the experience. Within this a/r/tographical inquiry, we render a story of what can happen when teacher educators intentionally engage the multidimensional nature of the student teaching experience through the integration of arts-informed epistemologies within the context of the student teaching seminar. Student teachers entered into a dialogic space of reflexivity and praxis where they discovered that their experiences mattered and did not occur in isolation. This project has implications for considering ways …


Precincts And Prospects In The Use Of Focus Groups In Social And Behavioral Science Research, Dominic Sagoe Apr 2012

Precincts And Prospects In The Use Of Focus Groups In Social And Behavioral Science Research, Dominic Sagoe

The Qualitative Report

Over the past few years, the focus group method has assumed a very important role as a method for collecting qualitative data in social and behavioural science research. This article elucidates theoretical and practical problems and prospects associated with the use of focus groups as a qualitative research method in social and behavioural science research. The core uses of focus groups in social and behavioural science research are discussed. In addition, the strengths and limitations of employing focus groups in social and behavioural science research are elucidated. Furthermore, the article discusses practical recommendations for strengthening the focus group method in …


Language Symmetry: A Force Behind Persuasion, Joseph Yeager, Linda Sommer Apr 2012

Language Symmetry: A Force Behind Persuasion, Joseph Yeager, Linda Sommer

The Qualitative Report

Language operates according to rules. Rules mean prediction. The application of these language rules to persuasive campaigns through linguistic technology can result in major gains in advertising, political and marketing outcomes. For qualitative researchers in communications, marketing and messaging, one area of persuasive language technology can be found in the linguistic feature of symmetry. Language has many forms of symmetry, and most persuaders are unaware that a great deal of persuasion depends upon symmetrical message structures. In persuasion, a mirror image or symmetrical reflection of an attitude or opinion is more persuasive than a random or non-symmetrical message or idea. …


Thorough And Thought-Provoking: A Review Of Packer’S The Science Of Qualitative Research, Oksana Parylo Mar 2012

Thorough And Thought-Provoking: A Review Of Packer’S The Science Of Qualitative Research, Oksana Parylo

The Qualitative Report

The conflict between qualitative and quantitative directions in educational research is not new; however, this debate has resurfaced in the accountability era. The Science of Qualitative Research by Martin Packer (2011) is a thought-provoking book that explains why one should engage in qualitative research. Artfully combining history, examples, and his own reflections on the topic, Packer offers a list of well-grounded arguments that show the importance of and the need for qualitative research. Although this book does not explain how to design and conduct qualitative studies, it makes a good read for all those interested in theories behind modern qualitative …


Parents’ Experiences During Their Infant’S Transition From Neonatal Intensive Care Unit To Home: A Qualitative Study, Sharon W. Hutchinson, Marydee A. Spillett, Mary Cronin Mar 2012

Parents’ Experiences During Their Infant’S Transition From Neonatal Intensive Care Unit To Home: A Qualitative Study, Sharon W. Hutchinson, Marydee A. Spillett, Mary Cronin

The Qualitative Report

Limited literature exists which examines how parents of infants hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) transition from their infant’s NICU hospital stay to home. This study examines the question, “What are the experiences of parents during their infant’s transition from the NICU to home? Grounded theory methods served as the paradigm to explore twelve NICU parents’ experiences during their infant’s transition. The basic social psychological process identified was “becoming a parent” which was based on the core problem “I’m not a parent.” Analysis of data contributed to a model described by the researchers as the resultant Model of …


The Process Of Creation: A Novel Methodology For Analyzing Multimodal Data, Erica Rosenfeld Halverson, Michelle Bass, David Woods Mar 2012

The Process Of Creation: A Novel Methodology For Analyzing Multimodal Data, Erica Rosenfeld Halverson, Michelle Bass, David Woods

The Qualitative Report

In the 21st century, meaning making is a multimodal act; we communicate what we know and how we know it using much more than printed text on a blank page. As a result, qualitative researchers need new methodologies, methods, and tools for working with the complex artifacts that our research subjects produce. In this article we describe the co-development of an analytic methodology and a tool for working with youth produced films as multimodal artifacts of youth engagement with identity. Specifically, we describe how to employ this multimodal framework in data analysis, with an emphasis on how different modes interact …


Biography As Pedagogy: A Review Of Hemingway’S Boat: Everything He Loved And Lost, 1934-1961, Daryl Ward Mar 2012

Biography As Pedagogy: A Review Of Hemingway’S Boat: Everything He Loved And Lost, 1934-1961, Daryl Ward

The Qualitative Report

Hemingway’s Boat: Everything He Loved and Lost, 1934-1961 (2011) by Paul Hendrickson is an excellent example of a dual-purpose book for qualitative researchers. It firsts provides an example of high-quality scholarship in the field of life history research. It also offers the reader specific insights into the practice of qualitative research and how that data is used to create a narrative of the participant’s life. Through the use of authorial participation, a grounded narrative framework, and a detailed description of his research process, Hendrickson’s book is a keen exemplar of the process and product of qualitative work.


Mysteries And Qualitative Research? Review Of Mats Alvesson And Dan Kärreman’S Qualitative Research And Theory Development: Mystery As Method, Tom Strong Mar 2012

Mysteries And Qualitative Research? Review Of Mats Alvesson And Dan Kärreman’S Qualitative Research And Theory Development: Mystery As Method, Tom Strong

The Qualitative Report

In an era of postmodern and social constructionist thought, qualitative researchers have experienced method as a mess. This time of conflict and tension has contributed to concerns and questions about researchers’ interpretive and reflexive contributions to the study of social reality. Into these confusing times, Mats Alvesson and Dan Kärreman, social constructionist researchers, take a novel approach to how qualitative research can inform theory development. They suggest researchers embrace the mysteries when trying to make sense of social situations by taking a reflective and interpretive approach towards their empirical material to create results that can challenge established theory and thus …


Critical Reflections: Interpretation And Analysis Of Japanese Women’S Settlement Experiences, Atsushi Takeda Mar 2012

Critical Reflections: Interpretation And Analysis Of Japanese Women’S Settlement Experiences, Atsushi Takeda

The Qualitative Report

In this paper, I discuss how I came to call into question the way in which I interpreted interview data in my dissertation, which investigated the migration and settlement experience of Japanese women who are married to Australian men and reside in Australia. Through critical reflections, I realized the way in which the positionality of researchers and their experience, values, and beliefs may influence interpretation of data. The translation process of the interview data reminded me of the similarity with the data analysis process. I illustrate how such possible impact changed the meaning of data through sharing my reflections.


Online Gaming Issues In Offline Couple Relationships: A Primer For Marriage And Family Therapists (Mfts), Katherine M. Hertlein, Blendine P. Hawkins Feb 2012

Online Gaming Issues In Offline Couple Relationships: A Primer For Marriage And Family Therapists (Mfts), Katherine M. Hertlein, Blendine P. Hawkins

The Qualitative Report

Although the challenges around participation in online gaming grow, gamers and their partners who experience online relationship issues related to gaming, present a new set of treatment challenges for therapists. In this article, we report on the findings of a hermeneutic research study aimed at evaluating the scholarly literature related to online gaming and interpret these texts to determine the effect such online activity has on the couple relationship. We reviewed 18 articles published between 1998 and 2010 related to online gaming and interpersonal relationships, focusing solely on empirical articles related to the search criteria. Our interpretation of the text …


Residential Grief Camps: An Initial Phenomenological Study Of Staff Perspectives, Tiffany B. Brown, Thomas G. Kimball Jan 2012

Residential Grief Camps: An Initial Phenomenological Study Of Staff Perspectives, Tiffany B. Brown, Thomas G. Kimball

The Qualitative Report

Research has focused primarily on the impact of death on family functioning and the stages and tasks of grief, though little attention has been given to grief camps or the experiences of those who work there. This study explored the experiences of staff at a four-day overnight children’s grief camp. Eight participants reported their experience of camp in two major categories: connection to others and independence in grief and five themes. Camp provides the opportunity for campers to connect to others while finding their own path to healing. Clinical implications and future research directions are also discussed.


Building Interdisciplinary Qualitative Research Networks: Reflections On Qualitative Research Group (Qrg) At The University Of Manitoba, Kerstin Stieber Roger, Gayle Halas Jan 2012

Building Interdisciplinary Qualitative Research Networks: Reflections On Qualitative Research Group (Qrg) At The University Of Manitoba, Kerstin Stieber Roger, Gayle Halas

The Qualitative Report

As qualitative research methodologies continue to evolve and develop, both students and experienced researchers are showing greater interest in learning about and developing new approaches. To meet this need, faculty at the University of Manitoba created the Qualitative Research Group (QRG), a community of practice that utilizes experiential learning in the context of social relationships to nurture social interaction, create opportunities to share knowledge, support knowledge creation, and build collaborations among all disciplines. While many other qualitative research networks such as the QRG may exist, little has been published on their early development or the activities that contribute to the …


Grandparental Death: Through The Lens Of An Asian Child, Wing-Fu Lai Jan 2012

Grandparental Death: Through The Lens Of An Asian Child, Wing-Fu Lai

The Qualitative Report

Bereavement has been extensively studied over the years, yet scholarly work depicting, with the first-person perspective, the experience of childhood bereavement is severely lacking. The research question I set out to answer here is: What is it like as an Asian child to experience bereavement following grandparental death? As such, self-introspection was exercised, and this, together with the diaries and free writings generated at the time of my grandma’s death, was used as the basis for autoethnographic reflections. It is hoped that my story presented here can offer a psychological portrayal of an Asian child enduring grandparental death, and illuminate …


Mixed-Methods Research Methodologies, Steven R. Terrell Jan 2012

Mixed-Methods Research Methodologies, Steven R. Terrell

The Qualitative Report

Mixed-Method studies have emerged from the paradigm wars between qualitative and quantitative research approaches to become a widely used mode of inquiry. Depending on choices made across four dimensions, mixed-methods can provide an investigator with many design choices which involve a range of sequential and concurrent strategies. Defining features of these designs are reported along with quality control methods, and ethical concerns. Useful resources and exemplary study references are shared.


Practical Wisdom: A Review Of Foundations Of Ethical Practice, Research, And Teaching In Psychology And Counseling, Fatima A. Cotton Jan 2012

Practical Wisdom: A Review Of Foundations Of Ethical Practice, Research, And Teaching In Psychology And Counseling, Fatima A. Cotton

The Qualitative Report

In Karen Strohm Kitchener and Sharon K. Anderson’s Foundations of Ethical Practice, Research, and Teaching in Psychology and Counseling (2011) they use the term practical wisdom or prudence as a way to make right decisions in real life situation. The authors lay the foundation for conceptually dealing with ethical problems for psychologists, counselors, students, and trainees. The book is in two parts. In the first six chapters, the authors focus on the foundations of ethical reasoning. The next part focuses on the ethical issues psychologists and counselors are confronted with in their roles.