Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Social Statistics Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

3,074 Full-Text Articles 4,706 Authors 8,010,017 Downloads 188 Institutions

All Articles in Social Statistics

Faceted Search

3,074 full-text articles. Page 116 of 125.

Online Dynamic Asynchronous Audit Strategy For Reflexivity In The Qualitative Paradigm, Frank LaBanca 2011 Western Connecticut State University

Online Dynamic Asynchronous Audit Strategy For Reflexivity In The Qualitative Paradigm, Frank Labanca

The Qualitative Report

The trustworthiness of a qualitative study can be increased by maintaining high credibility and objectivity. Of utmost importance to these factors is the reflexivity of the researcher. Standard journaling techniques are frequently used to maintain an audit trail and document tentative interpretations of a study. One of the major limitations to paper-based reflexivity is the lack of regular audit feedback. Online blogging tools can facilitate reflexivity and subsequent auditing with ease. Blogs are potentially cost-free, and only a rudimentary understanding of a web browser and word processing program are necessary for effective use. Moreover, blogs provide a simple, contiguous interface …


How To Conduct Qualitative Research On The Patient's Experience, Ronald J. Chenail 2011 Nova Southeastern University

How To Conduct Qualitative Research On The Patient's Experience, Ronald J. Chenail

The Qualitative Report

From a perspective of patient-centered healthcare, exploring patients' (a) preconceptions, (b) treatment experiences, (c) quality of life, (d) satisfaction, (e) illness understandings, and (f) design are all critical components in improving primary health care and research. Utilizing qualitative approaches to discover patients' experiences can provide valuable information for practitioners and investigators alike. In this paper, the author describes how researchers can select from among five major qualitative designs (i.e., primary qualitative research, qualitative evaluation, collaborative inquiry, mixed method, and qualitative meta-study) and five preeminent qualitative methodologies (i.e., descriptive, phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, and narrative) to create studies to meet their …


The Sense And Sensibility Of Qualitative Research, Bernard Smith 2011 Empire State College

The Sense And Sensibility Of Qualitative Research, Bernard Smith

The Qualitative Report

David Silverman's new edition of Qualitative Research addresses how to engage in qualitative research with increased sensibility. The book is divided into seven sections with 23 chapters written by premier researchers. The chapters are written for students rather than the writers' peers, and while every chapter makes extensive use of the authors' fieldwork and data, John Heritage's chapter on conversational analysis (CA) stands out because he demonstrates to the reader how he made sense of a recurring piece of talk he calls an "oh-prefaced response." The papers are clearly written with helpful summaries and suggested further readings and online resources. …


The Phenomenon Of Collaboration: A Phenomenologic Study Of Collaboration Between Family Medicine And Obstetrics And Gynecology Departments At An Academic Medical Center, David R. Brown, Cheryl D. Brewster, Marina Karides, Lou A. Lukas 2011 Florida International University

The Phenomenon Of Collaboration: A Phenomenologic Study Of Collaboration Between Family Medicine And Obstetrics And Gynecology Departments At An Academic Medical Center, David R. Brown, Cheryl D. Brewster, Marina Karides, Lou A. Lukas

The Qualitative Report

Collaboration is essential to manage complex real world problems. We used phenomenologic methods to elaborate a description of collaboration between two departments at an academic medical center who considered their relationship to represent a model of effective collaboration. Key collaborative structures included a shared vision and commitment by leaders, rigorous quality improvement, clear delineation of roles with built-in flexibility, ongoing commitment to formal and informal communication channels and conflict resolution, relationship development grounded in respect and responsiveness, and shared training in a supportive learning environment with legitimate participation fostering skill development. This study reveals the complexity and resources required for …


Applying Grounded Theory To Weight Management Among Women: Making A Commitment To Healthy Eating, Christie Zunker, Nataliya Ivankova 2011 University of Alabama at Birmingham

Applying Grounded Theory To Weight Management Among Women: Making A Commitment To Healthy Eating, Christie Zunker, Nataliya Ivankova

The Qualitative Report

In this study we developed a theory grounded in data from women who continued healthy eating behaviors after a weight management program. Participant recruitment was guided by theoretical sampling strategies for focus groups and individual interviews. Inclusion criteria were: African American or Caucasian women aged 30+ who lost > 5% of their body weight in a weight management program > year ago. Participants > 5% below their baseline weight were maintainers (n = 9); those above were non-maintainers (n = 14). We asked open-ended questions regarding healthy eating behaviors. The systematic design is described in detail, including categories from open coding, connection during …


The Vulnerable Researcher: Some Unanticipated Challenges Of Doctoral Fieldwork, Patricia Ballamingie, Sherrill Johnson 2011 Carleton University

The Vulnerable Researcher: Some Unanticipated Challenges Of Doctoral Fieldwork, Patricia Ballamingie, Sherrill Johnson

The Qualitative Report

This paper draws explicitly on the field experiences of two doctoral researchers in geography to elucidate some of the challenges and issues related to researcher vulnerability that are especially acute for graduate students. In spite of significant differences in context, both researchers experienced an unanticipated degree of professional vulnerability during their doctoral fieldwork that warrants further exploration, including a theoretical interrogation of the complex (and shifting) terrain of power relations within qualitative research projects. This paper addresses the lacuna in the qualitative methodological research literature on the topic of researcher vulnerability (in contrast to the well-developed discussion of participant vulnerability). …


Support Network Responses To Acquired Brain Injury, Steffany Chleboun, Karen Hux 2011 Southern Illinois University

Support Network Responses To Acquired Brain Injury, Steffany Chleboun, Karen Hux

The Qualitative Report

Acquired brain injury (ABI) affects social relationships; however, the ways social and support networks change and evolve as a result of brain injury is not well understood. This study explored ways in which survivors of ABI and members of their support networks perceive relationship changes as recovery extends into the long-term stage. Two survivors of ABI and members of their respective support networks participated in this case study integrating information from interviews, field notes, and artifacts. Inductive data analysis revealed themes of adjustment to impairments and compensations, connection changes with other people, feelings of protectiveness toward the survivor, emotional intensity, …


"Every Word Is True": Stories Of Our Experiences In A Qualitative Research Course, Janet C. Richards 2011 University of South Florida

"Every Word Is True": Stories Of Our Experiences In A Qualitative Research Course, Janet C. Richards

The Qualitative Report

There is a sparse body of literature about students' and instructors' experiences in graduate qualitative courses. In this study, 11 doctoral students and one instructor employed a narrative framework to uncover our perceived truths about our experiences as we interacted, studied, pondered, and journeyed through a qualitative research methods course. Data were my chronologically ordered notes documenting my thinking and perceptions about my students and me and the doctoral students' chronologically ordered e-mail stories to their peers and to me. The inquiry illuminated the doctoral students' growth as researchers and highlighted the power of shared stories. Our narratives captured our …


Public Opinion And The Death Penalty: A Qualitative Approach, Diana L. Falco, Tina L. Freiburger 2011 Niagara University

Public Opinion And The Death Penalty: A Qualitative Approach, Diana L. Falco, Tina L. Freiburger

The Qualitative Report

Strong public support for capital punishment is arguably the number one reason why the death penalty continues to be used as a form of correctional policy in the U.S. criminal justice system. Therefore, it is fundamental that the measure of death penalty opinion be heavily scrutinized. Utilizing a methodological approach not typically employed in this area, the current study conducted six focus groups to gain a better understanding of the complexity of these opinions. During the focus groups, participants were asked to state their general beliefs concerning the death penalty, respond to scenarios, and respond to research findings regarding the …


Socio-Cultural Challenges In Conducting Ethnographic Research Among Ethiopian Street Youth, Patricia Guy Walls 2011 Arkansas State University

Socio-Cultural Challenges In Conducting Ethnographic Research Among Ethiopian Street Youth, Patricia Guy Walls

The Qualitative Report

Little has been written on the personal experience of the researcher as it relates to data collection, data analysis and interpretation of results. Even more scarce has been knowledge that addresses the challenges and barriers faced by 21st century researchers engaged in ethnographic data collection amidst culturally diverse populations. The present work has addressed these gaps in the literature by detailing the personal, methodological and cultural challenges encountered by this researcher in a larger study which utilized a mixed method design to investigate homeless street youth in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Results indicated the need for social workers to possess an …


Research Praxis From Design To Completion: A Review Of Designing And Managing Your Research Project - Core Knowledge For Social And Health Researchers, Ronald R. Kumar 2011 University of South Pacific

Research Praxis From Design To Completion: A Review Of Designing And Managing Your Research Project - Core Knowledge For Social And Health Researchers, Ronald R. Kumar

The Qualitative Report

Thomas and Hodges (2010) have written a very practical and indeed a valuable book on how to do research project design and management applicable to a wide readership. The book will be of particular importance to young researchers who are aspiring to hone the art of research and project management from design to completion. For the experienced, it's a book to read and reflect on. Discussing the critical elements involved in research, Thomas and Hodges use consultative-advising-coaching, empathy-towards-researchers and experienced-based approaches to reveal important core knowledge in research as a career whilst laying out the ground rules for effective research …


Narrative Research Methodology In Mobile Work Research, Li Jin 2011 DePaul University

Narrative Research Methodology In Mobile Work Research, Li Jin

The Qualitative Report

This book review provides a summary of the content of the book "Mobile Work, Mobile Lives: Cultural Accounts of Lived Experiences" and a critical review of the methodological strengths of the articles included in the book. It also points out one structural weakness of the book. The appropriate readership is recommended as well.


Consistency And Change In Participatory Action Research: Reflections On A Focus Group Study About How Farmers Learn, Fred P. Piercy, Nancy Franz, Joseph L. Donaldson, Robert F. Richard 2011 Virginia Tech University

Consistency And Change In Participatory Action Research: Reflections On A Focus Group Study About How Farmers Learn, Fred P. Piercy, Nancy Franz, Joseph L. Donaldson, Robert F. Richard

The Qualitative Report

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on our efforts to balance consistency in our multi-year participatory action research study with the need to adapt our research protocol to what we are learning along the way. While both are important, we share several examples of how our flexibility and openness to adapt our protocol to our research findings has lead to methodological refinements and serendipitous learnings. We discuss implications for both agricultural education and research.


Themes Of Identity: An Auto-Ethnographical Exploration, Peruvemba S. Jaya 2011 University of Ottawa

Themes Of Identity: An Auto-Ethnographical Exploration, Peruvemba S. Jaya

The Qualitative Report

The study is focused on understanding identity construction through combining my own experience with the theoretical underpinnings of postcolonial theory, social identity theory and through the examination of two films. The central question that I am interested in is understanding the identity construction and formation process especially as it relates to individuals who have crossed borders and immigrated or moved to countries other than their home countries. The methodology I am employing is auto-ethnography; I am integrating this by using two films as sites of inquiry. Through this introspective, reflection combined with the theoretical framework of identity I uncover themes …


Choreographing Intertextual Stories: Qualitative Inquiry Meets Oral History, Thalia M. Mulvihill, Amanda O. Latz 2011 Ball State University

Choreographing Intertextual Stories: Qualitative Inquiry Meets Oral History, Thalia M. Mulvihill, Amanda O. Latz

The Qualitative Report

In Oral History for the Qualitative Researcher: Choreographing the Story (2010), Valerie J. Janesick offers readers an engaging conversational exploration of oral history methods using the metaphor of choreography. Janesick weaves together the theoretical and practical dimensions of conducting oral history projects and generously shares valuable examples throughout the text.


Communicating Qualitative Research Study Designs To Research Ethics Review Boards, Carolyn Ells 2011 McGill University

Communicating Qualitative Research Study Designs To Research Ethics Review Boards, Carolyn Ells

The Qualitative Report

Researchers using qualitative methodologies appear to be particularly prone to having their study designs called into question by research ethics or funding agency review committees. In this paper, the author considers the issue of communicating qualitative research study designs in the context of institutional research ethics review and offers suggestions for researchers to consider in their communication of study designs to research ethics review boards. General information about the mandate of research ethics review boards is provided. In light of wide international variability with respect to research ethics regulatory environments and review board processes, specific considerations and suggestions about communicating …


Stressful Life Events And Behavior Change: A Qualitative Examination Of African American Women's Participation In A Weight Loss Program, Tiffany L. Cox, Christie Zunker, Brooks C. Wingo, Wendy K. Jefferson, Jamy D. Ard 2011 University of Alabama at Birmingham

Stressful Life Events And Behavior Change: A Qualitative Examination Of African American Women's Participation In A Weight Loss Program, Tiffany L. Cox, Christie Zunker, Brooks C. Wingo, Wendy K. Jefferson, Jamy D. Ard

The Qualitative Report

We qualitatively assessed how life stressors affected African American women's participation in a weight reduction program. A sample of 9 women, who completed a behavioral lifestyle intervention, participated in individual, structured, in-depth interviews. Life stressors, ranging from personal illness to changes in employment status, had varied effects on participation. Some women coped with life stressors by using them as a motivational tool to improve their own health, while others reported limited ability to devote time to attend meetings or engage in the prescribed lifestyle changes due to life stressors. A critical key to improving weight loss outcomes for African American …


Mixed Methods Research Of Adult Family Care Home Residents And Informal Caregivers, Guy C. Jeanty, James Hibel 2011 Carlos Albizu University

Mixed Methods Research Of Adult Family Care Home Residents And Informal Caregivers, Guy C. Jeanty, James Hibel

The Qualitative Report

This article describes a mixed methods approach used to explore the experiences of adult family care home (AFCH) residents and informal caregivers (IC). A rationale is presented for using a mixed methods approach employing the sequential exploratory design with this poorly researched population. The unique challenges attendant to the sampling strategy with this population, and an iterative approach of data collection and data analysis are discussed. A summary of the data integration process and outcome is presented.


Dialogic Exchanges And The Negotiation Of Differences: Female Graduate Students' Experiences Of Obstacles Related To Academic Mentoring, Sharon Hayes, Mirka Koro-Ljungberg 2011 West Virginia University

Dialogic Exchanges And The Negotiation Of Differences: Female Graduate Students' Experiences Of Obstacles Related To Academic Mentoring, Sharon Hayes, Mirka Koro-Ljungberg

The Qualitative Report

This study, framed by social constructionism, investigated the dialogic exchanges and co-construction of knowledge among female graduate students, who met to discuss the ways in which the differences between mentors and mentees might be negotiated in order to develop and maintain mentoring relationships that benefit both partners. Ten female graduate students, with qualitative research experience, participated in individual interviews and focus groups. Findings indicated our participants were open to the differences expressed, focusing on commonalities, rather than accentuating or suppressing stated differences. This negotiation of difference enabled our participants to co-construct more complex and legitimate understandings of mentoring. Collectively, our …


Compatibility Between Text Mining And Qualitative Research In The Perspectives Of Grounded Theory, Content Analysis, And Reliability, Chong Ho Yu, Angel Jannasch-Pennell, Samuel DiGangi 2011 Arizona State University

Compatibility Between Text Mining And Qualitative Research In The Perspectives Of Grounded Theory, Content Analysis, And Reliability, Chong Ho Yu, Angel Jannasch-Pennell, Samuel Digangi

The Qualitative Report

The objective of this article is to illustrate that text mining and qualitative research are epistemologically compatible. First, like many qualitative research approaches, such as grounded theory, text mining encourages open-mindedness and discourages preconceptions. Contrary to the popular belief that text mining is a linear and fully automated procedure, the text miner might add, delete, and revise the initial categories in an iterative fashion. Second, text mining is similar to content analysis, which also aims to extract common themes and threads by counting words. Although both of them utilize computer algorithms, text mining is characterized by its capability of processing …


Digital Commons powered by bepress