ATP Online Module July 2006Conducting Qualitative Research

Johanna Dvorak, Ph.DUniversity of Wisconsin-Milwaukeejdvorak@uwm.edu

Agenda

What is Qualitative Research? What are some types of qualitative

research? How can you become a qualitative

researcher? What are the steps in conducting

specific types of qualitative research?

What is Qualitative Research?

Human responses and perspectives about a program and its services

Based on a theoretical framework: Interpretivist paradigm: the world is

complex and changing Knowledge is socially constructed Inductive approach: questions may

evolve and change over the course of inquiry

Similarities to Quantitative Research

Based on a theoretical framework States a purpose Poses a problem or raises a

question Defines a research population Develops a time frame Collects and analyzes data Presents outcomes

Features of Qualitative Research

Assumptions (Theoretical Framework) Variables are complex, interwoven and difficult

to measure Purpose

Interpretation within context/setting Looking for perspectives

Approach Naturalistic Inductive Search for patterns Description

What are characteristics of a qualitative researcher?

Personal characteristics: observant and a good listener open, exploratory attitude thoughtful, seeking to interpret

meaning organized: looks for big picture and

details dedicated and willing to work hard persistent and patient

What are the steps of conducting qualitative research? Step 1: Question

Start with a question: What do you want to research?

Assignment: 1. State a question/topic in your setting which you would like to study. Spend time narrowing your topic.

2. Why do you want to study this question? What is your purpose? Why do a qualitative study? What methods will you choose?

Next Steps for ConductingQualitative Research: Steps 2 & 3

2. Choose a type of qualitative inquiry

3. List your field site, population, and time frame. Example: A case study of a college

tutoring program. Location: an urban Midwestern four-year public university. Population: 40-50 outstanding tutors and their tutees.Time frame: 4 semesters.

Step 4: Collect Data Types of Data Collection

Individual interviewsFocus groupsSurveysObservationDocumentation

Interviewing Techniques

Write an interview guide Have participants complete an

informed consent form Ask open-ended questions If you must ask yes/no questions,

follow up with a explanation question Probe with follow-up questions Tape your interviews and take notes

Forms Used to Conduct a Study

If you are drawing from student population to participate in the study, you are required to have permission from participants in an educational setting.

Check with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) on your campus for specifics. You may need permission from them to conduct your study.

See an example of a consent form in the notes section.

Focus Groups

Contact participants Incentives are helpful (food, gift

certificates…) Have participants complete a consent form Number the forms, so they can say their

number when they answer a question for identification on the audio tape

You can use the same interview guide as you use for an individual interview

Surveys

Develop questions based on interviews which can be given to a larger group of participants or to those who could not attend in-person interviews.

Ask for demographics and/or a student ID number

Using a Likert scale helps to give a degree of comparison on responses

Observation and Documentation

Participant Observation Example 1: Quietly sit at the back of a

classroom and observe, taking notes of what transpires

Example 2: Spend time in a tutoring center just observing the activity and listening to sessions

Collect Documentation Examples: annual reports, papers,

evaluations, emails, memos, websites, etc.

Step 5: Data Analysis

Transcribe tapes from your interviews into typed documents

Code data from transcripts and notes First: break down, examine, compare,

and categorize the data into subcategories

Second: relate subcategories together into larger categories (themes)

Strauss, A. & Corbin, J. (1990)Basics of Qualitative Research: Grounded Theory Procedures and Techniques. Newberry Park, CA: Sage Publications, p. 61 & p. 115.

Step 6: Writing your Research

Coding should reveal a status of categories: concepts repeatedly presented are

significant look at actions or incidents Arrange

themes into a logical progression Organize an introduction, body, and

conclusion Select the most significant quotes and

metaphors for your write-up

Writing the Conclusion

The conclusion should summarize findings of the study

Include recommendations for future research

Use metaphors which have emerged from your study

Include Metaphors in your Study

“From the program assistant directing student traffic like an air traffic controller to the tutor with his toolbox of techniques, to the student with ‘light bulbs going off in his head,’ metaphors abound for the tutoring experience. As Todd said, ‘It’s like a journey. You walk them down the path and show them what they need to look for during this process: where it starts, where it ends, and what the have to do along the way.’ ”

Summary of Qualitative Research:Steps 1-6

1. Pose a problem or raise a question

2. Choose a type of qualitative inquiry

3. Select a field site, define a research population, and develop a a time frame

4 & 5. Collect and analyze data 6. Write up your outcomes

Discussion Board

Please go to the Discussion board and respond to the prompt you will find for this module.

Thank you.