Applying Principles of Qualitative Research to a Research Scenario

Developing a research study begins by identifying a research problem, which could be an area of concern or a difficultly that persists and that needs a meaningful and thorough investigation. The problem statement lays out the logic of the research project. Once an under-explored research problem is selected and identified, a research question is created to represent the topic or focus that needs to be researched. The literature might not address this question or it might provide incomplete answers to the question. The research question leads to the kind of data that need to be collected to respond to the question. The researcher needs to maintain methodological congruency and alignment by actively creating a link among research problem, purpose, research question, and approach; and by reflecting on how to best address the research question. Once the research problem, purpose, and question are determined, it is important to select the sample for the study (i.e., individuals, units, and/or settings being studied), and then identify how to obtain the sample through the use of selection criteria and type of sampling strategy.

In this Discussion, you will build on your qualitative scenario and expand your sampling strategy section to specifically identify selection criteria.

To PreparE

• Reflect on the qualitative research scenario you discussed in previous weeks. (Turnover in Non-Profit Organizations)
• Identify areas you need to build on and refine, and think about the specific selection criteria for your sample.
• Alignment of scenario elements is important. See the Examples of Aligned and Misaligned Scenarios document, which can be downloaded from the Week 9 Learning Resources area of the classroom.

By Day 3

This week is only about the qualitative scenario. Repost, or build on or refine as needed, your qualitative scenario using the following headings and according to the italicized instructions given for each element:

Program of Study: Identify your specific program of study and, if applicable, your concentration area.

Social Problem: Briefly describe the social problem or phenomenon of interest. Typically, this can be done in 3 or fewer sentences.

Qualitative Research Problem: Complete the following sentence: The scholarly community does not know…

Qualitative Research Purpose: Typically, this is a 1-sentence statement addressed by completing the following sentence: The purpose of this qualitative study is…

Qualitative Research Question: Typically, this is a 1-sentence question unless you have more than one research question.

Theory or Conceptual Framework: Identify a specific psychological or sociological theory or specific aspects of a conceptual framework that guides the scenario. Briefly describe how the specific theory or conceptual framework guides your research question and will aid in interpretation of results.

Qualitative Research Design: Identify a specific qualitative research design. Do not use broad terms, such as descriptive design, exploratory design, hermeneutics, lived experience, and so on. Briefly describe how the selected design fits your scenario.

Qualitative Sampling Strategy: Be specific.

Sampling Criteria: Identify specific eligibility criteria for your sample, and briefly defend the need for the eligibility criteria.

Qualitative Data Collection Method: Be specific.

Note: Use proper APA format. If helpful, support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.