Chapter 14 - Designing qualitative research. After reading this chapter, you should be able to: Identify the role of the researcher in qualitative research designs and explain the potential effects of different researcher roles on the research process. Select, and argue for, an appropriate researcher role for a specific research project. Develop a purpose statement and research question for a qualitative research project. | Chapter 14 Designing Qualitative Research Variety of methodologies Researcher is primary data collection instrument Participation and observation are integrated Focuses on specific interactants in specific communication contexts and events Researcher’s Role in Qualitative Methodologies Role of researcher is integrated within the context of individuals being observed In the research context for extended periods of time Observes the communication firsthand Forms of Participant Observation Complete participant Participant-as-observer Observer-as-participant Complete observer Identifying the Research Focus Is the research question personally interesting or compelling? Should be contextually bound Each project will result in a unique design solution Develop a purpose statement as a road map Consider researcher’s flexibility to fit in Consulting the Literature Become familiar with content literature Terminology or practices in this setting Theories that can be supported or | Chapter 14 Designing Qualitative Research Variety of methodologies Researcher is primary data collection instrument Participation and observation are integrated Focuses on specific interactants in specific communication contexts and events Researcher’s Role in Qualitative Methodologies Role of researcher is integrated within the context of individuals being observed In the research context for extended periods of time Observes the communication firsthand Forms of Participant Observation Complete participant Participant-as-observer Observer-as-participant Complete observer Identifying the Research Focus Is the research question personally interesting or compelling? Should be contextually bound Each project will result in a unique design solution Develop a purpose statement as a road map Consider researcher’s flexibility to fit in Consulting the Literature Become familiar with content literature Terminology or practices in this setting Theories that can be supported or refuted Become familiar with research which used the method you’re planning to use Become familiar with research techniques before gaining access Asking or Stating the Research Objective Qualitative tends to emphasize description and explanation More common Research question or series of questions Research purpose or objective Connected to context studied Sampling in Qualitative Studies Snowball sampling Ask participants for referrals Network sampling Seek individuals who fit profile Purposive sampling Seek individuals who meet criteria Maximum variation sampling Seek participants until data are redundant Sampling Qualitative Data Impossible to observe every interaction of all interactants Determine the sample by identifying settings, persons, activities, events, and time Distinguish between routine, special, and untoward events Randomly selecting days and times increases the representativeness of your observations Gaining Access Consider What would you tell the people
