Conceptualizing a Qualitative Research Question
Discussion1: Conceptualizing a Qualitative Research Question
To prepare for this Discussion:
- Consider the research topic you are developing for your Major Assignment 1.
- Review Chapter 3 of the Ravitch and Carl text and use Table 3.1, page 69 to help you create a rationale using the questions as your guide.
- Review Chapter 3 of the Ravitch and Carl text and specifically use pages 70–76 to create a positionality memo to reflect on your relationship to the topic.
- Review the Fundamentals of Qualitative Research Methods: Developing a Qualitative Research Question media program as a guideline to help you create a research question.
By Day 3
Transform your notes from your preparation work into four paragraphs and briefly explain in your post the following:
- The research purpose of your inquiry
- The rationale
- Issues of positionality
- The research question
Be sure to support your main post and response post with reference to the week’s Learning Resources and other scholarly evidence in APA style.
Learning Resources
Required Readings
Ravitch, S. M., & Carl, N. M. (2016). Qualitative research: Bridging the conceptual, theoretical, and methodological. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
- Chapter 3, “Critical Qualitative Research Design” (pp. 85–89) (previously read in Week 2)
Rubin, H. J., & Rubin, I. S. (2012). Qualitative interviewing: The art of hearing data (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
- Chapter 3, “Qualitative Data-Gathering Methods and Style” (pp. 25–39)
- Chapter 4, “Designing Research for the Responsive Interviewing Model” (pp. 42–57)
Required Media
Laureate Education (Producer). (2010). Doctoral research: Ensuring quality in qualitative research [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 4 minutes.
In this media program, qualitative research expert Dr. Laura Lynn talks about the issue of researcher bias in the interview process.
Scholar of Change Video #3
Anner, J. (2015). John Anner, PhD student in public policy and administration [Video file].
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 3 minutes.
In this media program, John Anner describes how he is using his Walden education to help NGOs build capacity and create solutions that address some of the world’s most-pressing problems—not only on a case-by-case basis but also on a global scale. As you observe, take notes using the Video Field Notes Guide.
Answer preview
My primary research topic focuses on the barriers that prevent children with special needs to take part in social activities mainly in Africa. The study will assist me to dig deeper and identify specific strategies that would help in overcoming the barriers that disabled children face (Rubin, 2012). Conducting this qualitative research will also provide a comprehensive approach of how to create awareness about the challenges that these children encounter and also gather support from the well-wishers.
The research purpose of my study is to establish major and minor barriers that interfere with the social participation among children with special needs. I have realized that the society fails to see that there is a significant problem when the special needs children fail to socialize …
(600 words)