- 3a. Tenets of good qualitative research
- 30%
- Write a paper of about 2500 words, without exceeding 3000 words [8-10 pages], in which you succinctly outline and explain, from what has been read and discussed in this course, your understanding of the tenets of good qualitative research, including the theory [referenced] that informs such tenets.
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- Your final assignment will be graded primarily on content; however, factors such as overall presentation, clarity, grammar, relevance, organization, spelling, referencing, and so on will also be considered. More information will be provided on formatting and referencing as we approach week 6.
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- What precisely is meant by the word "tenet" as it is being used here?
- Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary available at http://www.m-w.com/dictionary.htm offers a helpful definition of "tenets" in light of the assignment. It defines a tenet as, "a principle, belief, or doctrine generally held to be true; especially: one held in common by members of an organization, movement, or profession."
- The "tenets of good qualitative research" are those principles and beliefs generally held to be true by the community of quantitative researchers. Examples of tenets that have been discussed by previous successful learners in this course include the following.
- Triangulation - the learner discussed four types of triangulation, i.e. triangulation of measures, triangulation of observers, triangulation of theories, and triangulation of methods. The discussion illustrated how triangulation increases the validity and rigor of a research project.
- Reflexivity - the learner discussed whether or not objectivity in qualitative research is possible and examined the benefits of reflexive reporting on research findings. The discussion illustrated that if the researcher is transparent about personal views, agendas, biases, and so on (i.e. is reflexive) it enables the consumers of his or her research to make more informed decisions about its validity and applicability in light of their needs.
- Well considered participant selection - the learner explored the various issues associated with determining who will participate in a qualitative research project with a view to gaining the most useful and valid insights into the phenomenon under investigation. The discussion included exploring sources of bias that can emerge during participant select and so on.
- Of course there are many other tenets worthy of discussion, virtually an unlimited supply. You will have to identify those tenets that are most meaningful to you as the course advances.
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- 3b. Critique of research article
- 20%
- (Note: This assignment has been altered slightly from the original instructions. All students will review the same article as opposed to each picking a different one. This change has been instituted for the Spring and Summer versions of this course with a view to making the course more manageable for students and instructor.)
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- Read the following research article: "Changing Instructional Practice: The Impact of Technology Integration on Students, Parents, and School Personnel" located at http://ejite.isu.edu/Volume2No2/AlexRay.htm.
- You are asked to critique this article according to the tenets which you have outlined, explained and referenced in "part a" of your paper. Your critique should be about 1000 - 1500 words [4-5 pages] in length and no longer than 2000 words. This article leaves plenty of room for you to point out how the research project could have been improved.
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- 3c. Self evaluation as a learner/practitioner/researcher
- 10%
- Write an evaluation of yourself as a learner/practitioner/researcher. Your self evaluation should be about 1000 words in length and no longer than 1500 words [4-5 pages]. During this evaluation you should address the following questions and issues.
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- · What were the most helpful elements of this course for you personally?
- · What elements are you still struggling with?
- · What elements of the course do you feel you will actually apply in your future learner/practitioner/researcher journey with a view to making you more successful?
- · What are the key challenges you must rise to if you are to be a successful learner/practitioner/researcher throughout the remainder of your journey?
- · What are your preliminary plans for rising to these challenges?
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EDER 603.16
Qualitative Research Methods