Edtpa Reflection

This chapter introduces the fundamental elements of qualitative research methods, beginning with a definition of qualitative of research, followed by discussion on the evolution of qualitative research methods and how it is different from quantitative research methods. Also discussed is the importance of ethical considerations when doing qualitative research.

Qualitative analysis refers to not the quantifying of qualitative data, but a nonmathematical process of interpretation, pursuing discovering concepts and relationships in raw data including interviews, observations, documents, visual footage and even quantitative data from elsewhere, and then have them organised into a theoretical explanatory scheme (Strauss & Corbin, 1990). It is more capable than conventional methods to obtain intricate details about a phenomenon (Strauss & Corbin, 1990).

A second reason why qualitative method is appropriate for investigating this question is that it gives the researcher the opportunity to serve as instrument for collecting data either by examining previous or current documents on the issue, observing the behaviour of participants or by interviewing the Creswell (2009, pp.175-6). This points out that the researcher is immersed and in direct contact during the data collection.

As one compares the work of Creswell (2013), McMillan (2012), and Stake (2010), it becomes apparent that their descriptions of the characteristics of qualitative research hold many similarities. As Creswell points out in his analysis of LeCompte & Schensul (1999), Hatch (2002), and Marshall and Rossman (2010), although there are distinct differences in approaches, “one can arrive at several common characteristics” (Creswell, 2013, p.45).

The practice of qualitative research comprises of many different paradigmatic approaches. The main three include positivism, interpretive, and critical approaches. These approaches serve as different ways in which knowledge is socially collected and analyzed. Now, each paradigmatic approach comprises of unique traits, some which are similar to each one another and others that are exclusive to a specific approach. These similarities and differences will be examined below.

The qualitative research serves to comprehend and explain on what a participant means (Morrow, 2005). In a more elaborate manner, Creswell (1998) defines qualitative research to be an analytical

As this week is spring break, I think it is a good time to transcribe one of my interviews. I transcribed my first 30 minute interview. To do this, I downloading a free trial of Nvivo. I transcribed the interview by slowing down the audio in Nvivo. I then typed the transcription. I had to replay the audio at least twice to get the correct transcription. After I transcribed the interview once, I went through a second time to ensure I transcribed correctly. It took approximately 1.5 hours to transcribe the interview.

Both qualitative and quantitative research methods are concerned with an individual’s point of view. Qualitative analysis tends to get closer to an individual’s perspective through the use of interviews and observation (Lincoln, 2003). Quantitative methods are unable to achieve and capture an individual’s perspective as they focus more on remote standardised procedures. Qualitative analysis provides explanations that tend to be rich in detail and capable of showing sensitivity and sequences in social life (Lincoln, 2003).

There are many different definitions of qualitative research; one definition that defines it well is; “a means for exploring and understanding the meaning individuals or groups ascribe to a social or human problem. The process of research involves emerging questions and procedures, data typically collected in the participant’s setting.” (Creswell, J. 2009)

Qualitative research is non-positivistic. This means that it “does not seek to produce quantified answers to posed research questions” (Madeyski, 2009, p. 5). Pope & Mays (1995) determined that the conclusions in research are interpreted rather than measured or revealed, which is imperative in defining the differences in qualitative research the facts of the research considered relative, rather than absolute. The two types of data collection chosen is face-to-face interview and observation, and telephone survey, these methods are administered by a trained interviewer and can have either a structured or unstructured line of questioning.

The power of qualitative research is its capability to supply complicated definition of how people reacts about the research issue. It supplies data about the “human” side of a topic. Qualitative methods are also useful in labeling abstract factors, such as gender roles, religion and ethnicity. When work with quantitative methods, qualitative research can help to define and better explain the complicated matter of a given topic and the conclusions of quantitative data.

In this paper an accepted and cultured common agreement and understanding of what Qualitative Research does really means, as it is understood will be presented. Through reflections of the material there’s a need to seek and review established definitions and in doing so there’s a possibility to arrive at a defined understanding of qualitative research. Finally, discussions will be centered on how is the process of qualitative research applied and conducted by a social scientist and what would be the "growth edge" when it comes to educating

Qualitative research incorporates methods that allow for comparisons and analyses to be made from a context-enriched theory. It is a dynamic process that allots for flexibility in events or situations that can further expound on the studied environment. Additionally, it is a nonlinear, subjective mode of study that engages indigenous voices, perspectives and stories which are rich in detail to explain the studied phenomena. Atieno, in An Analysis of the Strengths and Limitation of Qualitative and Quantitative Research Paradigms (2009) best describes this by emphasizing that “if the purpose is to learn from the participants in a setting or a process the way they describe it, the meanings they put on it, and how they interpret what they experience, the

Qualitative research mostly associated with representational inquiry explains a phenomenon through data collection of narrative provisions using a malleable research design and methodology. Researchers want to collect human experiences in order to describe why and how a specific phenomenon is occurring. This helps the researcher better understand human behavior. Data is usually collected from interviews, surveys and participant observation, which is then analyzed by the language of the informant, not by statistics.

Qualitative analysis is very important when undergoing research as it provides theoretical and practical analysis and explanation. Depending on the topic or issue that is being studied the importance of how the qualitative research is conducted is critical for the results that will be used as inputs to support hypothesis or arguments in the research conducted. The following paper will discuss the data production and method, which will explain the different approaches to qualitative analysis that exist, their positive and negative aspects, which will clarify why the method chosen was the most appropriate. This is followed by a brief transcription of the interview conducted where the most relevant aspects are chosen. The questions asked will be provided in the annex attached at the end. Last, a reflection on research findings and process will be presented that will include a key summary of the themes found in the interview, and assessing the quality and success of the interview.