Qualitative Methods Research Paper

Order Description
Each student will propose a research project (build on your research proposal) that will meet the needs of
the course. Students will have the opportunity to collect data and make sense of that data.
Students will be required to conduct 2 one-hour interviews, two hours of observation, and at least one type
of archival data. This data collection may fit your intended program research.
The data collection methods you select must be described in detail. You should include justification on why
you chose to use these methods.
Personal reflections should focus on your experience during the data collection phase, the quality of the
data you collected and the feasibility of using that data to address your research question(s).
The final research project should include the following:
• Abstract
• Purpose and research questions
• Subjectivity statement
• Literature review
• Description of participants and context
• Explanation of data collection process
• Explanation of data analysis
• Preliminary findings and discussion
• Response to research process
• Appendix to include transcribed interviews, observations notes, and archival materials
Students will present their research in class.
Subjectivity Statement
Develop a written statement describing why you selected your research question(s). How does it relate to
your identity based on your personal history, gender, race, ethnicity, particular interest, etc..
Interviews
Students will conduct 2 one-hour interviews. Create an interview guide, conduct the interviews, and
transcribe the interviews. For the final research project, you will include detail on the interview context, a
description of each interview process, situational factors, and any other details that are relevant to the
research.
Observation
Students will select a setting for a 2 one-hour observations and take expanded field notes. Students will
submit both the expanded and condensed notes.
Archival data
Students will collect archival data (documents, archives, artifacts, photos, files, etc.) related to their research
project.
Examples of archival data for projects related to school settings could include: mission/vision statements,
teacher’s planning materials, teacher’s resources, student papers, newsletters, leadership, etc.
Response to Research Process
Students will reflect on the effectiveness and limitations of their chosen research methods. Describe your
research question(s), study purpose, participants, research setting, and your personal subjectivity. This
content will allow you to reflect on the research process.