Discussion: Reflections on Qualitative Research for Social Change

Be the change you wish to see in the world.
—Mahatma Gandhi, (1869–1948)
Indian Leader/Anti-War Activist

Education without action is like a billboard in abasement—big, bold, but actionable to no one. By incorporating socialchange as part of its mission statement, the leadership of WaldenUniversity is asking students, faculty, and leadership to consider thepossibility of how to use one’s education to deliberately be in theworld and make some part of it a better place.

Considerwhat you have learned from this course—the fundamental procedures ofhow to conduct qualitative research; and the critical processes thatidentify the researcher as a self-reflective co-participant. For thisweek, reflect on how these considerations have influenced yourunderstanding of research and your direction for your dissertation ordoctoral study.

To prepare for this Discussion:

• Review the readings from the Ravitch and Carl and Rubin and Rubinand consider reflecting on your experiences in qualitative researchthroughout this course.
• Review the media programs related to The Qualitative Dissertation Experience: A Doctoral Candidate Experience and consider the experience of other doctoral candidates through this qualitative research process.

By Day 3

Post your responses to the following:

• Explain what social change means to you as a Walden doctoralcandidate. What experiences from the course most influenced yourunderstanding?
• Explain what in qualitative research you would like to know more about as a result of taking this course.
• Reflect on your problem statement and the next steps for developinga research topic for your dissertation or doctoral study. Include anexplanation of whether you would choose a qualitative approach, why orwhy not.

Be sure to support your main post andresponse post with reference to the week’s Learning Resources and otherscholarly evidence in APA style.