Discussion 1: Conceptualizing a Qualitative Research Question

Good research is driven by the synthesis of one’s passionor interest with a topic that has been under-studied in theprofessional literature. Out of that synthesis emerges a gap—anarea in need of further study that is consistent with yourinterests—that defines the research problem. Clarifying the researchproblem takes time, effort, and thought.

Once you have developed your research problem, the research purpose and research question become self-evident.

What also becomes evident is your position withrespect to the topic, the question, and what you hope to find.Qualitative research recognizes that the research “space” is shaped byboth the participants and the researcher.

… the identities of both researcher and participants have thepotential to impact the research process. Identities come into play viaour perceptions, not only of others, but of the ways in which we expectothers will perceive us. Our own biases shape the research process,serving as checkpoints along the way. Through recognition of our biases,we presume to gain insights into how we might approach a researchsetting, members of particular groups, and how we might seek to engagewith participants (Bourke, 2014, p. 1).

For this Discussion, you will examine a researchquestion based on the purpose for inquiry, a rationale for the study,and issues of positionality.

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 yourguide.
• Review Chapter 3 of the Ravitch and Carl text and specifically usepages 70–76 to create a positionality memo to reflect on yourrelationship 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:

1. The research purpose of your inquiry
2. The rationale
3. Issues of positionality
4. The research question

Be sure to support your main post andresponse post with reference to the week’s Learning Resources and otherscholarly 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)

Walden University Center for Research Quality. (2015). Research resources: Research design & analysis. Retrieved from http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/researchcenter/resources/Design
Use this website to guide as you as you consider research design and analysis for your Discussions and Assignments during this week.

Walden University Library. (n.d.). Course guide and assignment help for RSCH 8310. Retrieved from http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/rsch8310
Use this website to search for articles based on the requirements for the Discussion and/or Assignment.

Document: Video Field Notes Guide (Word document)
Use this guide to help you as you take notes for your Scholar of Change video.

Document: Major Assignment 1: Developing a Research Topic for a Qualitative Study Assignment Guidelines (PDF)
Use this document to help you as you write your purpose statement for Part 1 of your Major Assignment 1.

Required Media

Yale University. (2015, June 23). Fundamentals of qualitative research methods: Developing a qualitative research question (Module 2) [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0HxMpJsm0I
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 12 minutes.
As you review this video, focus on how you will develop a good research question for your Major Assignment 1.

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.