Setting Qualitative Research Essay

Writing Qualitative Research
Proposals
Joan L. Bottorff, PhD, RN
Professor and CIHR Investigator
School of Nursing, UBC
Phone: (604) 822-7438
Email: Bottorff@nursing.ubc.ca

Purpose of a Research Proposal
Communicates research plan to others

(e.g., funding agencies)
Serves as a detailed plan for action
Serves as a contract between investigator and funding bodies when proposal approved Qualitative Research: Basic
Assumptions
Reality is complex, constructed and

ultimately subjective
Research is an interpretative processes
Knowledge is best achieved by conducting research in the natural setting

Qualitative research
Qualitative research is unstructured.
Qualitative designs are “emergent” rather

than fixed.
The results of qualitative research are unpredictable. Morse, 1994

Kinds of Qualitative Research
Grounded theory
Ethnography (critical ethnography,

institutional ethnography, ethnomethodology, ethnoscience, etc.)
Phenomenology
Narrative Inquiry
Others

The Challenges for Qualitative
Researchers
Developing a solid convincing argument that the study contributes to theory, research, practice, and/or policy (the “so what?” question)
Planning a study that is systematic, manageable, and flexible (to reassure skeptics):
– Justification of the selected qualitative method
– Explicit details about design and methods, without limiting the project’s evolution
– Attention to criteria for the overall soundness or rigor of the project

Questions a proposal must answer
Why should anyone be interested in my

research?
Is the research design credible, achievable, and carefully explained?
Is the researcher capable of doing the research? Marshall & Rossman, 1989

To answer these questions:
Be practical (practical problems can not

easily be brushed off)
Be persuasive (“sell” your proposal)
Make broad links (hint at wider context)
Aim for crystal clarity (avoid jargon, assume nothing, explain everything)
Silverman, 2000

Sections of Typical Qualitative
Proposal
Introduction
– Introduce topic and significance
– Statement of purpose, research questions/objectives

Review of Literature
– Related literature and theoretical traditions

Design and Methods
–
–
–
–

Overall approach and rationale
Sampling, data gathering methods, data analysis
Trustworthiness (Soundness of the research)
Ethical considerations

Dissemination Plan
Timeline
Budget
Appendices

Introducing the Study – 1st para
Goal: capture interest in the study
– Focus on importance of study (Why bother with the question?)
– Clear and concise (details will follow later)
– Synopsis of the primary target of the study
– Persuasive logic backed up with factual evidence The Problem/Research Question
The problem can be broad, but must be

specific enough to convince others that it is worth focusing on.
Research questions clearly delineated
(sometimes with sub-questions)
Scope of the research question(s) needs to be manageable within the time frame and context of the study.

Purpose of the Qualitative Study
Discovery?
Description?
Conceptualization (theory building)?
Sensitization?
Emancipatory?
Other?

Literature Review
Selective and persuasive – building a case

for what is known or believed, what’s missing, and how the study fits in.
Literature is used to demonstrate openness to complexity of phenomenon, rather than funneling toward an a priori conceptualization. Methods – challenges here
Quantitative designs are often more

familiar to reviewers
Qualitative researchers have a different language Methods section
Orientation to the Method:
– Description of the particular method that will be used and its creators/interpreters
– Rationale for qualitative research generally and for the specific method to be used.

Qualitative Studies are Valuable for
Research…
that delves in-depth into complexities and processes
on little-known phenomena or innovative systems
on informal and unstructured processes in organizations

Show More

What Type Of Educational Issues Are Suitable And Preferred For Qualitative Research

ABW07 238 Essays

Understanding Business Research Terms And Concepts

Research: Scientific Method and Research Essay

Infant Safe Sleep

Nursing Home Observation Paper

The Impact Of State Minimum Staffing Standards On Nursing Home Care

Examine the Fields of Qualitative and Quantitative Research and the Advantages and Limitation of Each Paradigm. Essay

Informational Interview

Summary: Beyond The Stethoscope