|
|
|
Module Objectives When you have completed this module, you should be able to: 1. Develop appropriate research questions for qualitative studies that are supportive of the study's purpose and are compatible for specific research methods. (Case Assignment and Session Long Project) 2. Recognize and assess the subjectivity in qualitative research and the importance of developing a credible conceptual framework; (Case Assignment) 3. Examine and discuss the importance of developing a proper research question and its relationship to identifying and defining the case for the study (Case Assignment); 4. Understand the importance of developing an appropriate approach to qualitative studies and the various study factors that have an important influence on the development of an effective study design. (Session Long Project) 5. Understand the importance of and know how to develop an appropriate conceptual framework for a research study. (Case Assignment) Although conceptual frameworks have already been discussed in Modules One and Two, we will examine conceptual frameworks in greater detail in this module. In quantitative research there is a well defined process for developing a study framework. Most study frameworks are based on a conceptual model as well as a theory. The framework is constructed from the constructs which were developed and defined in the conceptual model. The constructs are linked by statements and the operational definitions for the constructs are then developed. Essentially a framework is a logical structure of meaning that guides the development of a study and allows the researcher to link the study's findings to the relevant body of knowledge (Burns & Groves, 1997). In fact every study has a framework which is eventually expressed as the study's methodology. In qualitative studies, the framework is usually the philosophy as it relates to the study's theories and outcomes. This means that qualitative study frameworks are not as tightly designed as those in quantitative research studies. This is further supported by the fact that qualitative research can be, and usually is, highly inductive. Although the qualitative researcher brings to the study certain ideas, only experienced researchers can usually operate successfully in an open, unstructured setting and only the experienced researchers can operate successfully with highly inductive reasoning (Remember that the skill of the researcher is so important in qualitative studies.). Therefore, a well constructed research design is initially, not always that important. However, for inexperienced researchers or experienced researchers exploring an unfamiliar area, a well designed structured methodology would be an asset if not a necessity. The question that confronts all qualitative researchers is "How pre-structured and tightly designed should a qualitative research be for a typical study?" The answer is that it depends on the researcher's approach. This includes the time available or allowed to conduct the study, the amount of information available about the area of interest, and the type of analysis that must be completed by the researcher or research team. It may appear to the student that the development of a conceptual framework is too abstract and difficult. I assure you that it is not. Proceed to the Background page where we will further learn to understand how to develop a conceptual framework. |
|
|
