Module 03 - Session Long Project

A Critical Review and Analysis of a Qualitative Research Method or a Qualitative Research Issue or Problem

For this course the Session Long Project (SLP) has two options. Option I is the analysis and critical review of a qualitative research methods or qualitative research issue or problem in the health sciences. Option II is the critical review and comparison of two specific qualitative research methods.

One of the important components of the Option I analysis is that the qualitative method you identify for your critical study/review is compared to another qualitative method. You are to examine these research methods and identify their strengths and weaknesses. More importantly, you will explore the theory supporting each methodology. Qualitative research demands that theory development and application to a particular subject be carefully explored before a study commences. You must know in theory and practice if the proposed qualitative research method will answer your research questions. You will also be required to discuss the specific research methodology in terms of the problems that you anticipate must be confronted and discussed when presenting a the study conclusions and findings.

The Final SLP is to be submitted as a completed project and uploaded to the Module 5 SLP anytime before the end of this session.

Option I: Critical review of a research issue or methodology

For Module One you have:

Identified a qualitative research issue or methodology to critically review. Defined and described the research issue or methodology which is the topic of your SLP.

Briefly discussed the type of research problems you will have to deal with and/or seriously consider as the SLP develops.

For the remainder of this course you are to:

1. Research and discuss the theory, background and development of your selected SLP topic (research method or issue/problem). Remember, to focus on theory as much as possible for this SLP.

2. Briefly discuss how the method is used to effectively study a specific health science problem or research issue, OR, how the problem or issue developed. For the latter, identify the stakeholders and the position of each if appropriate. Discuss the costs/benefits, tradeoffs, etc related to the problem or issue as appropriate.

3. Present examples of research conducted utilizing the subject method of the SLP , OR, how the problem or issue was resolved.

4. For both topics (issue/problem) discuss how the qualitative information/data was presented for your SLP topic.

5. Discuss the manner in which the conclusions were validated and if a logical chain of evidence was ever developed and presented.

6. Discuss tactics for confirming findings and standards for the quality of conclusions, if any.

7. Discuss any ethical issues involved concerning the issue or problem for your SLP topic.

Note: Items 3 thru 7 are general and may not directly apply to the specific issue or problem which your SLP is the subject. These items for discussion are guidelines and are presented so that you understand the direction that you should develop your SLP. Should you have any questions please email me. Should you desire feedback please upload work to SLP for the current Module at the time your request my review. I will be automatically notified when your work is uploaded for my comments/review.

For students critically reviewing a particular qualitative research method you are to give an example of constructs for a proposed study. Discuss the relationship of the constructs to the body of theory on which the particular qualitative method is based. (For those students researching a qualitative method for the SLP.)

Option II: Critical review and comparison of two specific qualitative research methods

For Module One you have:

Selected two qualitative research methods to critically review. Both research methods have been defined and described.

Discussed the type of research problems or questions that could be adequately researched with the qualitative methods selected above in question #1 for the SLP.

For the remainder of this course you are to:

1. Briefly discuss the type of research problems or questions that you believe could be adequately researched with the research methods identified in Module 1 SLP.

2. Research and discuss the theory, background and development of your selected research methods.

3. Briefly discuss how the selected research methods are used to study a specific health science problem or research issue.

4. Briefly discuss how this method is used to study the same health science problem or research issue presented in the Module 1 SLP. Focus your response on the theory developed to support the use of the specific qualitative methodology to study the research problem of issue.

6. Critically compare the theories supporting the qualitative research methods you have selected for study for this SLP. Focus on the foundation upon which the theory was developed and supports the application of the method to research in the health sciences.

7. Discuss the value of each method as an effective research method for the health sciences. Be sure to state the limitations of each method in health science research.

8. Compare the strengths and weaknesses of the selected qualitative research methods. Explain and discuss, if possible, if the weaknesses of the methods are attributed to a flaw in the method's supporting theory.

9. Briefly summarize your opinions and/or conclusions of your review and comparison to the two selected qualitative research methods.

10. Prepare the Final SLP and submit to course Professor.