Doing Qualitative Research: Why and How

1. Doing Qualitative Research: Why and How Pornapit Darasawang School of Liberal Arts King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi Pornapit.dar@kmutt.ac.th

2. What is qualitative research? • An enquiry process of understanding based on distinct methodological traditions of enquiry that explore a social or human problem. The research builds a complex, holistic picture, analyzes words, reports detailed views of informants, and conducts the study in a natural setting. Creswell, 1998

3. Why doing qualitative research • To answer the RQ which starts with how or what (instead of why and looking for comparison of groups). • The topic need to be explored in order to develop theories. • To present the detailed view of the topic. • To study individuals in their natural setting.

4. How to start the qualitative research Research framework • Area • Topic research questions • Context • Participants • Research instruments

5. Purposive sampling • Maximal variation sampling (when the research samples cases or individuals that differ on some characteristics or traits to display different dimensions of that characteristics.) • Extreme case sampling is used when we study the case that displays extreme characteristics. • Typical sampling look for interpretation.

6. After data collection has started. • Opportunistic sampling to unfold events that will help answer research questions. • Snowball sampling by having the participant recommend other individuals to study. • Confirming and disconfirming sampling to test or explore further specific findings to verify the accuracy of the findings.

7. What instruments will you use to answer the following research questions • Research topic: The Effect of E-mail Recasting on Writing • What are the effects of e-mail recasting by the native speaker teachers on students’ writing?

8. Research topic: Students’ Reactions towards Simulations • How do students react to the use of simulations in an oral communication course?

9. Research Instruments Used in Qualitative Research • Interview: semi-structured interview, free interview, focus group • Introspective method: stimulated recall, think aloud • Diary study • Observation

10. Case study • It is an exploration of a ‘bounded system’ or a case over time through detailed, in-depth data collection involving multiple sources of information rich in context. • The bounded system is bounded by time and place, and it is a case being studied, e.g.a programme, an event, an activity or individuals.

11. Data analysis • Establishing patterns • Categorising the data into themes

12. Reliability of the data analysis • Triangulation • Using inter-rater (20% of data) and report discrepancy of the analysis • Reporting interview data

13. Triangulation • Researchers make use of multiple and different sources, methods, investigators and theories to provide corroborating evidence. Typically, this process involves corroborating evidence from different sources to shed light on a theme or perspective.

14. Writing up • Detailed description of context • Explanation of methodology (e.g. duration, language, role of researcher) • Data presented through themes with examples of relevant excerpts