MA3C0207 丁筱雯

Qualitative research is uniquely suited to discovery and exploration.

A research proposal consists of two sections:WHAT the researcher wants to learn more about (the study’s conceptual framework)HOW the researcher will learn about this issue or question (its design and methods).

The large end describes the general phenomenon—the topic—and articulates the theoretical perspective.

The smaller end describes the specific project proposed.

Introduction Overview of the conceptual framework and

design and methods

Conceptual Framework (the what) Topic and statement of the problem Purpose and significance Background for the study Overview questions and sub questions Limitations Place boundaries around the study Define important concepts and terms Show gaps Establish the importance of the study

Design and methods (the how) Overall approach and rationale Site or population selection and sampling

strategies Data gathering procedures Data-analysis procedures Trustworthiness and methodological limitations Ethical considerations

Making decisions is integral to learn how to do qualitative research.

Appendixes Informed consent forms Draft interview guide Draft observation protocol Preliminary analysis framework

Establish the what of the study What do you want to learn about? What is already known about this topic? What questions remain unanswered? What assumptions are you making when

you ask the question?

Conceptualizing your study is perhaps the most important step in your research.

The conceptual framework explains the way you are thinking about your topic.

The conceptual framework presents your theory of the world you will be studying.

The conceptual framework is grounded in your own experience, existing research and existing theoretical base.

Your own experience in practice informs your conceptualization.

What other people have discovered about the topic is foundational.

Conceptual framework has a theoretical base.

Aids in describing and explaining the phenomenon diagnosing the situation

Sharpens the focus; provides categories for analysis

Provides insight into the basic character of the phenomenon

Serves as a source of hypothesis generation Links the inquirer’s questions to large

theoretical constructs and policy discussions

Precious research and theoretical writings ground your study in an ongoing conversation about the topic.

Share the results of previous studies that are related to yours.

Show gaps which your study can contribute.

Describe the focus of the proposed research and briefly forecasts and methods.

Establish the credibility of the project. Should evoke the reader’s interest. This is where you establish your voice,

or authorial point of view.

Topics are what interest us. Booth, Colomb, & Williams (1995)

I want to learn about _______. What are the component parts of the

topic? How do these parts relate to one another? Hoe does the topic relate to a larger

domain?

Interrogate the topic be viewing it as dynamic and changing: What is the history here? What were its beginnings, and where is it

now? Further refine the topic by asking

about its categories and characteristics: How does it vary? along what dimensions? How are the cases of it different from and

similar to one another?

This set serves five purposes: Establishes the theoretical framework that

guides your study Demonstrates that you are knowledgeable

about the topic Reveals gaps in that literature that your

study can begin to address Leads toward the general research

question that your study will pursue Articulates a sound rationale or need to

conduct the study

Purposes for research: Describing Comparing and contrasting Forecasting To understand To develop To discover

Creswell (1994) The purpose of this study is to ___ (describe?

compare and contrast? forecast?) the ___ (central concept being studied) for ___ (person? group? ) using a ___ (method of inquiry).

The result will be in a ___ (descriptive portrait? discussion of themes and patterns?)

At this stage in the research, the ___ (central concept being studied) will defined generally as ___ (provide a general definition of the central concept).

Situate your study as addressing a particular, important problem.

How you define the research topic and problem shape the study’s significance.

Be sure that statements about the project’s significance match the agency’s needs and priorities.

The significance responds to the following: Who has an interest in this domain of

inquiry? How will this new research add to theory,

policy, and practice in this area? How might it be of benefit to the

participants and therefore of significance to them?