My learning curve has been quite steep this week as I have contemplated qualitative research. While the Moller & Allen article provided an example of qualitative research, I focused more on the Hinchman article in order to process what is involved in this type of research. Hinchman states, “One needs time and energy to read widely, discern compelling questions, develop worthwhile theoretical groundings, gather and transcribe interviews or observational field notes, analyze data in ways that are thorough and consistent with theoretical groundings, and write” (p. 101).
As I read both articles in light of our previous readings and discussions, I was struck with Hinchman’s section on theorizing meaning. If I simply considered the process of qualitative research and did not consider the importance of perspective and how one constructs meaning, I would be unprepared for engaging in this type of research. “What I bring to the table”—all of my personal baggage, past learning experiences, and biases—will impact my qualitative research. Hinchman asserts, “We know that the theories that we develop to explain others’ experiences are colored by our own histories, values, and structures of meaning, only some of which are within our awareness” (p. 103). It is the very last part of this quote that troubles me. As hard as I might try to be objective, my personal history has been built on experiences, some of which are completely beyond my control. I am the sum total of these, and, at times, am completely unaware of how much I have been shaped by these.
Even though I am just beginning to learn about the processes involved in qualitative research, I already see the great value of member checks, peer review, and honest self-reflection. While member checks may be about “getting it right”, peer reviews and self-reflection may be more important in providing an accurate representation of the data.
Lisa Rasey
Comments (5)
Lisa,
I do like the idea of member checks, peer reviews and self reflection. I hate reading research articles that are just throwing numbers at you. They give you an explanation and that's it. When you are required to sit back and reflect on what you have done, it makes it more meaningful. The same is true for the member checks. I think it makes it more meaning for them and the researcher. To know that they really were a part of research and not just a guinea pig is very meaningful.
Posted by Sarah Feinman | February 15, 2009 6:23 PM
Posted on February 15, 2009 18:23
Hello Lisa,
I agree about the value of the member checks, peer reviews and honest self reflection. Those resources are what make qualitative research valuable. I also feel that honest self reflections is the most difficult piece of the puzzle. I think we are "wanting" to see what we are looking for, and therefore see it. Thus the crucial importance of the other two checks. Our peers won't be looking at the information the same way we are and thus will be a valuable and honest source of information.
Posted by SuSu Watson | February 16, 2009 11:55 AM
Posted on February 16, 2009 11:55
I agree with you, Sarah, and SuSu about the value of member checks and peer review. But, I also understand the points you are making when you talk about the "baggage" that you bring to the table or researchers bring to the table when they are conducting research. I also think it is important that we recognize this because our students do this everyday. They bring cultural differences, whether they are extreme differences or small. I feel that becoming aware of how our "baggage" can affect us is the one of the first things we can do to connect with our students and develop a supportive learning environment.
Posted by Elizabeth Griffin | February 16, 2009 1:26 PM
Posted on February 16, 2009 13:26
Lisa, something to consider would be to study a topic that is foreign to both you and your children. This way, you can leave your "baggage" at the door and have an experience with your students. Or, perhaps, let them suggest topics they know. Many of the children up here experiences many things we would not believe. This way, you could show them it is a safe environment to learn.
Posted by Whitney Gilbert | February 16, 2009 9:25 PM
Posted on February 16, 2009 21:25
Lisa,
Your concerns do indeed plagued qualitative researchers! Thus the validity practices of member checks and peer reviews. One thing that fascinates me about qualitative research, though, is the fact that the interpreter is a human being. The researcher has to make sense of social events, rather than a computer program. It seems to me that the human effect is actually a strength of qualitative research because it mirrors real life. And, different researchers who would interpret the same data differently is also a strength in my view, because you get multiple perspectives on the same phenomena -- which adds depth and richness and nuance to the situation. To me, I want to be able to understand data from all different perspectives, and only qualitative research can do that.
Posted by Alecia Jackson | February 20, 2009 10:30 AM
Posted on February 20, 2009 10:30