Qualitative
Research Review Guidelines
Select
a minimum of two published research studies to read and review this
semester. Select studies that demonstrate
appropriate applications of qualitative methodology. (Students are encouraged to locate studies
related to their own research interests, but please keep in mind that the
purpose of this assignment is to acquaint the student with models of
qualitative methodology.) Literature
reviews and theoretical discussions are not appropriate for this assignment.
Read
the complete article (abstracts are not acceptable) and write a summary and
critical review of the research.
Students are also expected to present an oral review and critique of the
research.
Summaries
should include (but are not limited to) the following information:
1. Complete reference citation (APA format)
2. Background for the study
Why
is this an important topic? Why did the
researcher undertake the study?
3. Purpose
What
did the researcher set out to do? Were
there any research questions and/or objectives?
4. Methods and Procedures
How
did the researcher carry out the study?
What type of people, places, situations, etc. were of interest (Who,
What, Where, When)? How did the
researcher go about collecting data? What types of data were collected (e.g.,
fieldnotes, videotapes, interview transcripts, etc.)? What types of qualitative techniques were
employed (e.g., observational case study, fieldwork, etc.)? How did the researcher address ethical
issues? What data analysis procedures were employed? What measures did the
researcher take to ensure dependability of results?
5. Results
What
did the researcher learn? Were there any
emerging themes? Were there any
surprises?
6. Discussion
How
do these findings compare with the related research? What are the implications of this research
for the profession?
7. Critique
Discuss
the strengths and weaknesses of the research study.
Was
the research design logical, ethical and appropriate to the situation? Did the researcher employ any techniques to
ensure accuracy and control for bias (such as triangulation)? Was the report clearly written? Does the study hold implications for the
profession?