The Practice of Designing Qualitative Research in Education

• In Event: 16.057 - Roundtable Session 5
  In Roundtable Session: 16.057-22 - Critical Issues in Qualitative Research Design

Abstract

This paper addresses a gap in methodological writing about quality research design, by offering a picture of typical practice in the design of qualitative inquiry and exploring its implications for scholars’ work, especially those who are relatively new to scholarly roles. Working from a range of methodological literature across multiple traditions of qualitative inquiry, joined with the author’s decades of personal experience designing qualitative studies and two decades of guidance to emerging scholars, the paper describes alternative pathways by which viable designs emerge, and highlights essential considerations and trade-offs in pursuing these pathways. While noting likely differences by tradition, the picture of qualitative design practice emphasizes common patterns and implications that are shared by multiple traditions.

Author

• Michael S. Knapp, University of Washington