Frequently Asked Questions

I cannot do statistics. I am not good at math. Can I do qualitative research?

Qualitative research is NOT the easy alternative to math or statistics. If you think that it will be an easy experience to conduct qualitative research, then you are in for a shock. Qualitative research is scientific with high level of academic rigor, and places strong emphasis on building evidence-based arguments and representations. If you are willing to work hard, engage in critical thinking, and invest a lot of time because you are passionate about what you want to study, then this is the right form of inquiry for you.

I am thinking about doing Mixed Methods Research because I can do statistics especially using a survey and some open-ended questions. Can I use mixed methods in your class? 

I do not encourage students to do mixed methods research. Mixed methods research currently is a weak framework for conducting qualitative inquiry. Social scientists have conducted mixed methods research where they have used previous studies to inform their current and future studies, or conducted studies where they integrated multiple data sources. However, if you really are committed to doing mixed methods research ask yourself the following questions:

1. What am I really mixing? Epistemologies, paradigms, theoretical frameworks, methodology, methods, analysis, and/or representations?

2. Am I really giving qualitative and quantitative methods equal space and consideration or is it mostly quantitative with some word data or mostly qualitative with some number data?

3. Is my data analysis qualitative or quantitative? What sources of data am I using to analyze and how? If you analyze your data statistically, you have a quantitative study with word data. If you analyze your data inductively, you have a qualitative study, with number data.

It is perfectly acceptable to use multiple data sources in your research and use one source of data to inform another or to select participants. In fact that has been the model of research in social sciences. However, if you claim to do a mixed methods study, then you have to design the study with respect to the integrity to both qualitative and quantitative methods. You cannot do an interview and collect mean, median, and mode data and call it mixed methods, can you? So why would you do that with survey data with two or three open-ended questions at the end? As a thoughtful researcher, you need to be careful about your research design, the merit of such design, and the claims that you can legitimately make out of the design.

I have taken your Introduction to Qualitative Methods Class. Can I do a qualitative dissertation now?

No you cannot do a qualitative dissertation based on the Introductory Class because the class is a very brief introduction to qualitative methods. You need to take the EDPR 8562 Advanced Qualitative Data Analysis class in order to even begin to understand how qualitative dissertation might inform your study.

I have heard that the EDPR 8562 Advanced Class can be used for residency projects. Is that true?

Yes EDPR 8562 can serve as a residency project as long as it is ok with your advisor and it is worked into your program of study. Many students take the class after they have done their residency projects and therefore However, the class is designed where students collect three different types of data and use two different types of data analysis (inductive, alternate) and produce a publishable paper and submit a conference proposal.

Do I need to get an IRB for EDPR 7/8561 or EDPR 8562?

No you don't need to get IRB for EDPR 7/8561 or EDPR 8562 if you are collecting the data just for the purpose of the class project. There is a standing class IRB that covers the data you will collect as long as it involves legally consenting adults who do not belong to a vulnerable population.

However, if you want to use your work for future publications or residency projects, then you need to apply for your own IRB. You can also do an exempt IRB at the end of the term asking to use existing data that you collected under the class IRB for the purpose of future publications and presentations, instead of drafting an entire IRB from scratch.

The workload in both the qualitative classes seem overwhelming. What tips do you have that can help me do well in the class?

1.Do your readings regularly.
2. Come to all classes.
3. Create study groups.
4. Use the Google group to talk to others.
5. Get the extra help that I offer in class to look over your work before they become due.
6. Try to look at the assumption a week before it is due so you can ask meaningful questions in class.
7. Don't leave your work till the last minute.
8. Don't assume qualitative methods is easy.
9. Pay close attention to APA format and citations.
10. Be prepared to live in ambiguity.

Are there any other qualitative methods classes offered by Educational Research apart from the Introductory and Advanced Class (EDPR 7/8561 & EDPR 8562)?

We are currently in the process of designing an Interview and Focus groups class to be offered in the 2008-2009 academic year. Also, we are considering offering a one week Summer Writing course, where you write up your qualitative data in a writing retreat.  

How can I get more involved in qualitative methods at the University of Memphis? I am not always on campus.

Join the Google Group Qualmethods at the University of Memphis to stay in touch with events, activities, other scholars, peers, and students from Qualitative Research Advancement Congress.