My reflection blog today is about the main elements of qualitative research and how it relates to my experiences or aspirations.

Qualitative Research

The qualitative research is an approach used to describe life experience and giving them a meaning or purpose. This type of approach is commonly used when trying to develop a theory or idea in the beginning stages of the research process. The main elements of qualitative research being historical, ethnographic, or narrative research they each have their basis of importance.

My research effort falls into the concept of ethnographic research where in-depth analysis of a current problem or process which is centered amongst common beliefs or values of an organization using the concepts of Culture of Accountability. My qualitative data research would require an analysis of case studies or other companies using the Culture of Accountability to help align my assumptions or expectations of the research.

I may even have to research out to the authors and developers for information to support the research for developing a research statement, or hypothesis.  I have learned in the past that those individuals that are subject matter experts are very willing to help students, and the hardest part was asking.

My experiences

I think as a person, I tend to use a qualitative idea not only in writing research by in general conversation, especially in topics that have debate type such as politics, the recent riots, or social reform such as welfare or even taxes. Those are everyday type of things seen on the news, but we all have an opinion that we tend to apply some type of qualitative theory or hypothesis to the situation.  I can get into some pretty opinionated debates with students or my husband, who is just as well educated and experienced as I am on certain topics, however we have different views. 

The value in my experiences is using the qualitative result is in writing as it is very easy to veer off and develop many theories about a topic, which is where I am today in my research. I have to find that medium and develop a few hypothesis statements that relate to each other and keep it simple, not allowing the research to overcome my on ideas.

My Aspirations

My hope or aspiration is that I have picked a topic that is not too difficult to prove with good results. Additionally, there are not aloof available surveys centered around my topic of Culture of Accountability. I hope my efforts in reaching out to the authors of the topic can shed some light on opportunities to research the topic that is simple and concise, without changing my approach multiple times. 

Conclusion

The qualitative research is good approach to help a researcher get started with their proposal. I feel it allows you to look at all your information available and then make a decision that works for your effort. As I have learned, a project can have both qualitative and quantitative type approach to their research. I would think it would be difficult to define that your research is just one or the other. I have done allot of thinking this week about this concept alone, and I often find myself in circles on a topic. I hope after the future information about quantitative will help me in my endeavors.