Qualitative research answers questions about peoples’ beliefs and actions. It starts with gaps in the existing research or conversation surrounding a topic and uses primary source research—interviews, surveys, and observations—to answer a question that will fill that gap.
To successfully complete the qualitative research paper, follow this step-by-step process that includes assignments built into the next few weeks of class:
- Choose a topic in which there is a debate or a problem (the discussion forum will help with this).
- Find 5-7 sources that explore the debate or problem from a variety of different perspectives (you’ll complete the annotated bibliography to show your work here).
- Use the mapping worksheet to identify a gap in the conversation. What is NOT being said?
- Formulate a research question that
- addresses the gap in the conversation
- is open-ended
- is about what people think, feel, or do.
- Find someone to interview, whose experience or expertise will help you answer that question.
- Write a qualitative research paper that explains how your interview helped you answer your research question.
Assignment Requirements
- 5-7 credible, scholarly secondary sources
- 1 interview
- Organize using the qualitative research paper framework
- 1500-2000 words in length
- APA format
TOPIC: Equality and status of women in societyResearch questions:
- What are the benefits of social media platforms on online learning?
- To what extent has the social media networks negatively affected students?