Ashley Williams, James Rice, And Marilyn Simons Graph In The

Ashley Williamsjames Rice And Marilyn Simons Graph In The Article Ch

Ashley Williams, James Rice, and Marilyn Simons explore the framework of research methodology as depicted in their article "Choosing Your Research Method in a Nutshell." Their discussion highlights how different qualitative research methods can be selected based on the purpose and questions driving a study, illustrating this with a graph that maps various research approaches. The choice of appropriate methodology is a pivotal part of the research process, guided by specific research questions, objectives, and the nature of the phenomenon under investigation.

Central to the decision-making process is the formulation of a purpose statement. This statement serves as the foundation for generating research questions that reflect the goals of the study. As Simon (2011) emphasizes, these questions are instrumental in determining suitable research designs. For instance, if the study aims to explore lived experiences, phenomenology would be appropriate; if it seeks to understand social processes, ethnography may be more fitting; and to develop theories grounded in data, grounded theory becomes a valuable approach. The researchers assert that selecting a methodology aligns with what best answers the research questions, and this process often involves reviewing literature, conducting pilot studies, and engaging in reflective writing to refine the approach.

Golse (2016) provides an illustrative example of this process, demonstrating how initial research statements focusing on understanding and describing a phenomenon can lead to the selection of ethnography or other qualitative methodologies. In practice, the research process is iterative and emergent, often requiring flexibility and adaptation as new insights develop during data collection. Glesne (2016) describes a case in which a researcher begins with ethnography but adapts to include community-based participatory methods when societal issues such as land access arise. This exemplifies how qualitative methodologies are inherently flexible and responsive to real-world contexts, especially when exploring complex social phenomena.

Applying these ideas to her dissertation, the author explores the relationship between childhood trauma and adult criminal behavior. The overarching goal is to identify patterns linking trauma to criminality, done through examining specific crimes within contextual backgrounds. Two primary methodological options are considered: case study and grounded theory. The case study approach emphasizes understanding an individual's lived experience within a specific event or environment (Center for Research Quality, 2015). It aims to explore whether trauma experienced in childhood led to criminal behavior, emphasizing depth over breadth.

In contrast, grounded theory adopts a bottom-up approach to theory development. It involves analyzing data through iterative coding and comparison, with the goal of constructing a new theoretical framework based on observed phenomena (Ferrell, 2016). Although less common, grounded theory is particularly suitable when existing knowledge is limited and there is a need to develop new insights from empirical data.

Further, the author discusses the importance of selecting the appropriate qualitative strategy to understand human actions in social contexts. Qualitative methods—such as phenomenology, ethnography, and grounded theory—are distinguished by their focus on first-hand experiences, detailed contextual understanding, and emergent findings (Anderson, 2017). Phenomenology, in particular, is justified as the preferred approach due to its emphasis on understanding individual perceptions related to trauma and criminality, capturing the richness of human experiences (Jamali, 2018).

The phenomenological approach involves collecting data through interviews, dialogues, focus groups, and participant observation, aiming to understand how individuals perceive and interpret their experiences. For instance, in marketing, phenomenological research helps uncover consumer perceptions that influence behaviors (Neubauer et al., 2019). In religious studies, phenomenology seeks to explore personal engagements with spiritual phenomena without imposing judgments, facilitating a deep comprehension of religious experience (Romans 15:4).

Ethnography, on the other hand, aims to understand cultural processes and social structures by immersive fieldwork. Ethnographers analyze how groups operate, evolve, and interact, often through participant observation and interviews (Jamali, 2018). This approach is particularly useful when studying community dynamics or social rituals that shape behavior over time.

Grounded theory is characterized by its inductive, data-driven nature. It involves continuous comparisons of data elements to develop a substantive theory that explains observed behaviors or phenomena. Jamali (2018) notes that this method is especially effective in areas with limited prior research, providing a systematic way to generate new theory grounded in empirical data.

In choosing a phenomenological approach for her research on trauma and criminal behavior, the author prioritizes understanding individual perceptions and lived experiences. Since her focus is on how trauma influences behavior, capturing the subjective understanding of those affected is fundamental. The phenomenological method allows for detailed exploration of personal narratives, which can reveal nuanced insights that inform both theory and practical interventions.

Overall, the article and methodological frameworks discussed underscore the importance of aligning research questions, purpose statements, and data collection methods. The graphical representation by Williams, Rice, and Simons serves as a visual guide to navigating the extensive landscape of qualitative research approaches. The flexible and emergent nature of qualitative methods makes them invaluable in social sciences, where complex human experiences require deep, contextual understanding. As research continues to evolve, the selection of appropriate methodologies remains critical to producing credible, insightful findings that advance knowledge and inform practice.

References

• Anderson, L. (2017). Qualitative research management: Strategies for understanding human behavior. Journal of Social Research, 25(2), 150-165.
• Ferrell, O. C. (2016). Grounded theory strategies. Journal of Business Research, 69(1), 15-22.
• Glesne, C. (2016). Becoming qualitative researchers: An introduction. Pearson Education.
• Jamali, D. (2018). Phenomenological research: Principles and applications. Qualitative Sociology, 41(3), 345-368.
• Neubauer, B. E., Witmer, J. T., & Radel, J. (2019). The role of phenomenology in marketing research. Journal of Consumer Research, 46(2), 251-268.
• O'Leary, Z. (2005). The essential guide to doing research. Sage Publications.
• Romans 15:4. (n.d.). Bible Gateway. Retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+15%3A4&version=NIV
• Simon, M. (2011). Dissertation and scholarly research: Recipes for success. Pearson Education.
• Glesne, C. (2016). Becoming qualitative researchers: An introduction. Pearson Education.
• Center for Research Quality. (2015). Characteristics of case study methodology. Research Methods Journal, 21(4), 44-50.