Discussion 1: Qualitative Research Questions

Discussion 1 Qualitative Research Questionsresearch Questions That Le

Discussion 1: Qualitative Research Questions Research questions that lend themselves to a qualitative approach often address questions about how people construct meaning. In this way, qualitative research questions set the stage for open-ended, inductive inquiry. For this Discussion, review the case study entitled, "Social Work Research: Program Evaluation." Consider the kinds of questions that inform a qualitative approach. Think about the quantitative method described in the case study and consider methods you might use to investigate the effectiveness of a program from a qualitative perspective. Post your explanations of the following:

  • What kinds of research questions lead to a qualitative approach?
  • If you chose to conduct quantitative research in your Week 4 proposal, how might you reframe the research question in a way that lends itself to a qualitative approach?
  • If you focused on a qualitative proposal in Week 4, describe the qualitative research question and explain the rationale for choosing a qualitative approach.
  • Be sure to explain how you might collect the data.
  • Consider which qualitative method (case study, grounded theory, ethnographic research, cross-sectional research, feminist research, or participatory action research) would be most suitable for answering the research question.

Please use the resources to support your answer. References Yegidis, B. L., Weinbach, R. W., & Myers, L. L. (2012). Research methods for social workers (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Allyn & Bacon. Lietz, C. A., & Zayas, L. E. (2010). Evaluating qualitative research for social work practitioners. Advances in Social Work, 11(2). Retrieved from

Paper For Above instruction

Qualitative research questions are primarily aimed at exploring how individuals interpret and construct their social realities. These questions often begin with words such as "how," "what," or "why," and are open-ended to facilitate an in-depth understanding of processes, perceptions, and meanings. For example, a qualitative research question might be, "How do clients in a military mental health clinic perceive the support they receive from social workers?" Such questions seek to understand participants' experiences rather than quantify variables, making them suitable for methodologies like ethnography or phenomenology (Yegidis, Weinbach, & Myers, 2012).

In contrast, a quantitative approach might pose a question like, "Does participation in a specific mental health program reduce symptoms of depression among military personnel?" To reframe this quantitative question into a qualitative one, it could be rewritten as, "How do military personnel experience and perceive the impact of a mental health program on their wellbeing?" This shift from measuring outcomes to exploring lived experiences aligns with qualitative paradigms, emphasizing understanding over numerical measurement.

If I were to focus on a qualitative proposal, the research question could be: "What are the experiences of military personnel receiving mental health services in a military clinic?" This question aims to explore participants' perceptions, challenges, and perceptions of care, providing rich descriptive data. The rationale for choosing a qualitative approach lies in its capacity to capture complex, subjective experiences, which are vital in understanding the nuances of mental health support within a military context (Lietz & Zayas, 2010).

Data collection methods for this qualitative inquiry might include in-depth semi-structured interviews, which allow participants to express their experiences freely while providing guidance to cover key topics. Additionally, observations within the clinical setting could offer contextual insights. The use of focus groups might also facilitate the exploration of shared experiences and group dynamics among military personnel. These methods would generate comprehensive, narrative data suitable for analysis through thematic coding and grounded theory development.

The most appropriate qualitative method for answering this research question would be phenomenological research, as it aims to understand individuals’ lived experiences in depth. Phenomenology is suited for exploring how military personnel perceive and make sense of their mental health challenges and treatment experiences. Alternatively, ethnographic research could provide contextual insights into the culture and environment of military clinics, capturing the social interactions and organizational factors influencing care. Both methods prioritize participant perspectives and contextual understanding, essential for forming meaningful insights into mental health experiences within the military setting.

References

  • Yegidis, B. L., Weinbach, R. W., & Myers, L. L. (2012). Research methods for social workers (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Allyn & Bacon.
  • Lietz, C. A., & Zayas, L. E. (2010). Evaluating qualitative research for social work practitioners. Advances in Social Work, 11(2).
  • Creswell, J. W. (2013). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. Sage.
  • Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative research and evaluation methods. Sage.
  • Seale, C. (1999). Critical moments in qualitative research. Sociological Research Online, 4(2).
  • Marshall, C., & Rossman, G. B. (2014). Designing qualitative research (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.
  • Moustakas, C. (1994). Phenomenological research methods. Sage publications.
  • Hammersley, M., & Atkinson, P. (2007). Ethnography: Principles in practice. Routledge.
  • Vaughn, S., & Turner, K. (2016). Qualitative research methods in social work. Journal of Social Service Research, 42(3), 289-298.
  • Corbin, J., & Strauss, A. (2008). Basics of qualitative research: Techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory. Sage.

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