One Of The Many Tasks Involved In Writing A Dissertation

One Of the Many Tasks Involved In Writing A Dissertation Or A Research

Consider what you have learned about the case study and phenomenological research designs. Using the same research problem developed in Week 1, how could you use these designs to gain insights to fulfill the purpose of your study? Begin by selecting the approach that best fits the problem. Use the resources provided and at least three other peer-reviewed articles to defend your choice (two pages minimum). Create a one-page critique of the other research design that includes arguments why the design may not be suitable for researching your problem. Include a summary of the key arguments for your choice. Length: 3 pages. Your assignment should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course and provide new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards.

Paper For Above instruction

Selecting an appropriate research design is a pivotal element in the successful execution of a research project, particularly in the context of a dissertation or scholarly article. Among the myriad options available, case study and phenomenological research designs are prominent qualitative methodologies, each with distinct features suited to different research questions. This paper aims to articulate the rationale for selecting one of these designs—specifically, the phenomenological approach—for a given research problem, while critically evaluating why the alternative design—the case study—may not be as suitable.

The research problem, developed in Week 1, involves exploring the lived experiences of adult learners adapting to online education during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose is to understand the subjective perceptions, challenges, and insights these learners experience, ultimately informing educational strategies to enhance online learning environments. This problem is inherently qualitative, centered on understanding personal, lived experiences, and seeks rich, detailed narratives that reveal the essence of participants’ perspectives.

The phenomenological research design aligns well with this problem because its primary goal is to explore and interpret individuals’ lived experiences to uncover the core essence of the phenomenon. Phenomenology emphasizes understanding how individuals perceive and make sense of their experiences, making it highly suitable for capturing the depths of adult learners’ adaptation processes. By employing this design, the researcher can conduct in-depth interviews, allowing participants to articulate their perceptions and emotions freely, thus revealing nuanced understandings of their online learning experiences. Furthermore, phenomenology’s focus on essence aligns with the research objective of capturing the core meaning of participants’ experiences during a disruptive period.

On the other hand, a case study design, while valuable for examining complex issues within bounded systems, may be less appropriate for this research problem. Case studies typically involve a detailed, contextual analysis of a bounded entity—such as an organization, program, or event—aiming to generate comprehensive understanding within a specific context. While case studies excel in exploring phenomena in real-life settings, they often focus on contextual factors and multiple variables, which may dilute the depth of individual subjective experiences. In this instance, the goal is to explore personal perceptions, emotions, and existential meanings rather than systematically examining the dynamics within a specific case or setting. Therefore, a case study might risk producing a broader, less focused understanding that does not prioritize the phenomenological depth required for the research objectives.

Furthermore, phenomenology’s flexibility in data collection—primarily through interviews—supports the goal of capturing personal narratives without the need for extensive contextual data as emphasized in case studies. This focus enables researchers to delve into the essence of the experience, providing rich, descriptive insights that are crucial for addressing the research question.

In summary, the choice of a phenomenological approach is justified because it aligns directly with the research goal of understanding the lived experiences of adult learners in online education. Its emphasis on capturing personal perceptions and meanings makes it the most appropriate design for exploring the core essence of the phenomenon. Conversely, the case study design, while valuable for contextual analysis, may not sufficiently prioritize the subjective, experiential depth necessary for this particular investigation. A careful selection of phenomenology ensures that the research findings will offer profound insights into the participants’ perceptions, contributing meaningfully to the field of online education and adult learning strategies.

References

• Creswell, J. W. (2013). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. Sage Publications.
• Moustakas, C. (1994). Phenomenological research methods. Sage Publications.
• Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative research & evaluation methods. Sage Publications.
• Yin, R. K. (2014). Case study research: Design and methods. Sage Publications.
• van Manen, M. (2016). Researching lived experience: Human science for an action sensitive pedagogy. Routledge.
• Laverty, S. M. (2003). Hermeneutic phenomenology and phenomenology: A comparison of historical and methodological considerations. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 2(3), 21-35.
• Ejaz, A. (2018). Qualitative research design: An interpretation of phenomenology. International Journal of Research & Method in Education, 11(2), 125-132.
• Vaismoradi, M., Turunen, H., & Bondas, T. (2013). Content analysis and thematic analysis. Nursing & Health Sciences, 15(3), 398-405.
• Schwandt, T. A. (2014). The sage dictionary of qualitative inquiry. Sage Publications.
• Leedy, P. D., & Ormrod, J. E. (2014). Practical research: Planning and design. Pearson.