Qualitative Research Assignment Explanation and Logistics



Qualitative Research Assignment Explanation and LogisticsThe Genre:Qualitative research investigates the human experience by exploring a social or human question. Researchers identify their focus and work to build a complex, holistic picture of the “story.” To do this, researchers use their focus to determine a question or set of questions and research library and Internet sources and research methodologies for fieldwork (surveys, interviews, observations). This combination of strategies and methodologies allows researchers to gather evidence from multiple, divergent sources which allows them to uncover and critique biases, underlying assumptions, and gaps in the existing body of knowledge. Researchers must closely analyze the evidence to uncover the trends or patterns in the “found” data. These trends or patterns are then synthesized to articulate the findings and their implications or significance. Notable Characteristics of Qualitative Research: 1. Establishes a research focus and question or set of questions. 2. Develops a nuanced claim to illustrate the significance of the research. 3. Describes the researcher’s relationship to the participant, setting, and/or culture. 4. Describes the combination of research strategies and methodologies. 5. Discusses the researcher’s findings. 6. Formulates a conclusion that articulates the implications or significance of the research findings.Dates:Steps and dates to be mindful of for your qualitative research assignment:Topic ProposalDue: February 26th Research Note CardsDue: March 1stResearch Paper Outline (Req. all options) Due: March 3rdNot-Quite-Final DraftDue: March 9thResearch Paper/Multi-genre Final CopyDue: March 17th Rubric:This assignment is worth 150 points. The rubric is available on Mr. Wolfe’s website under the Qualitative Research section for printing purposes.The rubric is also linked here. You may have to download the file in order to open/see it.Tools to Use: How will you efficiently, effectively, and accurately complete your chosen research option?Consider using one or more of these tools and skills we have practiced this year in English 12:5W’sCompare/contrastSOAPSTONEElements of ThoughtStructure of Argument: PEACritical lenses: feminism, historical, socio-cultural, structuralism, psycho-analytical, MarxistAudience appeals and avoiding fallaciesRecall, Interpretation, ApplicationCraft: characterization, irony, satire, dialogue, theme, foreshadowing, allusionContent: Freytag model of plot, character, theme Making Connections (text-to-self, text, or world)Synthesis Webs (specifically for craft and content)Use to organize thinking and clarify ideasUse to transition from ideas in your head to ideas on paper that can be outlined for writing Inductive and Deductive reasoningVocabulary (connotation and denotation)Background knowledgeAnnotationDiscussing concepts with others to clarify and deepen comprehensionUsing resources in a timely and purposeful way Option #1: Research PaperYou will choose a topic or individual and his/her works to research. You will read about your topic or individual and create research questions about the topic or individual. For example, if you chose an author, you could look at how that author crafts certain content within the context of a particular piece, or you could look at the author’s collective works through a critical lens (historical/Marxist/feminist/psycho-analytical) and comment on what the works reveal about the author, his/her ideas, or the time period. You decide what aspect of the works you want to research.The paper should be 7-9 pages, typed, double-spaced, 12 pt. font. You will need at least 10 different sources. You will need to use MLA format for the entire paper. If you have questions about MLA, ask me or consult The Owl at Purdue website.Ideally, the topic or individual you choose should relate to a field of study in which you are passionate or curious and possibly in a field that you are wishing to pursue; consider revisiting your Finding Your Purpose assignments. Be careful not to pick a topic that is too specific (you won’t be able to find enough research on it) or too broad (you won’t be able to focus your findings sufficiently within the page limit).Questions to consider when choosing your topic…Am I truly interested in this topic?Do I have access to enough information from a variety of reliable sources?Is the subject just right: neither too narrow nor too broad?What would I like to contribute and/or learn more about pertaining to my purpose (mission, vision, vocation, profession)?Is there a human element to the thesis?How do I want to make an impact and difference in society??Example of a Research Paper Layout by Diana Hacker: Option #2: Multi-genre ProjectA multi-genre project is a student-created collection of three to twelve shorter pieces centered around one topic. A multi-genre research project is personal and creative. It involves you, as a writer, making conscious decisions about what information is important about your topic of choice and how it should be presented to the reader. This is a great opportunity for you to be creative while conducting research. Multi-genre option: If you decide to create a non-traditional research paper, you need to include at least seven to nine different genres/modes when presenting your researched information in order to honor and adhere to the required page length for those choosing options #1 or #2. Be sure you match the genres/modes of writing with your topic. Genre/mode options: Poem, letter, interview questions and responses, résumé, newspaper/magazine article or blog, dialogue in the form of a text conversation or email thread, a speech, theatrical scene/skit, memo, application (job, scholarship, award, organization), cover letter, legal draft (facts/legal principles), will, obituary, family tree, a dedication, diploma, bumper sticker, police report, invitation, epitaph, daily schedule, advice column, advertisement, laboratory notes, psychiatrists’ report, directions/instructions, Facebook profile, wanted poster Please see me if you have other genres you think would be appropriate for your topic but are not listed here. Your chosen genres and their sequence still need to introduce, develop, and conclude your topic: provide background information, introduce the subject, connect and explain the various genres and the purpose behind them, introduce your thesis, inform your readers of anything that you think the readers need to know, build and support your argument, summarize your genre pieces, revisit your thesis in a fresh or new way, add the last pieces of evidence or analysis for understanding, and leave your readers thinking. The paper should be 7-9 pages, typed, double-spaced, 12 pt. font. You will need at least 10 different sources. You will need to use MLA format for the entire paper. If you have questions about MLA, ask me or consult The Owl at Purdue website. ................
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