In my qualitative course discussion boards, contrasts between qualitative and quantitative approaches to research are frequent topics of conversation. I realize that one way of looking at the difference is by assigning researchers and their research to paradigms or worldviews (e.g., postpositivist, constructivist, pragmatic, etc.). But based on my limited experience, only those who have had some background in philosophy (or advanced qualitative courses or advanced methods courses) think in those terms (or even know those terms). The real difference I see in many instances is not how the world is viewed but how the role of the researcher, and more specifically, how the relationship between researcher and participant (to use my preferred term; many insist on calling people 'subjects') is viewed.
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Lots of disruption in my life; lots of changes.
I moved to Mobile, Alabama, in preparation to begin my first post Ph.D. faculty position. I cannot call this my first 'fulltime' faculty position because I did work as a Visiting Instructor after I completed my masters' degree. I am on the verge of completing the 18 hour graduate certificate in qualitative research at Nova Southeastern University. This program was the inspiration for this journal/blog and has been life altering in many ways; perhaps more so than my doctoral studies. For the first time in many years, I have not competed in races this summer. I did have one triathlon 'free' year while living in New Mexico (desert conditions = minimal water). I just regained swimming pool access last week but my bikes are all still in packing boxes. I am easing into things and expect to be back next summer in better form than ever. Mobile is a runners' city in many ways so maybe this is a good time to re-approach some long distance (for me, that means marathons) running. Within the changes, some things seem to be staying the same - still working on some of the same (unfinished) projects I initiated as far back as last fall semester, and I have to get my head wrapped around class preparation after having the wonderful luxury of a semester devoted to my dissertation work. I also am committed to 3 presentations (so far) during the upcoming academic year. What I do not have is any planned self-initiated research but hopefully that is just a matter of time; I would like to get going with a revision (and relocation) of some of my doctoral work. Also, just so I would not be too idle, I have signed up for another class (stats, this time) that begins just around the time Nova ends. I still have a few hours of prerequisite R videos to watch. Coming: some thoughts on the adva |
AuthorI am Sheryl L. Chatfield, Ph.D, C.T.R.S. I am a member of the faculty in the College of Public Health at Kent State University. I also Co-coordinate the Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research and I am a member of the Design Innovation Team at Kent State. Archives
February 2024
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