LibGuides: EDR-8206: Module 3

Week 7 Required Resources

Seminal Sources

As you have learned throughout your coursework, a seminal source in research refers to a fundamental or influential work that significantly contributes to the development and understanding of a particular field or topic. Seminal sources are often foundational texts, key studies, or groundbreaking research papers that have had a profound impact on subsequent research and scholarship in a given area. Researchers often refer to seminal sources to establish the theoretical framework, build upon existing knowledge, or provide a historical perspective when conducting their own studies. These sources are considered essential reading for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of a specific subject.

The library has put together a list of seminal authors for research design, including case study, narrative inquiry, and phenomenology. An overview is provided at Research Methods & Design.

You can also request a Doctoral Research Consultation for 1:1 assistance from a librarian at Research Consultations to further identify seminal sources on qualitative research, your intended research design, and any methods you are considering (data collection, data analysis, sampling, etc.)

Sources from seminal authors used in this course are listed below. You may want to specifically review these sources, read passages not previously assigned, and cite them in your signature assignment.

Qualitative Research from Start to Finish
Yin, R. (2016). Qualitative research from start to finish (2^nd ed.). The Guildford Press. https://eli.johogo.com/Class/Qualitative%20Research.pdf
The Constant Comparative Method of Qualitative Analysis
Glaser, B. G. (1965). The constant comparative method of qualitative analysis. Social Problems, 12(4), 436-445. https://doi.org/10.2307/798843
Criteria for Assessing the Trustworthiness of Naturalistic Inquiries
Guba, E.G. (1981). Criteria for assessing the trustworthiness of naturalistic inquiries. Educational Communication and Technology, 29(2), 75-91. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02766777
Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation
Merriam, S. (2016). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation. In Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation. Jossey-Bass. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/nu/detail.action?docID=2089475
- Review Chapter 10, Writing Up Qualitative Research, from your EDR8400 textbook. Merriam is considered a seminal author in qualitative methodology. Consider how her contributions might be incorporated into your plan for analysis in your dissertation study.

Examples of National Univesity Qualitative Dissertation Manuscripts

The following are two qualitative dissertation manuscripts from recent doctoral candidates at National University. The intent of presenting these manuscripts is so they can serve as examples of how qualitative research findings are presented within the context of an overall research process. Note that there are many high-quality completed dissertations on a variety of topics, so feel free to explore the dissertation databases for others or ask your faculty member to recommend manuscripts for your review. You can search the National University dissertation database at Proquest.

Use of Peer-Supported Learning in Mitigating the Effects of the Military Deployment Cycle on Military-Connected Students With Special Needs
Follmer, C. J. (2023). Use of peer-supported learning in mitigating the effects of the military deployment cycle on military-connected students with special needs: A descriptive qualitative research study (Order No. 30637260). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ National University. (2882120725). https://go.openathens.net/redirector/nu.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/pqdtlocal1010463/dissertations-theses/use-peer-supported-learning-mitigating-effects/docview/2882120725/sem-2?accountid=25320
- Dr. Follmer conducted a qualitative phenomenological study using IPA as their data analysis strategy. Review their presentation of findings on pages 58 to 77.
Elementary School Educators’ Perspectives Surrounding Co-Teaching: A Qualitative Descriptive Study in an American Inclusive School District
Epps, A. D. (2023). Elementary school educators’ perspectives surrounding co-teaching: A qualitative descriptive study in an American inclusive school district (Order No. 30689790). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ National University. (2896792941).https://go.openathens.net/redirector/nu.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/pqdtlocal1010463/dissertations-theses/elementary-school-educators-perspectives/docview/2896792941/sem-2?accountid=25320
- Dr. Epps conducted a qualitative descriptive study using thematic analysis as their data analysis strategy. Review their presentation of findings on pages 45 to 63.

Week 7 Optional Resources

Additional Sources by Seminal Authors in Qualitative Research Not Available as OER

The following sources represent a sampling of work by seminal authors in qualitative research. These sources are not generally available as Open Educational Resources (OER) but can be valuable guides in your qualitative research journey. Consider accessing and reviewing them after you have completed this course and before you start your next course, the comprehensive exam. Note that you are not required to purchase these texts, nor are you required to cite them in any assignments. This list is for information and, further, optional reading only.

An Introduction to Codes and Coding
Saldaña, J. (2016). An introduction to codes and coding. Sage.

In this book, Saldaña provides detailed insight into the coding process, including definitions and uses for various types of coding.

Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods: Integrating Theory and Practice
Patton, M. Q. (2014). Qualitative research and evaluation methods: Integrating theory and practice (4^th ed.). Sage.

Patton provides insight into qualitative research methodology by discussing the nuances and key features of qualitative research.

Thick Description: Toward an Interpretive Theory of Culture
Geertz, C. (1973). Thick description: Toward an interpretive theory of culture. In C. Geertz (Ed.), The interpretation of cultures: Selected essays (pp. 3–30). Basic Books.

Geerze coined the term “thick description.” He defines it as going beyond simply describing the description of facts or events. Rather, he suggests that in data analysis we should focus on the interpretation of the meanings, contexts, and implications of the phenomenon.

Qualitative Data Analysis: A Methods Sourcebook
Miles, M., Humberman, A., & Saldaña, J. (2019). Qualitative data analysis: A methods sourcebook (4^th ed). Sage.

This book includes descriptions of a variety of qualitative data analysis strategies, rationales for when to use them, and practical details for implementation.

Basics of Qualitative Research: Grounded Theory Procedures and Techniques
Strauss, A., & Corbin, J. (1990). Basics of qualitative research: Grounded theory procedures and techniques. Sage Publications.

While this is considered a seminal source in grounded theory design, the authors describe basic concepts of qualitative research as well as an overview of the constant comparative data analysis techniques.

Naturalistic Inquiry
Lincoln, Y.S., & Guba, E.G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. Sage. https://doi.org/10.1016/0147-1767(85)90062-8
- Lincoln and Guba originally developed the framework for trustworthiness in qualitative research. It is outlined in this book.

Week 8 Required Resources

Access this eBook in the Getting Started module of your course

Completing Your Qualitative Dissertation: A Road Map from Beginning to End
Bloomberg, L. D. (2022). Completing your qualitative dissertation: A road map from beginning to end (5th digital ed.). SAGE.

Read page 373 of Chapter 9, Reflexive Questions for Analyzing Data and Reporting Findings.
Read page 402 of Chapter 10, Reflexive Questions for Analyzing and Interpreting Findings.
- Because reflection and reflexivity are cornerstones of qualitative research, the reflexive questions in this book are designed to stimulate critical thinking and reflection regarding the potential impact of your methodological choices and what might be potential inherent researcher biases and assumptions.

The Role of the Qualitative Researcher
National University GSSC. (2018, October 29). The role of the qualitative researcher 072517 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcHMQoLp-wk
- This presentation emphasizes the concept of reflexivity as central to qualitative research. The central thrust of the presentation is to develop and strengthen awareness of the roles and responsibilities of the qualitative researcher and to offer practical suggestions to most responsibly perform the role of “researcher as an instrument.”
Critical Thinking and Bias
Chatfield, T. (2017, October 2). Tom Chatfield on critical thinking and bias [Audio podcast episode]. In Social Science Bites. Social Science Space. https://www.socialsciencespace.com/2017/10/tom-chatfield-critical-thinking-bias/
- In order for research to be trustworthy, qualitative researchers must strive to think critically and reflexively throughout the research and writing process and acknowledge their biases, prejudices, and assumptions. In this podcast, tech philosopher Tom Chatfield argues that to reason critically, you must be alert to various forms of bias.
Incorporating Perspective Taking in Reflexivity: A Method to Enhance Insider Qualitative Research Processes
Finefter-Rosenbluh, I. (2017). Incorporating perspective taking in reflexivity: A method to enhance insider qualitative research processes. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 16(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406917703539
- This article illuminates the importance and illustrates ways of incorporating perspective-taking with regard to reflexivity. Specifically, this article dissects an insider researcher’s attempt to resolve research uncertainties by considering the perspective of an outsider-researcher who had conducted a similar study at the same school.
Ethics, Reflexivity, and “Ethically Important Moments” in Research
Guillemin, M., & Gillam, L. (2004). Ethics, reflexivity, and “ethically important moments” in research. Qualitative Inquiry, 10(2), 261-280. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epdf/10.1177/1077800403262360
- This article examines the relationship between reflexivity and research ethics. These authors explain that your analyses and interpretations, and how you choose to present your findings, are all constitutive of reflexive research.
Reflectivity in Research Practice: An Overview of Different Perspectives
Mortari, L. (2015). Reflectivity in research practice: An overview of different perspectives. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 14(5), 1-9. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=sso&db=a9h&AN=112045024&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=natuniv
- This article is grounded in the assumption that researchers should be able to reflect in a deep way. The key implication is that researchers should reflect not only on the practical acts of research but also on the mental experience that constructs the meaning of practice.
Qualitative Research from Start to Finish
Yin, R. (2016). Qualitative research from start to finish (2^nd ed.). The Guildford Press. https://eli.johogo.com/Class/Qualitative%20Research.pdf
- Read Chapter 2, Getting Ready to Do Qualitative Research. In this chapter, Yin provides some appropriate advice on personal attributes and time management for the researcher.