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A Good Qualitative Research Question

In this Discussion, you will identify criteria for a good qualitative research question.

To prepare for this Discussion:

Review the video, “Introduction to SAGE Research Methods Online,” which can be found in this week’s Learning Resources.

As you draft your initial Discussion post, consider the following:

• What defines a good qualitative research question?
• What do you look for in content, in terminology, and in alignment with the research problem?

Find and briefly summarize (1–2 paragraphs) a qualitative research article to use as an example of how the researcher presented either a good qualitative research question or a poorly formed research question.

Assignment 

Post a 2-part response to the following prompts:

• Share a definition, in your own words, of a good qualitative research question. Cite sources to support what you have developed.
• Present the summary of the qualitative research article you found, and justify why it meets or does not meet your criteria for a good research question.

Required Readings

Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative research & evaluation methods: Integrating theory and practice (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.
Chapter 1, “The Nature, Niche, Value, and Fruit of Qualitative Inquiry” (pp. 2–44)

Maxwell, J. A. (2009). Designing a qualitative study. The SAGE handbook of applied social research methods, 2, 214-253.

Ortlipp, M. (2008). Keeping and using reflective journals in the qualitative research process. The Qualitative Report, 13(4), 695–705. Retrieved from http://nsuworks.nova.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1579&context=tqr

Walden University. (2016a). Office of Student Research Administration: EdD doctoral study. Retrieved from http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/researchcenter/osra/edd

Note: For the EdD doctoral study, use this webpage to access the rubrics in the qualitative checklist, along with prospectus templates and guidelines.

Walden University. (2016b). Office of Student Research Administration: PhD dissertation program. Retrieved from http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/researchcenter/osra/phd

Note: For the PhD dissertation program, use this web page to access the rubrics in the qualitative checklist, along with prospectus templates and guidelines.

Walden University. (2016c). Research resources: Research planning & writing. Retrieved from http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/researchcenter/resources/planning

Note: From this web page, access the “Litmus Test” document. 

Documents and Tools

Creswell, J. W. (2016). Qualitative inquiry & research design: Choosing among the five approaches (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.
Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among the Five Approaches, 3rd Edition by Creswell, J. Copyright 2012 by Sage College. Reprinted by permission of Sage College via the Copyright Clearance Center.
Chapter 6, “Introducing and Focusing the Study” (pp. 127–146)

Required Media

Laureate Education (Producer). (2016). Introduction to SAGE research methods online [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3D-Zh7VoaI&feature=youtu.be

Note:  The approximate length of this media piece is 25 minutes.