What Now and How? Publishing the Qualitative Journal Article

Abstract

Publishing a qualitative journal article often takes a certain tenacity for a variety of reasons, which are addressed in this chapter. First, extant research shows that top-tiered journals are less likely to accept articles that employ qualitative methods, though interview data are accepted at a higher rate compared to other approaches. Second, as qualitative researchers, we may become a bit “sloppy” or complacent in the presentation of our methods and fail to provide sufficient details about the data analysis. Third, case studies, ethnographies, interviews, archival, sensory, social media, the Internet, and photography, for example, are part and parcel of our current lexicon of research. Under these circumstances, progress demands a certain amount of recognition that may mean using and understanding a different lens of exploration and review. Additionally, we argue that the time has arrived to reject the dichotomy between qualitative and quantitative research. New and standard approaches to research mean accepting and integrating unique and mixed methods that provide richer data. Finally, hoping to support qualitative researchers in the publication process, this chapter examines many of the “dos and don’ts” that should be considered when submitting a qualitative article for peer review.