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On Qualifying Qualitative Research: Emerging Perspectives and the “Deer” (Descriptive, Exploratory, Evolutionary, Repeat) Paradigm

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Abstract

This article presents the use of the qualitative research method and the challenges that this form of research imposes along with the increasingly systematic reluctance experienced by doctoral students and their chairs. Increasingly, doctoral students are opting for the qualitative approach over that of the traditional quantitative methodology. The qualitative method is an evolutionary process that addresses the phenomenon being investigated and must show a connection to the question or questions being explored. Within this approach, data collection and analysis often lead to additional questions or findings. The article presents examples of the process for developing the evolving concepts from the interviews of the participants. Additional research is needed to transform this process. This article acknowledges the overall approach for doctoral students and other novice researchers to embrace the qualitative research method within the evolutionary structure.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Ward’s Educational Consulting, Phoenix, AZ, USA

    Jason K. Ward

  2. National University, San Diego, CA, USA

    Unoma Comer

  3. Stone Educational Systems, San Diego, CA, USA

    Suki Stone

Authors
  1. Jason K. Ward
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  2. Unoma Comer
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  3. Suki Stone
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Correspondence to Suki Stone.

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Ward, J.K., Comer, U. & Stone, S. On Qualifying Qualitative Research: Emerging Perspectives and the “Deer” (Descriptive, Exploratory, Evolutionary, Repeat) Paradigm. Interchange 49, 133–146 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10780-018-9313-x

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