Evaluation of a Qualitative Study/ Challenging Cultures - Report Example

Evaluation of a Qualitative Study/ Challenging Cultures? Conceptions of Belonging and Isolation at a Post-1992 In this assignment, an attempt has been made to provide a critical assessment of a qualitative research article, titled “Challenging Cultures? Student Conceptions of ‘Belonging’ and ‘Isolation’ at a Post-1992 University” by Read et al. (2003), which deals with the challenges faced by students while selecting a particular university for themselves. Notably, the review depicted that the research article was conducted following a qualitative approach and gathering relevant data from varied secondary sources. Most of the students hold the perception that their social, maturity and ethic status are among the major factors that would influence their selection. The research study was based on data collected through focus group interviews with the respondents. However, from my perspective, using interviews in addition to focus groups can help us acquiring a richer understanding of this study. A better approach with regards to qualitative research study such as grounded theory would have also acted as effective for the research study. Hence, it can be concluded that a qualitative research approach is indeed quite effective in providing theoretical underpinning about a particular subject matter. Introduction Nowadays, researchers may take the advantage of employing varied numerous methods to conduct and complete respective their researches effectively, fulfilling their predetermined objectives with adequate efficiency (Academic Conferences & Esteves, 2010). Applicable research methods may include qualitative, quantitative and mixed approaches, which are perceived as the most common and fundamental frameworks to conduct any study (Academic Conferences & Esteves, 2010). Qualitative research is most commonly used to obtain adequate theoretical underpinning of the research topic, with the assistance of the approach of narrative analysis (Curry et. al., 2009). On the other hand, quantitative analysis emphasises assessing the acquired data with the assistance of mathematical and statistical tools to obtain appropriate responses to the determined research question (Vicsek, 2010). Contextually, this particular assessment will review a particular research article titled “Challenging Cultures? Student Conceptions of ‘Belonging’ and ‘Isolation’ at a Post-1992 University” by Read et al. (2003), which emphasises the barriers to academic cultures for students in the present day global education sector. Qualitative Research Methods The concept of qualitative research widely extends to a distorted range of techniques and applications (Creswell & Miller, 2009). Contextually, qualitative research can be defined as an approach taken towards the obtainment of a rich description of an issue in concern, ignoring the quantification of data but delivering greater importance to natural as well as holistic representation of information related to the subject matter (Mackey & Gass, 2013). It must be mentioned that qualitative research approach provides a comprehensive analysis of the research topic in order to depict the implications associated with the subject matter so that relevant results can be obtained. This particular limitation of qualitative research often discourages researchers to utilise the same in conducting their research (Denzin & Lincoln, 2011). A better comprehension in this context can be gained by analysing the method in alignment with qualitative analysis as discussed in Read et al. (2003) that have been illustrated subsequently. Evidently, a qualitative research approach has been used by Read et al. (2003) in order to obtain an elaborated understanding on the subject matter of students’ conceptions regarding their ‘Belongingness’ and ‘Isolation’ at a Post-1992 University. In this regard, the study by Fielding et al. (2008) depicted that a qualitative approach usually involves the collection of limited data that can act as helpful in accomplishing the objectives of a particular research study. Likewise, for the chosen research article, the author has gathered data from secondary sources, based on which, the evaluation of the topic has been executed. Types of Qualitative Research There are three forms of qualitative research which include phenomenology, grounded theory and case study research. When applying the concept of phenomenology, the intention of a researcher is to emphasise the assessment of a particular phenomenon, applying a dual perspective – both agreeing and opposing. This in turn rewards greater criticality to the study findings (Al-Busaidi, 2008; Baxter & Jack, 2008). Apart from the mentioned approaches, ethnography method is also used by qualitative researchers (Reeves et. al., 2008; McCaslin & Scott, 2003). As per the study of Hatch (2002), ethnography is one of the most vital forms of qualitative research applied in the educational setting. It mainly intends to depict the cultural and ethnic differences and implications within a course of study (Seidman, 2012; Mason, 2002). This form of qualitative approach can be seen in the research of Read et al. (2003) in an extensive manner altogether. Read et al. (2003) aimed to depict how students often not uniformly access university culture, despite bulk increase in their number from almost every domain of the society. They also explored how students confront as well as negotiate the implications of university life without attending a single class or stepping into university owing to their feeling of being isolated as ‘others’. In the article, these particular negotiations by investigating students’ behaviour and their perceptions influence their decision to take admission in specific universities, wherein they believe not to be isolated. Data Collection Tools Used In the Article Data collection is a vital process towards the completion of any research study in a comprehensive manner. It involves the collection of data from numerous sources that can ensure the compilation of data, which is in alignment with the objective of the research (Sapsford & Jupp, 2006). Data collection include direct observation of the targeted population, observing the behavior of the participants, conducting interviews with the potential respondents along with focus group interventions (Burns & Bush, 2006). Interviews are also conducted in qualitative research study, when the target set of respondents are predetermined. In such forms of data collection approach, the emphasis is levied upon collecting raw data directly from the respondents, which in turn enhances the reliability and validity of the research (Burns & Bush, 2006). Similarly, participant observation is another vital approach of data collection where direct observation is levied upon the target respondents or participants by the observer to gain a better insight with regard to their behaviour (Guest & et. al., 2012). The research article of Read et al. (2003) has data collected from 33 focus group interviews, which comprise around 175 students from numerous subject areas. The study was further conducted in two phases. In the first project, 17 focus groups, including 85 students from varied cultures, ethnicities and genders were used to gather the required data. In the second project, data was acquired from 17 focus groups, which comprised of both the genders from British, Asian and Black communities, irrespective of any cultural or racial discrimination. Students for higher education and degree program were thereafter asked to convey their expectations and perceptions about studying in the university. In the third project of the study, data was collected from 4 focus groups, which had respondents encompassing 17 women and 10 men. Variation was ensured during the process of data collection and sampling in Read et al. (2003), wherein the acquired data was further analysed with the assistance of a qualitative research approach. Boydell et al. (2014) discussed about the aspect of sampling and reducing the limitation while conducting focused group interviews. As opposed to this particular approach presented in the study of Boydell et al., (2014), Read et al. (2003) took into concern face-to-face interview technique while collecting data from the focus groups. This is mainly owing to the reason that they can observe and analyse the behavior of the respondents and determine the level of accuracy and honesty within their responses. This approach, though can be regarded as time consuming, has its long-term effectiveness quite apparent. This can also be regarded as a positive aspect of the qualitative research approach incorporated into the study of Read et al. (2003). According to the study of Yanow Schwartz-Shea (2013) and Lather Lather (1991), qualitative research approach has certain limitations too, which might result in the weakness of the article (Lyons Coyle, 2007). At the foremost, the data gathered from one particular setting may not be generalized effectively to other contexts. In Read et al. (2003), the data gathered and the results obtained will only are applicable in the educational setting, as it directly emphasizes students’ perceptions towards the selection of university (University of South Alabama, 2014). Focused Group Interview Focus group interview primarily refers to the approach used by researchers while conducting a study on particular aspect, which allows obtaining a succinct understanding of how the chosen participants in the group react to a given situation and hence, assists in building up better generalizability for the study findings (Krueger & Casey, 2014). It is a form of qualitative research where interviews are conducted with the targeted respondents in groups, which is considered as highly beneficial in developing a degree of understanding about various factors causing their reactions in response to the given situation (Krueger & Casey, 2014; Atkinson, 2007). As per the study of Curry & et. al., (2009), the focused groups interviewed can be defined as a ‘guided discussions’ that takes place within a small group of respondents for a common topic in concern. In most of the scenarios, focus group interviews are conducted amid six to ten small groups (Curry & et al., 2014). Questions in such article mainly intend to analyze the perceptions, beliefs and attitude of the respondents towards a particular issue (Margarian, 2014; Curry & et. al., 2014). Analysis of Focus Group Methodology Used In the Article Interview serves as an important means of primary data collection where participants from different backgrounds are informed to obtain a wider and reliable data range relevant to the research. Therefore, the alignment of primary and secondary sources would certainly add more depth to any research study. This particular approach of researchers, where numerous methods are used together for one particular study is termed as methodological triangulation. (Hesse-Biber, 2010; Tayie, 2005). Read et al. (2003) incorporated the qualitative research method with a focus group interview while executing the study. As per the viewpoint of Margarian (2014), there are certain strengths and weaknesses of incorporating a qualitative research method in studies conducted with emphasis to education, social science or any other domain. Notably, the study involves acquiring data on the grounds of past and present experiences of human participants, which can be regarded as beneficial and powerful in obtaining accurate answers to research questions (Margarian, 2014; Bahn Weatherill, 2012). The researchers used secondary data for 3 different projects in order to better outcome for the predetermine objectives. However, collection of primary data could have ensured a better and in-depth compilation of data for the researcher. Findings of the Research Article The initial phase of the study mainly evaluated ‘Belonging’ and ‘Maturity’ observable in the students’ behaviour and its influence on their decision making with regard to choosing a university. Notably, as per the results obtained from the study, it was quite apparent that the women respondents were more apparent in their thoughts and perceptions as compared to the male respondents (Lofland, 2006). With regard to their perceptions about belongingness and maturity, most of the respondents referred to the promotional campaigns of universities as an influencing factor that affect their decision-making, as discussed in Read et al. (2003). The interviewees in Read et al. (2003) also depicted that most of the campaigns of universities attract and encourage mature learners. However, some of the respondents were determined to join the university culture, despite their perceived lower ages. Read et al. (2003) could identify a degree of negotiation in this context wherein these young students overlooked and changed the preconceived perceptions of other students that maturity is an important criterion to join the university culture. ‘Ethnicity’ was also another vital factor of consideration during the study. Correspondingly, Read et al. (2003) revealed that most of the respondents who belonged from Capital University follow a preconceived notion that they need to adhere to a specific culture within the university (preferable culture of ‘Whites’), compromising their personal ethnicity. Most of the respondents in Read et al. (2003) depicted that Capital University pays less heed on ensuring ethnic diversity, which makes students feel isolated from one another. This further influences the decision making of the students while making their choices regarding the selection of universities in negotiation to similar thoughts. ‘Class’ was signified as another important aspect by Read et al. (2003). Read et al. (2003) also argued that differences in status amid the traditional and the non-traditional students also influence their approach of making choices between universities for their higher education. The study revealed that although most students aim to gain admission in a prestigious university, their objective often remains unaccomplished owing to their perception of being isolated owing to the lower social status. One of the student respondents studied by Read et al. (2003) depicted that the entrance of non-traditional students are often feared to be restricted in these universities not on the basis of their academic credentials but on grounds of their social stature. Such fears and inhibitions also act as a major influencing factor to students’ decision making as per Read et al. (2003). Conclusions and Recommendations There are numerous forms of qualitative research approaches, which can be applied while conducting a research in the domain of social science or education (Charmaz, 2006). Likewise the article of Read et al. (2003) applied a focused group approach while conducting the research. However, certain recommendations can be made about the application of an alternative qualitative method that could have been implemented by Read et al. (2003) to have better results for the research conducted. Using grounded theory could be a good method for this research. In this regard, the incorporation of the grounded theory as a qualitative method could have been effective in the selected research article by Read et al. (2003) (Cargan, 2007). The theory involves a systematic methodology of developing theories in the process of analyzing data. The collected data are analysed with the help of coding, through which, the probability of more accurate data enhances to a considerable extent (Hussein et al., 2014; Walden University, 2014; Khambete Athavankar, 2010; Dey, 2003). The limitation of this particular research approach includes complexity in the analysis procedure followed, owing to which, detecting business is quite challenging along with its presentation that might have hindered research quality in Read et al. (2003) (Seale, 1999; Hayhoe, n.d.). Therefore, from the above analysis and findings, it can be affirmed that that focus group discussions were effectively used by Read et al. (2003) to generate a better idea on the subject matter of the research. At the same time, the research approach has also been able to overcome the challenges of the research, which must also not be overlooked while appraising the work of Read et al. (2003) that further helped in getting proper conclusion in the eventual stage. 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