Overview
Please take time to thoroughly (and thoughtfully) review your colleagues’ posts—and provide substantive feedback in your responses to your colleagues. Please respond to the following 2 discussion posts... 1. T.M Posted...
Significant Transformations in Understanding Research In this class, the most significant transformation in my understanding of research has been grasping qualitative research's depth and intricacy. I have learned to appreciate the phenomenological method, which offers a profound look into individual experiences and allows for a deeper, more empathetic understanding of research subjects. Similarly, the case study method has opened my eyes to the importance of context in research, showing how detailed examinations of specific situations can offer broader insights. These methods have reshaped my perception of research from a task-oriented activity to a meaningful journey into human experiences. Learning Experiences Contributing to My Growth The practical assignments and mentorship from Dr. Kasten were the most impactful learning experiences in this course. The hands-on assignments allowed for a direct application of theoretical concepts, which made the learning process more tangible and meaningful. For me, the RPO offered the opportunity to take my first real step towards dissertation. The stages were manageable, and they gave us enough time to understand each section thoroughly. Dr. Kasten's mentorship was invaluable; he adeptly connected theory with practice and encouraged innovative research design approaches. His guidance in understanding and applying qualitative research methods significantly contributed to my learning, making complex concepts accessible and fostering creative thinking in research methodology. The global feedback and positive encouragement throughout the process were critical to my success throughout the course." Preparation for Dissertation The knowledge I gained about qualitative research has provided me with the necessary skills to undertake my dissertation. Familiarizing myself with qualitative methods that I connect with, which include phenomenological and case study methods, has given me confidence and a solid foundation for my research approach. These methods will enable me to explore my dissertation topic in-depth, facilitating a comprehensive, empathetic, and contextually rich analysis. With Dr. Kasten's guidance on qualitative methods, I am now well-prepared to approach my dissertation with a multifaceted strategy, ensuring a well-rounded and thorough exploration of my research topic. Future Research Exploration
Throughout this class, I have gained valuable insights that have profoundly influenced my approach to research. In particular, I have been drawn towards qualitative research methods, especially phenomenological and case study approaches. Phenomenology, which focuses on understanding individuals' lived experiences, offers an introspective lens that I am keen to explore further, both through academic literature and practical applications in my future research projects. Similarly, the comprehensive nature of case study research, which examines individual cases within their real-world contexts, presents an avenue for rich, contextual exploration that I am eager to pursue. These methodologies provide a framework for deepening my understanding of complex human behaviors and experiences and offer practical tools for my dissertation and beyond. This course has ignited a lasting curiosity in me, driving my ambition to continue exploration into these qualitative methods, seeking to uncover nuanced insights and contribute meaningfully to my field of study. 2. K.C Posted
What have you learned in this class that has yielded the most significant transformation in your thoughts and/or understanding about research in general and qualitative research in particular?
Throughout this class, studying Creswell and Poth (2018) has been an enlightening experience and one that has significantly transformed my thoughts and understanding about research, both in general, personally and from a biblical perspective. One of the most significant things I now understand is the deep connection between qualitative research and biblical principles. When this class started, I saw qualitative research as a secular approach that was detached from my lens of faith. However, through the course and especially through the field interview exercise, I have come to view qualitative research as a tool that aligns with biblical values and a useful one that can be used to explore and understand what God created. The first and most important realization I had is that qualitative research allows for a deeper exploration of the human lived experience (Creswell & Poth, 2018) which also aligns with the biblical understanding of humanity. The Bible is full of stories of individuals and communities with those stories highlighting their ups and downs as well as the growth that comes from their experiences. By using qualitative research methods, we can capture and honor these narratives, giving voice to those who may be marginalized or unheard (Creswell & Poth, 2018). This concept reminds me of the command to love our neighbors (Mk 12:30-31) and seek justice for the oppressed (Is 1:17). Secondly, qualitative research emphasizes the importance of context (Creswell & Poth, 2018), just as the lived experiences in the bible were written in their social, historical, and culturally appropriate contexts. Qualitative research helps us understand these nuances by conforming to the methods discussed by Creswell and Poth (2018) in our interviews, observations, and document analysis. Another significant transformation in my thinking has been understanding the value of subjective experiences in research. As a Christian, I have always believed in the importance of personal testimonies and the role they play in shaping our understanding of God's work in our stories. Qualitative research does just that as it leans into the significance of those lived experiences of others, their story, and their perspectives. I was often reminded of the verse in Proverbs that says, “The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out." (New English Standard Version Bible, 2016, Prov 20:5). Now I see the correlation of our lived experiences and our stories as well as those of others as being deep waters with research drawing out those perspectives. I now understand the importance of Creswell and Poth’s (2018) call to make sure my bias and individual opinions do not interfere in my research, noting the importance of Reflexivity with regards to influencing research findings and the research process as a whole. The bible instructs us to constantly examine our hearts in life and research should be no different. Studying qualitative research has highlighted the importance of ethical considerations in research, particularly when working with vulnerable populations (Creswell and Poth, 2018). Qualitative research can give a voice to those who have been silenced, allowing their stories to be heard and establishing a way to advocate for them by meeting their specific needs obtained from the research. This entire class has changed my perception of research, my perspective, and softened the gripping fear I have had since beginning this journey. I, until recently, saw research is putting numbers and data through programs to get statistical outcomes, but now I see research as a way to qualify others' experiences and make changes for good. These concepts have been the ones that resonated with me throughout the course and each assignment and ones that I will be determined to draw from throughout this process.
References
Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (4th ed.). SAGE. https://read.amazon.com/?asin=B07C6K99N8&_encoding=UTF8&ref=dbs_p_ebk_r00_pbcb_rnvcrtLinks to an external site.Links to an external site.Links to an external site.
English Standard Version Bible. (2016). ESV Online. https://www.biblegateway.com/