research design for a phenomenological study

Qualitative assignment 2014 Attempt ONE of the following: EITHER “Homelessness” 1. Develop and explain a research design for a phenomenological study to find out about homelessness for a particular sub-population group of your choice (for example, young people, Aboriginal people, women, the elderly, etc.). 2. Discuss how the purposes of this research and the design of this study might vary if a grounded theory approach had been used instead. OR “Schooling” 1. Develop and explain a research design for a ethnographic study to find out an aspect of schooling. 2. 2. Discuss how the purposes of this research and the design of this study might be vary if a case study approach had been used instead Guidance about length: 3,000 (maximum 4,000 words). A sample information letter and consent form may be included in the appendix, in addition to this word allowance, if this is needed. Advice Please read this advice before you begin the task. 1. Learning outcomes: The intended purposes of this assignment are to demonstrate you a. Have gained an in-depth understanding of two different approaches to qualitative research b. Are familiar with the requirements and style of writing to produce a concise research proposal and are able to use these effectively c. Are able to produce a single research design that is concise, consistent, comprehensive, easy to read and well-justified d. Can outline concisely how the focal research question and the research design for the same topic would vary if an alternative qualitative approach were used 2. Structure: The assignment has two parts, part 1 and part 2. a. Part 1: The first task is to produce and explain a research design. The design will include all the elements discussed in the text except the literature review, for example, epistemology, theoretical framework, methodology, methods, sampling, or ethics. For the first task, you will need to explain the rational for the design choices you have made and you will need to ensure that you have used the approach consistently. b. Part 2: The second task is to discuss how the research design you have developed would be vary if you used the alternative approach identified in the question. 3. Focus: Remember, you are producing a single coherent research design to find out about the topic NOT a report on the topic. a. The research design should provide all the information needed for someone else to conduct the research and analyse the results. b. You are NOT expected to know anything about the topic of the research, or to research the subject matter for this. The task is to produce a research design. c. Do NOT do a literature review for this task, Instead briefly outline what literature you think might be relevant (for example, provide search terms). d. You are NOT expected to submit a second complete alternative research design, just discuss the similarities and most important differences. 4. Referencing: Use the text for the qualitative unit (Qualitative Research: Choosing amongst five approaches). It is not good practice to use multiple low quality references for methodology, especially if your only purpose is to increase your ‘reference count’. It is much better to use a small number of good quality references well. 5. Presentation: Each of the two parts needs a different format a. Part 1 Research Design: present the research design (and explanation of the design) in the format of a research proposal. Use the template you will use for your research proposal. b. Part 2 Comparison between two approaches: in this part use a short essay format 6. Length: Be as concise as you can be, whilst meeting the requirements of the task. It is recommended that Part 1 will be longest (about 2,000 -3,000 words) and Part 2 will be much shorter (about 500 words). You may include one sample information letter and one sample consent form in an appendix, in addition to this word limit). Table 1: Marking Key NAME: Criteria Comments Mark Part 1: Research design (80%) Purpose: Research design demonstrates knowledge of the uses strengths and limitations of the approach in relation to the topic and is clearly explained 1. Chooses appropriate focus question(s) for the study, with rationale 2. Explain the role of literature in this method and how it will contribute to answering your research question. Do NOT do a literature review. 3. Explain the methods for data collection including examples of interview questions, and descriptions of any other methods used. Discuss the reasons why these methods have been selected (with reference to your research question). 4. Explains how data collected will the analysed and discusses how this analysis will contribute to the research question. 5. Comprehensive discussion of sampling considerations, anticipated problems, and implications for the research, rationale for sample selection with reference to your research question. 6. Ethical issues are identified addressed. May include ONE sample information letter and ONE consent form, if needed. (Some research, for example, when multiple methods are used or with different population groups, requires more than one type of information letter, please only include one example). 7. An appropriate template has been used and the research design is explained clearly and concisely. Part 2: Comparison between different approaches (20%) Purpose: Demonstrate relationship between research approach and focal research question, including implications for design. 1. Explain and briefly discusses the similarities and most important differences between the two approaches, discussing especially how the focus of each study would change. 2. Clarity of writing and appropriate formatting and referencing. Other comments: Total (possible 100 marks)