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Creswell & Poth Chapter 1 Summary
Chapter one introduces the aspects of qualitative research and the five approaches to
qualitative inquiry. According to Creswell and Poth (2018), qualitative research allows the
researcher to collect data in a natural context and through the lived experiences of the
demographic being researched. The chapter explains research approaches which helps to
determine the most effective approach to utilize. Creswell and Poth (2018) narrow down the
research options to the five most commonly used approaches: narrative research,
phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, and case studies. Chapter one also explains to
the reader what the additional chapters of the book will cover.
My personal connection to this chapter was fostered as I read the excitement and
enthusiasm for qualitative research that Creswell and Poth (2018) explained in their text. The
introductory chapter was a great kickoff to what is to come in this textbook and made me excited
to learn more about qualitative research. Additionally, it solidified for me the evidence that I
needed to decide to utilize a qualitative form of research for my dissertation.
Creswell & Poth Chapter 2 Summary
Chapter two was a detailed introduction on how to form qualitative research by first
becoming aware of our philosophical assumptions and then by creating a framework that
interprets our philosophy and research processes (Creswell & Poth, 2018). Once the researcher’s
belief system and philosophical assumptions have been dissected and observed, the researcher
can then create their theoretical orientation. The theoretical orientation allows the researcher to
explain what they hope to find in their study and process by which they will collect their data. In
order to have a stable qualitative research project, it is important for the researcher to identify the
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link and connect that their philosophical assumptions and their interpretive framework solidified
(Creswell & Poth, 2018).
Interpretive frameworks include various phases that the research flows through. Phase
one focused on ethical research and observations and how values play a part in our research and
writing. Phase two explores how our philosophical assumptions influence our interpretive
frameworks. Phase three analyses our research approaches and how our philosophical
assumptions and interpretative frameworks influenced our research design and data collection.
Phase four explores the methods that will be used for analysis and data gathering. Lastly, phase
five encompasses the interpreting and evaluation our research and data collection (Creswell and
Poth, 2018).
My personal connection to this chapter was formed when the authors normalized
qualitative researchers building their hypothesis from their learned experiences and philosophical
ideas. This resonated with me as my dissertation will focus on a passion of mine and will
incorporate my worldview. Additionally, Creswell and Poth (2018) emphasized that biases and
philosophical assumptions will frequently guide studies and research frameworks. However,
qualitative researchers need to be aware that their worldview and philosophical assumptions can
influence their writing and interpretation of the data collected in a negative way as well.
APA Chapter 4 Summary
Chapter four of the American Psychological Association (APA, 2020) Manual
emphasized the importance of effective scholarly writing. This chapter also provided insight into
how to improve our writing skills. According to the APA (2020) manual, effective scholarly
writing is concise and utilizes applicable transitional sentences. In other words, scholarly writing
should flow in a natural and organized fashion. Additionally, scholarly writing is free from
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grammatical errors and disorganization. Frequent grammatical errors and disorganized
paragraphs distract readers from the content of the text.
Furthermore, the basic tenant of an effective scholarly writer utilizes an outline to
formulate their thoughts logically and concisely (Doshi, 2019). Without an outline, the writer
will flounder and lose consistency within their writing. Additionally, to eliminate wordiness in
your writing, focus on clarity and conciseness and use an active voice. Strong writers will ensure
that their ideas flow logically and avoid unnecessary repetition (Doshi, 2019). The use of a more
professional tone and language is another aspect of an effective scholarly writer (APA, 2020).
My personal connection to this chapter was found as the text described strategies for
better paper construction. APA (2020) suggested to not only write a detailed outline for your
paper, but to also write a draft from your outline that you allow colleagues and friends to critique
and edit. These strategies found in APA (2020) chapter four, when implemented, will improve
my writing skills, and help me as I formulate my dissertation.
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References
American Psychological Association (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological
Association (7th ed.). American Psychological Association.
Creswell, J. C. & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry & research design: Choosing among
five approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications.
Doshi, H. M. (2019). What makes you a good writer? Tips from literary stalwarts. IUP Journal
of Soft Skills, 13(2), 55-61.
https://go.openathens.net/redirector/liberty.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-
journals/what-makes-you-good-writer-tips-literary/docview/2258090179/se-2
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