Reflection on Qualitative Research Study Design

Learning about qualitative research study design has changed my thinking about research. Before, I thought research was mostly about numbers and statistics. Still, qualitative research showed me how valuable people's words, stories, and experiences can be. It's not about measuring things but understanding how people see and make sense of the world around them.
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What stood out to me most is how flexible and open-ended qualitative research can be. The process doesn't follow a strict formula but adapts as you go. That was both exciting and overwhelming. As a researcher, I must be intentional and reflective throughout the process, especially in collecting and interpreting data. I've learned that it's not just about asking questions but about truly listening and being aware of my own assumptions while I do it.

I also realized the importance of being present in the data analysis process. When I worked on coding interview transcripts, I did the initial coding by hand before using any technology. That first pass helped me get close to the data and notice patterns. It felt more personal and grounded, making the second tech-assisted coding round more meaningful because I already understood what I wanted.

Doing this kind of research also taught me how important it is to protect participants' privacy and ensure they feel safe sharing their stories. Building trust is everything in qualitative research. The people you talk to are letting you into parts of their lives, and it's your responsibility to handle that with care.

Overall, this experience made me appreciate the depth of qualitative research. It's not fast or simple, but copious. It taught me that good research isn't just about finding answers; it's about asking the right questions and being open to where the answers might lead. In my Qual class, my professor would do something so thoughtful. He would read excerpts from Italo Calvino's book "Invisible Cities ."I was intrigued not just because he had the right voice for reading a novel but also because of what it meant, trying to grasp the new knowledge of understanding. Or how does it relate to qualitative research? This is my take on it; the cities that Calvino describes may be connected to the narratives that underscore how stories are fundamental to understanding and communicating the essence of a place (or a phenomenon).

​As Italo Calvino once wrote, “The more enlightened our houses are, the more their walls ooze ghosts.” That line reminds me that even in structured settings, people’s inner lives carry complexity we can only uncover if we take the time to really listen.

References:
Calvino, I. (1988). The literature machine: Essays (P. Creagh, Trans.). Vintage. (Original work published 1980)
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