Foundations of Qualitative Research Worksheet
Exercise 1
The purpose of this exercise is to examine how philosophical assumptions differ and are exemplified (implicitly or explicitly) based on the interpretive framework selected.
1. Read the four articles listed below. Each qualitative journal article adopts a different interpretive lens.
| Queer Theory | Adams et al. (2014). “Aren’t labels for pickle jars, not people?” Negotiating identity and community in talk about ‘being gay.’ |
| Social Constructivist | Brown et al. (2006). Waiting for a liver transplant. |
| Postpositivist | Churchill et al. (2007). How rural low-income families have fun: A grounded theory study. |
| Transformative | Job et al. (2013). Toward better collaboration in the education of students with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: Voices of teachers, administrators, caregivers, and allied professionals. |
2. Complete the table below by providing detailed explanations and examples that demonstrate how the different philosophical assumptions are represented (implicitly or explicitly) in the selected journal articles.
| Ontological
Assumptions |
Epistemological
Assumptions |
Axiological
Assumptions |
Methodological
Assumptions |
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| Interpretive Frameworks | Queer Theory
Adams et al. (2014) |
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| Social Constructivism
Brown et al. (2006) |
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| Postpositivism
Churchill et al. (2007) |
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| Transformative
Job et al. (2013) |
3. Discuss how the philosophical assumptions differed between the interpretive frameworks. Why is it important for researchers to understand the connection between philosophy and interpretive frameworks? Write your response in the space below.
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Exercise 2
The purpose of this exercise is to explore the link between the research purpose and research questions.
Identify a potential research topic for a qualitative study. Write your topic in the space below.
Understanding the influence and the implications of staff wellbeing and health on residents in healthcare group home
Complete the table below by writing 1 or 2 research questions for an exploratory, descriptive, and explanatory study related to your selected topic. Include a justification that explains how your research question(s) align with and/or support the research purpose.