Amy Gade

LDRS 810: Qualitative Research Methods

Module 5
This weeks readings and lecturette were again full of new insights regarding
the research design of qualitative inquiry. Ill be honest, validating my research
design and sampling is probably one of my biggest concerns in this entire process.
After reading and listening to this weeks information, I am definitely more informed
about the process, but equally, if not more nervous about doing my project and this
learning process justice by creating the best research design method and most
quality research sampling. However, I am confident that through the remaining
lessons of this course and the practical application of my newfound skills to my
project, I will feel more comfortable and pleased with the direction of my project.
According to Dr. Goertzens lecturette on Sampling, we learned there are 2
varying approaches to sampling: a priori determination and a graduation definition
of sampling. Because a priori determination of sampling allows one to determine the
content and structure of the sample prior to engaging with those involved and their
environment before conducting data analysis, it is most definitely the method I will
be using in my project. Where I may struggle with this approach is in determining
the criteria for which I select my sample. Because I am already narrowing my
research to a respective department within a larger organization, my easiest case
has already been determined. Because I would like to get the perception of newer
and more veteran staff, as well as those in varying positions within the department,
I am struggling to identify the criteria to which they can be tied. Some other
sampling suggestions from Jones, Torres, & Arminio (2013) include demographic
detail, membership in an organization or community, relationship to phenomenon

under investigation, particular status, or level of involvement (p. 112). It is possible

I may be able to use level of involvement, as all staff members interviewed would
be of full-time status. If anyone has other ideas, please suggest! I am imagining I
will use a typical case/convenience as my purposive sampling for this project, as it
seems most realistic with the purpose of our project in this course.
One thing the Creswell (2013) chapter will brought to my mind was the extent
of the actual data collection process. He says, It (data collection) means gaining
permissions, conduction a good qualitative sampling strategy, developing a means
for recording information both digitally and on paper, storing the data, and
anticipating ethical issues that may arise (Creswell, 2013, p. 145). His table on the
data collection activities by approach (p. 148) really helped me get a better sense of
the direction I should be taking with the case study method. I am hoping to use
surveying, as I feel its most practical for the timeline of this course and the speed
of our project timeline. I am hopeful to use Survey Monkey, an online surveying tool,
which I can send out via email to those in my sample. I am hopeful to narrow my
sample group from the full department of about 70 members, to 20-25 members.
The department splits its staff by job title into about 6 different sub-categories. I am
hoping to select members of each sub-category based on a percentage of equal
representation. I would also like to have a good representation of both newer and
more veteran staff members. The use of Survey Monkey would allow me to export
survey results into an Excel document, which I could archive digitally. I would love to
follow up this research by surveying one member of each sub-category, but am not
sure if this matches the confines of the semester. Naturally, this surveys, if
conducted would be done on paper, which I would likely transfer to digital form.
Beyond this, I have not given much thought to my data collection and data

reporting methods. I am hopeful to gain some insights from the rest of you and
further develop my data sampling, collection, and reporting methods for
implementation in the near future.