This week, you will complete the Nature of Study section of the Prospectus Form. For the Nature of Study section, you will explain the systematic approach (research design) you will use to address your research question(s) along with identifying any barriers, challenges, or limitations you may encounter with your study. Complete the Nature of the Study and Significance Sections of the Prospectus Form. As you work through these sections, use the following information to guide you:
Nature of Study
The nature of study refers to the systematic approach or research design that will be used to address the research question(s) of a study. It encompasses the methodological framework, data collection and analysis strategies, and the overall structure of the research process. In this section, we will discuss the key components of the nature of study and identify any potential barriers, challenges, or limitations that may arise.
Research Design
The research design chosen for a study depends on the nature of the research question(s), the availability of resources, and the feasibility of the study. There are different types of research designs, including experimental, descriptive, correlational, and qualitative designs. Each design has its own strengths and limitations, and the choice of design should align with the research objectives and context of the study.
For this study, a qualitative research design will be employed. Qualitative research focuses on exploring and understanding the meanings, experiences, and perspectives of individuals through in-depth interviews, observations, or analysis of texts. This approach is suitable for capturing rich and contextual data, especially in complex social phenomena, and allows for the exploration of multiple perspectives and interpretations.
Data Collection
In qualitative research, data collection methods aim to gather rich and detailed information about the research topic. The chosen methods should align with the research question(s) and research design. Common data collection methods in qualitative research include interviews, observations, and document analysis.
For this study, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with a sample of participants who have relevant experience and knowledge related to the research question(s). Semi-structured interviews allow for flexibility while ensuring that key topics and questions are covered. The interviews will be audio-recorded and transcribed for further analysis.
Data Analysis
Data analysis in qualitative research involves organizing, categorizing, and interpreting the collected data. The analysis process should be systematic, rigorous, and transparent, and it should aim to identify key themes, patterns, or theories that emerge from the data.
In this study, a thematic analysis approach will be employed to analyze the interview data. Thematic analysis involves identifying recurring patterns, themes, or concepts within the data and interpreting their meaning and significance. The analysis will be conducted iteratively, starting with open coding to identify initial themes, followed by axial coding to refine and categorize the themes, and finally, selective coding to develop a comprehensive understanding of the data.
Potential Barriers, Challenges, and Limitations
Every research study faces potential barriers, challenges, or limitations that may impact the implementation, validity, or generalizability of the findings. It is important to identify and address these potential issues upfront to ensure the rigor and credibility of the research.
In this study, some potential barriers, challenges, or limitations include:
1. Access to participants: Recruiting a diverse and representative sample for the interviews may be challenging. It may require reaching out to various organizations or networks and obtaining their cooperation.
2. Time constraints: Conducting qualitative research can be time-consuming due to the data collection and analysis process. Scheduling and conducting interviews, transcribing data, and analyzing the data may require careful time management.
3. Subjectivity and bias: Qualitative research is influenced by the perspectives and interpretations of both the researcher and the participants. Measures will be taken to minimize researcher bias and ensure the transparency and rigor of the analysis.
4. Generalizability: Qualitative research is typically focused on understanding specific contexts and experiences rather than providing generalizable conclusions. The findings of this study may not be applicable to other settings or populations.
In summary, the nature of study section of the prospectus form outlines the research design, data collection and analysis strategies, and potential barriers, challenges, or limitations of the study. For this study, a qualitative research design will be used, involving semi-structured interviews for data collection and thematic analysis for data analysis. The potential barriers, challenges, or limitations include access to participants, time constraints, subjectivity and bias, and limited generalizability of the findings. By addressing these considerations, the study can ensure the rigor and validity of the research process.