My goal in creating this open access resource is to share with you my knowledge and insights regarding critical qualitative research, and specifically how this methodology may be successfully incorporated in a qualitative dissertation. This student research companion resource is the first in a series on qualitative research designs and methods and will be part of an ongoing series of resources that will assist students and faculty researchers. The second in this series of student research companion resources is Qualitative Data Analysis: Process, Strategies, and Application to Dissertation Research https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11803/5221
This resource is compiled to be instrumental in shedding light on all aspects of the critical research approach, providing both theoretical and paradigmatic background as well as practical “pointers”; thereby raising the general level of research competence and paving the way for graduate-level research requirements and expectations to be more understandable, ethical, and productive in a “real-world” sense. This comprehensive resource was conceptualized and created as a student research companion designed to meet the needs of students who are pursuing Masters (thesis) or Doctoral (dissertation) research. This resource has multidisciplinary relevance and will be invaluable to a wide audience in the social sciences, whatever their level of knowledge and experience. The information provided herein will be of assistance to students who are enrolled in qualitative research courses or who may be intending to or currently conducting a qualitative research study. For those who have already adopted a qualitative path this resource provides additional rich information serving to augment or enhance current understanding. This resource will also be of value to undecided students who may not yet have made a methodological decision, and for whom critical qualitative research may be an appealing option to pursue. Moreover, the material contained herein will also hopefully be of use and value to seasoned researchers or instructors who are seeking additional knowledge and expertise in this burgeoning area of qualitative research. My background is in adult education, psychology, and qualitative research. I develop and teach courses in qualitative research for application in graduate programs.
I am the author of Designing and delivering effective online instruction: How to engage adult learners., Completing your qualitative dissertation: A road map from beginning to end. and 101 Golden Nuggets for Preparing a Qualitative Dissertation. In all materials that I develop I am committed to equity and inclusion thereby making OER resources accessible for all students. As the author of this resource, I have ensured that ethical considerations are meaningfully interwoven throughout, and that all the material contained herein was thoughtfully developed and presented so as to be inclusive and accessible with the goal of being readily adopted and embraced by all learners. I certainly hope you find this new resource useful, insightful, thought-provoking, and applicable to your studies!
I wish you much success and fulfillment as you pursue your educational journey.
Best regards, Linda Bloomberg EdD
