�ASSIGNMENT��EQL 671 (70%) �(HEMM1233 – 60%)� QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHOD �IN EDUCATION
ASSIGNMENT SUMMARY (70%)
Part | % / Page | Task | References/ Modules | Task Description |
A (CL01) | 15% / 1200-1500 words | Write a critical essay | Topic 1, internet, books, journals. Minimum 8 references | Title: “Critiquing Sampling, Reliability and Validity in Qualitative Research”
(Use APA referencing system - minimum 8 references, academic style, no bullet points) |
B (CL02) | 15%/ 3 Info-graphs | Visual/ creative product: Infographic (A4 paper) | Topic 2, 3,4,5,6,8, Internet, Others | Choose three (3) qualitative research methods Design an infographic FOR EACH METHOD that explains: o The purpose of each method o Key data collection techniques used (e.g., interviews, observation,document analysis) o Strengths and limitations of each method o At least one educational research example for each method |
ASSIGNMENT SUMMARY (70%)
Part | % / Page | Module / Topic | References/ Modules | Task Description |
C (CL03 & CL04) | 20% + 20% / 3000-3500 words (10-15 pages) | Research Project | Topic 1, 2,4, 7, 9,10 | Conduct a small study titled: “A Qualitative Observational Study on Human Behavior in a Chosen Setting” Step 1- Selection of a setting Step 2- Research Question Step 3 – Data Collection (CL03- 20%) -planning -Observation - add another method - ethical considerations - organizing your data Step 4 – Data Analysis (CL04- 20%) - preparation and coding -identifying themes & patterns - validating your findings - Presenting the analysis Step 5 – Reporting Writing (3000-3500 words)
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| | | | |
�GENERAL INSTRUCTION
4. ‘DO NOT COPY AND PASTE’ OR COPY FROM:
PART A (15%) - ESSAY CRITIC (CRITICAL REVIEW) – CLO1� (1200-1500 WORDS)
Issues in Qualitative Research as compare to traditional Research (Quantitative R): Sampling, Reliability and Validity
PART A (15%) - ESSAY CRITIC (CRITICAL REVIEW) – CLO1� (1200-1500 WORDS)
(c) Instructions
Sampling, Reliability, and Validity in Qualitative Research.
• Explain briefly why these issues are important in research.
• State the purpose of your essay (to critically examine the debates
around these issues).
• End with a thesis statement that shows your position (e.g.,
whether these issues are essential or problematic in
qualitative research).
Essay Components | |||
| Part | Word | Content |
1 | Introduction | 150-200 | Important of these issues in research |
2 | | | |
3 | | | |
4 | | | |
5 | | | |
6 | | | |
IMPORTANCE OF SAMPLING, RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY
PART A (15%) - ESSAY CRITIC (CRITICAL REVIEW) – CLO1
Essay Components | |||
| Part | Word | Content |
1 | Introduction | 150-200 | Important of these issues in research |
2 | Explanation of Issues | 200-250 | Define each issue, Differ from Quantitative |
3 |
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4 |
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5 | | | |
6 | | | |
WHAT IS SAMPLING, RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY
DIFFERENCES OF THESE ISSUES BETWEEN QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
PART A (15%) - ESSAY CRITIC (CRITICAL REVIEW) – CLO1
3. Critical Arguments (300–350 words)
• Present scholarly critiques against applying traditional notions of sampling, reliability, and validity in qualitative research.
• For example:
o Small samples may not be generalizable.
o Reliability and validity are quantitative concepts that may not fully apply in qualitative research.
• Use at least 2–3 authors who argue these points.
Essay Components | |||
| Part | Word | Content |
1 | Introduction | 150-200 | Important of these issues in research |
2 | Explanation of Issues | 200-250 | Define each issue, Differ from Quantitative |
3 | Critical Arguments | 300-350 | Views against the existing traditional views |
4 | | | |
5 | | | |
6 | | | |
SAMPLING, RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY IN �QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
PART A (15%) - ESSAY CRITIC (CRITICAL REVIEW) – CLO1
4. Counter-Arguments & Evaluation (300–350 words)
• Present the defense or reframing of these issues by other scholars.
• For example:
o Sampling in qualitative research is about depth and richness, not numbers.
o Reliability can mean consistency in interpretation.
o Validity can mean credibility and trustworthiness.
• Evaluate the strength of these arguments.
Essay Components | |||
| Part | Word | Content |
1 | Introduction | 150-200 | Important of these issues in research |
2 | Explanation of Issues | 200-250 | Define each issue, Differ from Quantitative |
3 | Critical Arguments | 300-350 | Views against the existing traditional views |
4 | Counter-Arguments & Evaluation | 300-350 | Defend or reframing by other scholars Evaluate these arguments |
5 | | | |
6 | | | |
SAMPLING, RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY IN �QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH – SUGGESTIONS TO READ BEFORE WRITING
PART A (15%) - ESSAY CRITIC (CRITICAL REVIEW) – CLO1
5. Your Critical Standpoint (150–200 words)
• Reflect on the debate. Which side do you find more convincing?
• Provide your own reasoned argument, supported by evidence.
• Suggest a balanced view (e.g., while reliability and
validity may not be identical to quantitative research,
they are still relevant when redefined for qualitative
purposes).
6. Conclusion (100–150 words)
• Summarize your key arguments.
• Restate your position clearly.
• Highlight the implications for qualitative researchers.
Essay Components | |||
| Part | Word | Content |
1 | Introduction | 150-200 | Important of these issues in research |
2 | Explanation of Issues | 200-250 | Define each issue, Differ from Quantitative |
3 | Critical Arguments | 300-350 | Views against the existing traditional views |
4 | Counter-Arguments & Evaluation | 300-350 | Defend or reframing by other scholars & evaluate their arguments |
5 | Your Critical Standpoint | 150-200 | Your views |
6 | Conclusion | 100-150 | Summarise your key arguments & position |
PART A (15%) - ESSAY CRITIC (CRITICAL REVIEW) – CLO1
(d) Presentation & Referencing
• Use APA 7th edition for in-text citations and reference list.
• Minimum 8 references (textbooks, journal articles, research methods sources).
• Write in academic style (formal tone, no bullet points in the essay).
• Word count: 1,200–1,500 words.
PART A (15%) - ESSAY CRITIC (CRITICAL REVIEW) – CLO1
(e) Mark Breakdown (15%)
Your essay will be graded based on:
1. Explanation of Issues (4%) – Clear and accurate overview of
sampling, reliability, and validity in qualitative research.
2. Critical Analysis (5%) – Depth of critique through arguments and
counterarguments,
supported with scholarly references.
3. Student’s Critical Standpoint (3%) – Ability to synthesize
perspectives and
present a balanced, well-justified conclusion.
4. Organization & Presentation (3%) – Coherence, clarity, structure,
referencing, and adherence to APA formatting.
• Highlight the implications for qualitative researchers.
Essay Components (1200-1500 words) | |||
| Part | Word | Content |
1 | Introduction | 150-200 | Important of these issues in research |
2 | Explanation of Issues (4%) | 200-250 | Define each issue, Differ from Quantitative |
3 | Critical Arguments (5%) | 300-350 | Views against the existing traditional views |
4 | Counter-Arguments & Evaluation | 300-350 | Defend or reframing by other scholars & evaluate their arguments |
5 | Your Critical (3%) Standpoint | 150-200 | Your views |
6 | Conclusion (All - 3%) | 100-150 | Summarise your key arguments & position |
SOME REFERENCES
https://ebn.bmj.com/content/early/2025/01/21/ebnurs-2024-104232
http://www.nova.edu/ssss/QR/QR8-4/golafshani.pdf
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH. Paper delivered at SA Society o f Nurse
Researchers’ Workshop-RAU 19March l993. H.I.L. Brink (Conference Paper). 1993. VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY IN QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2000.2925
REFERENCES FROM INTERNET
PART B (15%) – VISUAL/CREATIVE PRODUCT: INFOGRAPHIC (CLO2)
TEMPLATES
PART B (15%) – VISUAL/CREATIVE PRODUCT: � INFOGRAPHIC (CLO2)
(b) Task
o Ethnography
o Case study
o Action research
o Historical analysis
o Generic qualitative methods
Choose only 3 methods.
Designs an Infographic for each method.
PART B (15%) – VISUAL/CREATIVE PRODUCT: � INFOGRAPHIC (CLO2)
(c) Instruction
1. Design an infographic that explains:
document analysis)
2. Format requirements
A$ Paper
PURPOSE
At Lease ONE example (Education)
Data Collection Techniques
Strengths & Limitations
A4 PAPER
CASE STUDY
PART B (15%) – VISUAL/CREATIVE PRODUCT: � INFOGRAPHIC (CLO2)
3. Suggestion on the platform to design infographic
i. Canva (free + paid) — Easiest for most students: lots of templates,
icons, charts, Canva Pro assets (optional), collaboration, direct
PDF export.
o REFERENCE: https://www.canva.com/infographics/templates/
ii. Piktochart / Venngage / Visme (freemium) — More data-visual
focused templates (good if you use many charts). Some features
require paid plans.
o REFERENCE: https://piktochart.com/infographic-maker/
iii. PowerPoint / Google Slides — Everybody has access; flexible for precision
PART B (15%) – VISUAL/CREATIVE PRODUCT: � INFOGRAPHIC (CLO2)
4. Quick Guide: How to Create a Strong Infographic
2. Plan the Layout – Sketch where text, visuals, and flow will go (top-to-bottom or side-to-side).
3. Design Simply – Use free tools (e.g., Canva, Piktochart), short text, readable fonts, and 2–3 colors only.
4. Add Visuals & Check – Use icons, images, or charts;
PART B (15%) – VISUAL/CREATIVE PRODUCT: � INFOGRAPHIC (CLO2)
(c) Mark Breakdown (15%)
1. Content Accuracy & Completeness (6%) – Clear and correct explanation of the selected methods, covering purpose, techniques, strengths, and limitations.
2. Application to Education (4%) – Relevant educational research examples provided to illustrate each method.
3. Visual Design & Organization (3%) – Effective use of visuals, logical layout, and clarity of presentation.
4. References & Academic Integrity (2%) – Use of reliable sources, proper citations, and originality.
Infographics Components (15%) | |||
| Part | % | Content |
1 | Content Accuracy & Completeness | 6 | Clear and correct info for each method |
2 | Application to Education | 4 | Relevant educational research examples for each method |
3 | Visual Design & Organization | 3 | Effective, logical & clear |
4 | References & Academic Integrity | 2 | Reliable references, proper citations & originality (may not listed in the graphs) |
BEFORE YOU START, SUMMARISE YOUR DATA FOR EACH METHOD
| Ethnography | Case Study | Action Research | Historical Analysis | Generic Qualitative Research |
Purpose | | | | | |
Data Collection Technique | | | | | |
Strength | | | | | |
Limitation | | | | | |
Educational Examples | | | | | |
�ASSIGNMENT (60%)�VIDEO B��EQL 671:� QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHOD �IN EDUCATION
PART C (40%) – PROJECT / FIELDWORK REPORT (40%) – CLO3 AND CLO4
(a) Purpose
The purpose of this project is to guide you through the end-to-end process of qualitative research, beginning with observation in a natural setting and ending with thematic analysis of the data.
By completing this assignment, you will gain practical experience
in designing a qualitative observational study, collecting data ethically, and analyzing it through coding and theme identification.
(b) Task
Conduct a small study titled:
“A Qualitative Observational Study on Human Behavior in a Chosen Setting”
PART C (40%) – PROJECT / FIELDWORK REPORT (40%) – CLO3 AND CLO4
(c) Instructions
You will conduct a small qualitative study by observing human behavior (CLO3) and analyzing your data through coding and themes (CLO4).
Use the steps below as guide:
Step 1 – Selection of a Setting
• Choose a public or educational setting where people naturally gather and interact (e.g., classroom, library, cafeteria, playground, park, coffee shop).
Step 2 – Research Question
• Formulate a clear research question connected to your chosen setting.
• Example: “How do individuals engage with their surroundings in a university cafeteria?”
Step 3 – Data Collection (CLO3 – 20%)
combine direct observation with at least one additional qualitative method
(in-depth interview or document analysis). This step ensures you gather rich,
contextual data that will allow meaningful analysis later. See the guide below:
A. Planning Your Data Collection
1. Define your focus – Review your research question and decide what
types of behavior, interaction, or communication you will pay attention to.
2. Choose your methods – Besides observation, select either:
o In-depth Interview: short, focused conversations with 1–2
participants in your setting. OR,
o Document Analysis: study materials found in the setting (e.g.,
posters, notices, menus, signage, or rules displayed).
3. Prepare your tools – Notebook, pen, observation sheet, or a digital
device. Prepare interview questions if you choose the interview option.
B. Conducting Observation
• Spend 60–90 minutes in your chosen setting.
• Take detailed field notes on:
o Verbal interactions (conversations, tone, word choices).
o Non-verbal behaviors (gestures, posture, facial expressions).
o Group dynamics (patterns of interaction, leadership,
cooperation, conflict).
o Environment (physical layout, atmosphere, movement of
people).
• Stay unobtrusive – observe without interfering or drawing attention.
C. Adding a Second Method (Choose One)
1. In-depth Interview
o Identify 1–2 individuals willing to participate briefly.
o Ask open-ended questions (e.g., “How do you usually spend
time here?” “What challenges do you face in this space?”).
o Take notes or record (with permission).
o Keep interviews short (10–15 minutes).
OR,
2. Document Analysis
o Collect materials that influence or reflect human behavior in your
setting (e.g., a café’s “house rules,” posters in a university
lounge, signs in a playground).
o Record the content (take photos or notes).
o Consider how the documents shape or reflect the observed
behaviors.
D. Ethical Considerations
• Public spaces only – no private areas.
• Do not collect personal identifiers (names, photos of faces, etc.).
• If interviewing, ensure informed consent (explain purpose, voluntary
nature, and anonymity).
• Maintain neutrality – do not influence or judge participants.
E. Organizing Your Data
• After fieldwork, type up your notes within 24 hours (to avoid forgetting
details).
• Label your data by date, time, and location.
• Separate your notes into observation, interview/document content,
and reflections (your thoughts or questions).
COMPETENCY
A. Preparation:
2. Methods & Tools
B. Observation (60 min)
C. Add 2nd Method
D. Ethical considerations
E. Organize your data
Data Collection (CLO3)
SOME GUIDELINES
(METHODS)
(FIELD WORK)
IMMEDIATELY AFTER OBSERVATION
SECOND METHOD – INTERVIEW OR � DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
Step 4 – Data Analysis (CLO4 – 20%)
This stage is where you make sense of your field data by coding, categorizing, and identifying themes.
The aim is to transform your raw notes into patterns of
meaning that directly address your research question. Follow the guide below:
A. Preparing Your Data
1. Organize your notes
o Compile your observation notes, interview transcripts, and/or documents into one file.
o Ensure each entry has a time, date, and setting label.
2. Read through everything
o Do a first reading just to get a general sense of the data.
o Highlight anything that feels interesting, repeated, or surprising.
B. Coding Your Data (in original field notes)
o Apply open coding to identify key ideas.
o Go line by line and highlight meaningful segments.
o Assign a short label, e.g., “group bonding,” “waiting frustration,” “authority signs ignored.”
C. Identifying Themes & Patterns (explain in the report)
o Group codes into themes, categories, or patterns.
D. Validating Your Findings (explain in the report)
o Check your themes against the raw data — make sure they are supported by actual examples.
o Look for contradictions (e.g., not everyone follows the same rule).
o Keep your analysis balanced: acknowledge both dominant patterns and exceptions.
A. Prepare your data:
2. Read through
B. Coding:
C. Identify themes & Patterns
D. Validate your findings:
E. Present the analysis:
Data Analysis (CLO4)
Report Components (20% + 20%) | | |||
| Part A (CL03) | % | Part B (CL04) | % |
1 | Clarity of Research Question & Focus | 4 | Application of Coding | 5 |
2 | Quality of Data Collection | 8 | Identification of Themes & Patterns | 7 |
3 | Ethical Considerations | 4 | Interpretation & Critical Analysis | 5 |
4 | Organization & Documentation | 4 | Presentation of Findings | 3 |
Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA):
PREPARING THE OBSERVATION DATA �FOR ANALYSIS
Familiarisation
Transcription
Organisation
Coding
Grounded
theory
Report Writing
Framework
analysis
�
Analysis
�
Analysis
Figure 7.2 Stages in qualitative data analysis (QDA)
R. What do you mean hot-tempered?
He refused to listen to what I had to say….he just went on and on.
T. Many of us prefer to keep quite and suffer in silence. You know, he is quite close with the higher-ups. Anyone who questions his decisions are ridiculed You know he determines whether we get promoted or not. You know, it’s the usual thing!
Extraction of Key phrases
hot-tempered
lost his cool
refused to listen
just went on and on
not fair
Scold
ridiculed for
Questioning
One man show
| CODES |
It was challenging, after living in Italy for 6 months and then I moved home | Moving away |
before … |
|
I started university. I was used to doing things my own way when it suited me | Independence |
… |
|
and not having to tell people where I was going. I was living with friends and | Freedom |
they … |
|
didn‟t care what I did or where I went. It was really hard to go back to sort of | Moving back |
… | home |
thinking of others … ‟cause Mum and Dad wanted to know where I was | Control |
going and … |
|
who with, which was a nightmare. My parents were strict but I had a lot of … | Control |
freedom growing up, as long as I didn‟t overstep the boundaries. After I came | Boundaries |
… |
|
back from Italy they realised I was more independent and things changed and | Growing up |
… |
|
they didn‟t try and stop me doing things anymore but they would still let | Letting go |
know if … |
|
they didn‟t approve. | Disapproval |
CREATING CODES/CATEGORIES �- OPEN CODING
CREATING CODES/CATEGORIES �- OPEN CODING
e.g. Category Properties Dimension
training types pre – in-service
duration long – short
sponsorship govt – self
CREATING CODES/CATEGORIES
LIST OF CODES (KEEP IT PROPERLY)
General Categories/ Code RQ#
Properties
Training Tr 2.1
Types Tr-Ty 2.1.1
Pre-service Tr – Ty- Pre 2.1.1
In-service Tr-Ty- In 2.1.1
Sponsorship Tr-Sp 2.1.2
MOE Tr – Sp – G 2.1.2
Self Tr- Sp – Self 2.1.2
Role
Class teacher
ICT Coordinator
AXIAL CODING
AXIAL CODING (STRAUSS & CORBIN, 1990; CORBIN �& STRAUSS, 2008)
(a) context (properties)
(b) action/interactional strategies by which it
is managed and conducted; and
(c) consequences of those strategies.
LIST OF CODES (KEEP IT PROPERLY)
General Categories/ Code RQ#
Properties
Training Tr 2.1
Types Tr-Ty 2.1.1
Pre-service Tr – Ty- Pre 2.1.1
In-service Tr-Ty- In 2.1.1
Sponsorship Tr-Sp 2.1.2
MOE Tr – Sp – G 2.1.2
Self Tr- Sp – Self 2.1.2
Role
Class teacher
ICT Coordinator
ANALYSIS OF DATA (MODULE 7)
- refer to axial coding
Word
Word
Word
Word
Phrase
Phrase
Phrase
Phrase
R
A
W
DATA
Identify
and
Categorise
Data
CATEGORIES EMERGE FROM THE DATA
Category #1
Category #2
Category #3
�
�
Graphical Description of The Grounded Theory Approach in
Qualitative Data Analysis
THEORY EMERGES SHOWING RELATIONSHIPS AMONG the Categories
THE CATEGORIES
Thematic Chart
THEME | Case 2 | Case 3 |
Psychological Cause | ‘The stress at office is too much. Got to work late” | ‘Business was bad. Had to close shop’ |
Case Chart
| Theme 1 Genetic inheritance | Theme 2 Physical cause |
CASE 1 | ‘My younger brother and father died of a heart attack’ | ‘I hardly do any exercise. I too busy to do any exercise’ |
| | |
Framework Analysis Approach in
Qualitative Data Analysis
Report Components (20% + 20%) | | |||
| Part A (CL03) | % | Part B (CL04) | % |
1 | Clarity of Research Question & Focus | 4 | Application of Coding | 5 |
2 | Quality of Data Collection | 8 | Identification of Themes & Patterns | 7 |
3 | Ethical Considerations | 4 | Interpretation & Critical Analysis | 5 |
4 | Organization & Documentation | 4 | Presentation of Findings | 3 |
HOW TO QUOTE ILLUSTRATIVE EVIDENCE IN REPORTING?
10
20
30
Observation/Interview/ document No:
Page No:
Notes
Codes
Transcripted Text / Document
(Attached as appendix)
These were the activities done by the customers: sit quietly and wait, chitchatting, texting using handphone (Obv 1-1-10,16,30)
waiting
chitchat
texting
In the Report
THANK YOU