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Expertise
- Does the researcher demonstrate an understanding of the qualitative paradigm
and the particular qualitative method being used?
- Are appropriate
references cited?
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Problem and /
or Research Question(s)
- Is the problem
clearly delineated with an appropriate rationale for using a qualitative
approach?
- Is there
a single, broad research question? More?
- Is the scope
of the question(s) manageable within the time frame and context of
the study?
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Purpose
- Is the purpose
for the study one of discovery and description, conceptualization
(theory building), illusions, or sensitization?
- Is it clearly
stated?
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Literature
Review
- Does the
particular qualitative method used call for a literature review and/or
conceptual framework prior to initiating fieldwork?
- If so, is
the review sufficiently comprehensive?
- Are major
concepts identified and defined?
- Is an initial
framework appropriate? Presented?
- If a literature
review is appropriate only after data collection, does the researcher
outline a process for accomplishing this?
- If bracketing
assumptions are an important component of the qualitative method selected,
is this process explained?
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Context
- Is the context for the study adequately described?
- Is a plan
for gaining entree to the setting given?
- Is the researcher-respondent
relationship understood?
- Is the role
of the researcher as "research tool" apparent?
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Sample
- Are the
unique issues of sampling in a qualitative study adequately addressed?
- Are the
potential characteristics of the sample outlined?
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Data Collection
- Does the
researcher demonstrate knowledge of general research strategies such
as participant-observation, interviewing, recording field notes, and
conducting ongoing analysis?
- Are the
strategies congruent with the purpose of the study, the research question,
and the type of qualitative research selected?
- Will additional
methods such as surveys, event analysis, or quantitative measures
be used?
- If so, does
the researcher demonstrate skills in their use?
- Are problems
of validity and reliability addressed from a qualitative perspective?
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Data Processing,
Plans for Analysis
- Does the
researcher outline a plan for keeping data organized and retrievable?
- Are tentative
frameworks for analysis appropriate?
- Are they
explored?
- If the framework
is to be derived directly from the data, does the researcher show
how this will be accomplished?
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Human Subjects
- Does the
researcher demonstrate an understanding of the measures necessary
for the protection of human subjects in qualitative research?
- If a written
contact is called for, is an example included in the proposal?
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Importance
to Nursing
- Is the way
in which the study is potentially relevant to nursing outlined?
- Is the study
important for theory building?
- Is the study
important to practice?
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From:
Cobb, A. K., & Hagemaster, J. N. (1987) Ten criteria for evaluating
qualitative research proposals. Journal of Nursing Education 26 (4), 138-143. |
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