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The Qualitative Report An online journal dedicated to qualitative research since 1990 Volume 10 Number 1 March 2005 http://www.nova.edu/ssss/QR/QR10-1/index.html |
| Ronald J.
Chenail, Ph.D., Sally St. George, Ph.D., and Dan Wulff,
Ph.D., Editors ISSN 1052-0147 |
Teacher Perceptions of Multicultural Issues in School
Settings (pp. 1-20)
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Danielle Martines
Abstract: This study employed qualitative methods to analyze teacher's level of multicultural understanding and perceptions of cultural issues when discussing their culturally diverse students in the context of the consultation process. Three school psychologists in urban city high schools, engaged in audio-recorded consultation sessions with consultee-teachers who voluntarily sought services. Audio-recorded tapes of consultation sessions were transcribed and coded by two trained raters and qualitatively analyzed by co-researchers who recorded multicultural thematic issues as categories. Cultural themes and categories indicated that teachers demonstrated cultural awareness and sensitivity regarding their culturally diverse students, yet showed less developed cultural knowledge-base and skill levels. The study's methodological approach utilized a multicultural coding system that may be used to qualitatively identify cultural issues/themes of concern as a tool for assessing multicultural competency levels in consultation. Key Words: Qualitative Methods, School Consultation, Multicultural Consultation, Consultee-Centered Consultation, Multicultural Competency, Multicultural Education, Consultation Coding System, Multicultural Competency Assessment, Audio-Recording, Teacher Perceptions, and Culturally Diverse Children
Maternal Postpartum Role Collapse as a Theory of
Postpartum Depression (pp. 21-38)
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Linda Clark Amankwaa
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the development of a theory of maternal postpartum role collapse. The influences of traditional role theory and symbolic interactionism are presented. The development of the maternal postpartum role collapse theory emerged from the study of postpartum depression among African-American women (Amankwaa, 2000). Major components of the theory of postpartum maternal role collapse consist of role stress, role strain, and finally role collapse. A discussion of the extension of role theory to role collapse as it is related to the postpartum mother is offered as an explanation of postpartum depression. Key Words: Symbolic Interactionism, Postpartum Depression, Maternal Role Collapse, and Grounded Theory Research
The Rise and Fall of a Songwriting Partnership (pp.
39-54)
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Peter DeVries
Abstract: The working relationship of two novice songwriters is examined in this ethnographic study, which highlights the importance of common goals and values in a songwriting collaboration. Stemming from this core there are a number of sub-themes: the pair saw a popular song as consisting of melody, harmony, and lyrics; they played on the strengths and offset the weaknesses of each others songwriting skills; both writers valued originality; and they believed songwriting had a mystical element to it. Finally, it will be shown how conflict in their status as writing partners resulted in the demise of the collaboration. The difficulty of being a participant observer researcher when only two people are being observed is also discussed. Key Words: Songwriting, Partnership, Ethnography, and Popular Music
Beyond High Stakes Testing: Rural High School Students
and Their Yearbooks (pp. 55-86)
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Lynn M. Hoffman
Abstract: I conducted surveys, focus group interviews, and analyzed the yearbooks of fifty four yearbook students from five rural high schools to investigate students process of yearbook construction and to determine what was meaningful and memorable to them throughout their high school experience. Changs (1992) construct of an adolescent ethos, including the elements of getting along with everyone, being involved, and being independent, provided a conceptual framework, and was affirmed by students responses. References to rites of passage and intensification embedded in the high school program as described by Burnett (1969) confirmed these students perceptions of high school as a four year passage experience. Key Words: Adolescence, Rites of Passage, Ethos, High School, Rural Schools, and Yearbooks
Doing Gender in Research: Reflection on Experience in
Field (pp. 87-95)
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Larisa V. Kosygina
Abstract: The article shows how doing gender (mutual gender categorization of interacting people and construction of their behavior according to this categorization) can influence research method and research hypothesis. Communication between respondent and researcher during semi-structural interview is in focus. Key Words: Reflexivity, Doing Gender, and Interview
The Examination of Change Management Using Qualitative
Methods: A Case Industry Approach (pp. 96-121)
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Aaron C. T. Smith, Daniel M. Evans, and Hans M. Westerbeek
Abstract: Despite the number of theories explaining the nature and antecedents of change, there is no consensus on a universally applicable model. Competing theories have been tested using deductive methods focusing on hypothesis testing. This study has utilized qualitative methods for collecting data within the sport industry to provide an initial understanding of change within that case industry Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 sport managers across Australian National and State Sporting Organizations and clubs participating in national league competitions. Interviews were transcribed and coded in a grounded interpretation culminating in a typology of change types. Results highlighted that Australian spsrt managers were inclined to be flexible in both their view of the origins of change, and its effective management. Key Words: Change Management, Sport Organizations, and Qualitative Methods
My Body, My Stigma: Body Interpretations in a Sample of
People Living with HIV/AIDS in Puerto Rico (pp. 122-142)
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Nelson Varas-Daz, Jos??? Toro-Alfonso, and Irma Serrano-Garca
Abstract: AIDS related stigma continues to impact the lives of People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) negatively. Although the consequences of stigmatization have been widely documented, certain areas of study need to be further addressed in order to better understand their implications for PLWHA; such is the case of the perceptions of the bodys role in AIDS stigma. A qualitative study was implemented including 30 in-depth interviews of PLWHA in Puerto Rico in order to explore their perceptions of the bodys role in the process of stigmatization. Results include: participants perceptions on how their bodies evidence their serostatus, description of past body marks, personal experiences with body marks, meanings attributed to their bodies with HIV/AIDS, and personal criteria used to describe the perfect body. These issues are described in the context of the social stigma faced by PLWHA in Puerto Rico and individual perceptions of bodys role in the process of self-stigmatization. Recommendations for intervention and research are described. Key Words: HIV/AIDS, Stigma, Body, and Puerto Ricans
Conducting Qualitative Research on
Desertification in
Western Lesvos, Greece (pp. 143-162)
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Theodoros Iosifides and Theodoros Politidis
Abstract: The main aim of this article is to present some critical methodological strategies employed in a qualitative research study on local socioeconomic development and desertification in western Lesvos, Greece. Through in-depth qualitative interviews with local producers in western Lesvos, Greece, an effort was made to identify and analyze the links between the local socioeconomic trajectory and environmental marginality. The article concerns the justification of the choice of qualitative investigation on the matter, the main methodological strategies employed in the field, and the basic data analysis processes. In particular, we discuss the gradual development of a coding framework and a conceptual model for understanding and explaining the interrelations between local socioeconomic development, and characteristics and problems of land degradation and desertification. Key Words: Desertification, Local Development, Socioeconomic Factors, In-depth Interviews, and Qualitative Data Analysis
Databases Dont Measure Motivation (pp. 163-177)
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Joseph Yeager
Abstract: Automated persuasion is the Holy Grail of quantitatively biased data base designers. However, data base histories are, at best, probabilistic estimates of customer behavior and do not make use of more sophisticated qualitative motivational profiling tools. While usually absent from web designer thinking, qualitative motivational profiling can be integrated into data base designs. However, qualitative profiling would require that designers add to their repertoire a set of qualitative motivational profiling tools. Clearly the quantitative or qualitative tool must fit the task. This contemporary confusion is corrected by separating the marketing and market research tools into quantitative or qualitative applications according to the proper roles they play and the tasks they must engage. Key Words: Motivational Profiling, Data Warehousing, Database Mining, Content Analysis, Data Base Design, Marketing Strategy, Qualitative Market Research, Quantitative Market Research, Customer Behavior, and Micro-Demographics
Using the Afrocentric Method in Researching Indigenous
African Culture (pp. 178-189)
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Queeneth Mkabela
Abstract: The article highlights the realities and dynamics facing researchers researching indigenous African culture. The cultural aspirations, understandings and practices of African indigenous people should position researchers to implement and organise the research process. Suggestions are also made for implementing the Afrocentric method and how to use African indigenous culture as a foundation for the Afrocentric method. The intent of this article is to stimulate enlightened discussion about the definition, mechanisms, and purpose of the Afrocentric method as an appropriate research method for indigenous African culture and how it can be used as a complement to qualitative research methods. Key Words: Afrocentric Method, Indigenous African Culture, Indigenous Knowledge, African Centred Research, Collective Identity, Holistic Orientation, and Ubuntu
