QUALITATIVE RESEARCH PLANNING

A strong foundation for a research study is based on careful planning, including defining what, where, when, why, and how. Research planning comes before collecting and analyzing data. You need to identify what you are trying to understand, the reasons why you want to undertake the project, and the resources needed for it.

Cultural Context

What is it? Cultural context is the broad range of beliefs and practices that guide the behavior of research participants and researchers. All research studies involving humans must take into account the specific cultural context(s) in which they occur, because cultural context not only affects how researchers and research participants may think and behave, but also how the two groups may interact with each other. Understanding the cultural context of research participants and the researcher’s place within it is essential to completing a trustworthy study.

Research participants and researchers may belong to different cultures or sub-cultures, and communicate differently, and this can increase the complexity of a project. This requires special planning and flexibility before, during, and after a project is completed, as well as reflexivity on the part of the researcher. Taking into account the cultural context of research participants is also essential when analyzing and interpreting data.

Some projects require that collaborators who are familiar with the culture be included, especially for cross-cultural research. An example of this is the use of interpreters and identifying the steps taken for including stakeholders in informing assessment measures and in data collection and analysis. When it is not possible to work in a team, or if a local person is not available, then training about the cultural context is necessary. Our consultants can help you integrate culturally-appropriate methods for a strong research project.

How can we help you?

• Identify keys steps to take when developing a research project that needs cultural adaptation
• Integrate interpreters for projects that require translation before, during and after data collection
• Develop a project that is culturally-appropriate for the group, location, or area where the research will be completed

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