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
Related Services
Publications: Articles, Books, Op-ed
For academic journals, qualitative data insights may need more information than if you are writing a newspaper or practice-based journal article.
Learn MoreContent Analysis
Cultural context is the broad range of beliefs and practices that guide the behavior of research participants and researchers.
Learn MoreQualitative Surveys
In qualitative research, a survey is a set of open-ended questions used to explore diverse views primarily among a large number of people.
Learn MoreCultural Context
Cultural context is the broad range of beliefs and practices that guide the behavior of research participants and researchers.
Learn MoreArticles and White Papers About Cultural Context
Do We Really Need That? Customized vs. Generic Surveys
Articles and White Papers About Surveys Do We Really Need That? Customized vs. Generic Surveys Articles and White Papers About Monitoring & Evaluation Case Study: Apprenticeship Program Evaluation Conducting a statistically representative comprehensive program evaluation which includes conducting a comprehensive evaluation for two workforce development programs and work with each...
Read More
How Do We Conduct Feasible, Cost-Effective Data Collection
Articles and White Papers About Feasibility How Do We Conduct Feasible, Cost-Effective Data Collection Articles and White Papers About Feasibility Case Study: Apprenticeship Program Evaluation Conducting a statistically representative comprehensive program evaluation which includes conducting a comprehensive evaluation for two workforce development programs and work with each of the vendors...
Read More
Why Include the Field in Decision-Making?
Articles and White Papers About Cultural Context Do We Really Need That? Customized vs. Generic Surveys Read More How Do We Conduct Feasible, Cost-Effective Data Collection Read More Why Include the Field in Decision-Making? Articles and White Papers About Concept Paper The Role of Data Analysis in Funder Selection: 10...
Read MoreWhy is Cultural Competence Critical to Evaluation
Articles and White Papers About Evaluation Goals Whose Job is it to Evaluate? Read More Delivering Strong M&E Reports Read More What Are You Actually Measuring? Selecting the Right Indicator to Measure Progress Read More Coaching for Evaluation Priorities Read More Load More
Read MoreFAQ About Cultural Context
Ethnography requires the immersion in a culture for an extended period of time. Successful ethnographic studies should be conducted no less than 6 months.
Data saturation is an important element in grounded theory. It is the process of collecting data until no new information is found. Therefore, the amount will vary depending on your research question(s) and data saturation.
Yes, many qualitative research project use a different type of analysis from the research design. The research questions should inform the type of qualitative analysis.
It depends on your research questions. A research question informs the setting, participants, design and focus of your study.
Gaining knowledge about the culture before developing your research proposal will aid in successful completion of your qualitative research in a setting outside of your culture. This may require doing research on current and past resources that explain the culture. Establishing a collaborative relationship with members of the culture, including the gatekeeper/leader. Have an open mindset that your research may change during data collection as you learn more about the culture.
What Our Clients Say About Us
Peggy Ostrander, DNPc, APRN, FNP-C Plano, Texas