Project information: Qualitative Researcher Journeys

Project purpose

This Qualitative Researcher Journey project aims to generate an open source data-set that can be used in the teaching and learning of qualitative research methods. When learning about qualitative research methodology, novice researchers want to see and use practical examples. Yet open data sets and example materials are often so project specific that learners find it difficult to relate the examples to their potential research designs, and those teaching have to grapple with generalising and simplifying research processes with material that was never designed with teaching in mind.

As an organisation that is passionate about supporting qualitative researchers, Quirkos wants to hear about the research journeys of experienced qualitative researchers, where-ever they are based in the world, whether they use analysis software, or not.

The research will explore what it was like learning to become a qualitative researcher; for example, favoured approaches to gathering, analysing and writing about research, practical examples and stories from their experiences of conducting research, and (if they teach) what it is like to teach qualitative research.

Who is conducting the research?

This project is conducted by Dr Cathy Gibbons (Principal Investigator) and Dr Daniel Turner (Company founder and Director) of Quirkos Ltd.

Who is funding it?

Quirkos was founded in 2013 with the aim to create simple, accessible software for qualitative research. Our philosophy can be summarised in one word: 'accessibility'. We believe in the power and change that qualitative research can bring, and our aim is to open up qualitative research to more people. We want our software to facilitate, but not direct qualitative research, so we focus our support and training on helping people to do qualitative research rather than simply use our software.

Who will use the data and what for?

In keeping with Quirkos’s philosophy of accessibility, open means open – the pseudonymised data-set will be made freely available via our website. Our plan is to include parts of the data as the sample data-set for use in Quirkos software and as part of a course on qualitative research. It may also form the basis of a text book and other scholarly material. It is envisaged that others will use it for teaching, learning and other scholarly pursuits, however, as open an data-set we will not have control over how others use it.

What participation will entail for participants

One to one semi-structured qualitative research interviews will take place via audio call. Zoom or other suitable web-based platform of the participants choosing will be used to enable global participation. The call will be recorded in audio only. The call will take approximately one hour.
The interview will be transcribed and returned to participants for review within 3 weeks of the interview and consent given within 4 weeks of the interview date. Withdrawal from the project is possible unconditionally up to 30th June 2021. Conditional withdrawal may be possible after that date and participants shouldn’t hesitate to contact Quirkos if they have concerns after the unconditional date has passed.

Who will have access to participant personal data?

Personal data will only be accessed by the PI and Company Director. In extra-ordinary circumstances, other staff may be given access under the specific direction of the PI or Director.

What risks to the participants could be reasonably seen as arising from participation?

Your personal data will be confidential and interview data will be pseudonymised. However, there is a risk that potentially unique features of your research journey could identify you to your colleagues, past research participants and your students. There will be an opportunity to discuss this with the interviewer post-interview so you may influence the process of creating pseudonyms and anonymised data and preserve the context of your story.

Ethics

This research is carried out in line with the BPS Statement on ethics review and independent research with human participants, and after a thorough risk assessment has been assessed as a minimal risk project. Researchers will use guidance from the British Psychological Society and the Social Research Association. A full ethics statement is available here.

Cathy Gibbons PGCE PhD SFHEA
cathy@quirkos.com
29 April 2021