Qualitative Research Paper Instructions
Qualitative research answers questions about peoples beliefs and actions. It starts with gaps in the existing research or conversation surrounding a topic and uses 2 primary sources, or field research, you will conduct yourselves, such as interviews, surveys, focus groups, and observations to answer a question that will fill that gap.

To successfully complete the qualitative research paper, follow this step-by-step process that includes assignments built into the next few weeks of class:

Choose a topic in which there is a debate or a problem (the discussion forum will help with this).
Find 5-7 sources that explore the debate or problem from a variety of different perspectives (youll complete the annotated bibliography to show your work here).
Use the mapping worksheet to identify a gap in the conversation. What is NOT being said?
Formulate a research question that
addresses the gap in the conversation
is open-ended
is about what people think, feel, or do.
Find someone to interview, whose experience or expertise will help you answer that question.
Write a qualitative research paper that explains how your interview helped you answer your research question.
Assignment Requirements

5-7 credible, scholarly secondary sources
1 interview
1 additional qualitative data source/field research (this can include a second interview, a survey, a focus group, or an observation)**
Organize using the qualitative research paper framework
1500-2000 words in length
APA format
**Note: When drawing on human subjects as sources for your paper, it is important that you explain your intentions, purpose, and the likely outcome of your data collection.  Here is a recommended script you can use as you approach the potential subjects you will use for this paper:

You are invited to participate in a [method of study, such as a survey, interview, etc.] on [describe research project]. This study is being conducted by [your name], who chose this topic to explore across 10 weeks during a research-based writing class. Your participation in this [method of study] is voluntary and will be used to [describe how info will be used and what they can expect about confidentiality or being quoted so they can decide to participate or not]. It should take approximately [minutes/hours/sessions] to complete. By answering these questions, you consent to the information you provided being used in this study. Thank you for participating!