Understanding Qualitative Research Methods for Voice Professionals: 5-Session Online Bootcamp

Overview of Research in Vocal Pedagogy

• Importance of research for voice professionals
• Transition from practitioner to researcher

Ontological and Epistemological Considerations

• Understanding ontology: The nature of reality and being
• Understanding epistemology: The nature and scope of knowledge
• How these considerations influence research design and methodology

Defining Practitioner Research

• Characteristics and benefits
• Ethical considerations in practitioner research

Types of Paradigms

• Positivism: Focuses on observable phenomena and objective reality.
• Interpretivism: Emphasizes understanding the meaning and experiences of individuals.
• Critical Theory: Aims to critique and change society by addressing power structures.
• Constructivism: Views knowledge as constructed through social interactions and experiences.
• Pragmatism: Focuses on practical solutions and outcomes, blending different approaches.

Discussion Forum

• Why is research important in vocal pedagogy?

Activity

• Reflect on your current teaching practice and identify areas where research could provide valuable insights.

Practical Exercise

• Which paradigm do you align with and how might this change your perspective?

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Methods

• Key differences and applications
• Choosing the right methodology for your research

Types of Qualitative Research

• Ethnography: Studying cultures and communities through immersion and observation.
• Phenomenology: Exploring and describing lived experiences of individuals.
• Grounded Theory: Developing theories based on data collected from the field.
• Case Study: Conducting in-depth analysis of specific cases.
• Narrative Research: Exploring and analyzing stories and personal accounts.

Discussion Forum

• What type of qualitative research do you closely align with?

Activity

• Choose a qualitative research methodology that interests you and explain why.

Interviews

• Types: Structured, semi-structured, unstructured
• Practical tips for conducting interviews

Surveys and Observations

• Types and practical tips

Case Studies

• Conducting case studies

Types of Samples for Qualitative Researchers

• Purposive Sampling: Selecting participants based on specific characteristics or criteria.
• Snowball Sampling: Using existing participants to recruit additional participants.
• Convenience Sampling: Choosing participants who are easily accessible.
• Theoretical Sampling: Selecting participants based on emerging theories during the research process.
• Other Qualitative Data Selection Techniques
• Quota Sampling: Ensuring representation of specific subgroups within the sample.
• Maximum Variation Sampling: Capturing a wide range of perspectives by selecting diverse participants.
• Homogeneous Sampling: Focusing on participants with similar characteristics to explore specific phenomena in depth.
• Critical Case Sampling: Selecting cases that are particularly informative or critical to the research question

Practical Exercise

• Design a data collection plan for a small research project.

Discussion Forum

• Discuss the challenges and benefits of different data collection techniques.

Data Analysis Strategies

• Coding and thematic analysis for qualitative data

Ensuring Validity and Reliability

• Types of validity and how to ensure them
• Addressing potential biases

Discussion Forum

• Share your experiences with data analysis and discuss strategies for ensuring validity.

Activity

• Analyze a sample dataset using coding and thematic analysis.

Develop Your Research Project

• Formulating research questions
• Designing your study and collecting data

Presenting Your Research

• Writing and dissemination
• Structuring your research paper
• Presenting findings at conferences and in publications

Discussion Forum

• Share your research project ideas and receive peer feedback