Research Article
Melissa Mello, Melanie Shaw, Rebecca Wardlow
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 7, Issue 2, pp. 1-18
ABSTRACT
This is a qualitative, phenomenological study of parents with children with autism who come from non-White backgrounds (N=7). Subjects were interviewed via recorded phone calls, during which they were asked a standard set of questions pertaining to their experiences with in-home family and child treatment. The problem examined in this study was the inequity experienced by families of color who have at least one child with autism and who received in-home early intervention autism services. Parents were interviewed to determine which aspects of treatment were perceived to be effective. The data were coded for emerging themes, with special attention given to opportunities for service amendment, seeking maximal perceived effectiveness. Families benefitted from an individualized approach to treatment that considered the family context, and culture, designed by listening to the family’s needs, concerns, and availability. Assuming a one-size-fits-all approach, based on recommendations not made with diverse family backgrounds in mind, was less effective. Future directions in the field should include improved training for psychologists on cultural competence, encourage self-reflections on bias, and training on the development of individualized treatment plans.
Keywords: autism, disparities, early intervention, treatment.
Research Article
Karen Marie Collier
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 7, Issue 2, pp. 19-40
ABSTRACT
In March 2020, much of the United States shifted to virtual learning with little preparation. Many people tried to adjust to the new normal of quarantine and create a sense of regularity, especially in education. To understand teachers’ experiences during this time, a phenomenological study was used to explore the sudden transition to virtual learning for two teachers at a lower socioeconomic, rural high school in the southeastern United States. Through semi-structured interviews, the teachers recounted their personal experiences during the virtual learning transition in the Spring of 2020. They shared their experiences teaching virtually and concerns over students’ academic growth, as well as physical and mental health. The teachers provided a creative artifact representing Remote Learning as a secondary data source. As interviews and artifacts were analyzed to derive meaning from their experiences, the study discovered the essence of the teachers’ experiences during the remote transition. Teachers accepted a survival mentality as they were overwhelmed with responsibilities and arduous tasks. Disappointment and sadness surfaced in the teachers as students displayed apathy towards assignments, yet they discovered happiness in increased social interactions with their students. Teachers acted as mentors for students, guiding them through the educational transition while focusing on students’ physical and mental well-being. The study’s findings can be utilized to develop high-quality, equitable remote education models by identifying assistive and inhibitive factors.
Keywords: learning during COVID, remote learning, sociocultural theory, phenomenological study.
Research Article
Courtney McKim
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 7, Issue 2, pp. 41-52
ABSTRACT
Validity is essential to establish in any qualitative research study. There are numerous approaches to establish validity. One common technique utilized to establish validity is member-checking. The goal of member-checking is to provide credibility to the data (Elo et al., 2014). Member-checking is commonly conducted by presenting data transcripts to some or all participants for feedback (Varpio et al., 2017). This process is relatively easy and requires little effort from researchers and participants. However, this process has some weaknesses. One weakness is the information gathered during member-checking. Participants typically do not provide much feedback when reviewing transcripts, and therefore relying on this approach to establish validity is questionable. Member-checking is a valuable tool, but the approach should be more structured. This paper presents a structured approach, complete with interview questions and data analysis steps, to member-checking that minimizes the weaknesses and emphasizes the strengths.
Keywords: Member-checking, trustworthiness, validity, qualitative research, consistency
Research Article
Daniel Arthur Jones
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 7, Issue 2, pp. 53-72
ABSTRACT
Code-switching is considered a language contact phenomenon that has long been a subject of scholarly investigation. This paper provides a review of common and nascent qualitative techniques often used to examine code-switching. Such a collection of salient qualitative methodologies could provide researchers with both prevailing and new frameworks and avenues for examining myriad types and aspects of code-switching. Numerous studies are highlighted with summaries of their data collection procedures, analysis techniques, and results. Also included are rationales for applying qualitative approaches to code-switching studies – especially poignant, as a trend to utilizing more experimental research designs have been recently observed regarding language contact phenomena. This paper will also discuss which types of research designs effectively combine techniques of acquiring code-switching data with rigorous approaches to data analysis to render new understandings of code-switching
Keywords: Code-switching, methodology, data collection, method, qualitative research, linguistics.
Research Article
Sara Santarossa, Ashley Redding, Dana Murphy
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 7, Issue 2, pp. 73-88
ABSTRACT
The rapidity of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing recognition of post-acute sequela of COVID-19 (PASC) or long COVID-19 has created a need to understand the experience of those suffering from this long-term sequela. The purpose of this research was to explore, and uplift lived experiences of patients with long COVID-19. This study had a total sample of 19 participants with long COVID-19 engaged in body mapping, an arts-based research method. Describing the novel virtual adaptations to the body mapping methodology is the focus of this article. The material presented provides researchers with a methodological road map by outlining the virtual adaptations in the preparation and facilitation of the body mapping process, sharing lessons learned in data collection, highlighting considerations for future studies, and summarizing the impact of the findings. Virtual body mapping sessions acted as powerful and emotional events where participants showed true vulnerability describing their experiences with COVID-19, their journey as a long hauler, their places of personal strength and courage, and their dreams for the future. Participants were highly engaged and interested in sharing their art with the broader community. Virtual body mapping is a novel approach to conducting qualitative research in a unique setting and can provide an opportunity for innovative knowledge dissemination activities. While this method may contribute to increased participation and engagement, it may also present challenges, such as lessened accountability and interaction.
Keywords: body mapping, arts-based research, methodology, health, long COVID-19, post-acute sequela of COVID-19.
Research Article
Fabiana Memmolo, Martin Willis
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 7, Issue 2, pp. 89-112
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the role of positive emotions, namely hope, in a sample of participants who have diabetes. A sample of five people with diabetes type 1 or 2 was interviewed to investigate their lived experiences in managing this chronic condition. Four superordinate themes were extracted: behavioral changes to manage a demanding disease, cognitive skills, and lifestyle, emotional reactions, hope, and a vision for the future. This study highlights that retaining hope is essential for envisioning the possibility of improvement of health conditions and a better quality of life. Furthermore, self-responsibility and cognitive agility are fundamental to managing diabetes and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Keywords: Positive emotions, hope, future, behavioral skills, chronic illness.
Research Article
Fern Eleanor Beauchamp, Hanna Kampman
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 7, Issue 2, pp. 113-146
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to explore the meaning and role of prāṇāyāma in mid-life adults, defined as between 30 and 50 years old. Wellbeing research has dominated the positive psychology field, with many studies citing U-shaped declines in middle age. Ways to intervene and enhance wellbeing have also piqued researcher interest, some looking to ancient eastern traditions for valuable learnings. Yoga is one such tradition readily considered for its ability to enhance wellbeing, however, within positive psychology, there is a dearth of research exploring its central element, prāṇāyāma (breath control or extension). With the breath intimately linked to human experience and research in other arenas evidencing its impact on the nervous system and emotions, its power should not be underestimated. Six participants (females) were interviewed using semi-structured techniques, which were subsequently transcribed. Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Three master themes were identified: (1) the discovery phase, (2) unearthing the “Diamond in the centre,” and (3) integration, each with three subordinate themes, and delineated the journey participants embarked in discovering prāṇāyāma. Conclusions: Results demonstrated low wellbeing experienced before discovering prāṇāyāma, the potential obstacles to overcome to start practicing and the importance of experiencing it to understand its benefits. Greatest benefits were achieved by committing to the practice. The experience of prāṇāyāma was also described, portraying its potential for flow, reduce negative emotions and produce positive emotions. Subsequent wider-reaching benefits of prāṇāyāma were evident with enhanced embodied self-awareness, resilience, and interpersonal relationships. The consequential meaning of prāṇāyāma to these participants was also highlighted. Potential for prāṇāyāma to be a positive psychology intervention (PPI) and future research are discussed.
Keywords: prāṇāyāma, breathing, wellbeing, yoga, positive psychology interventions.
Research Article
Billy C. Johnson, Danny E. Malone Jr
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 7, Issue 2, pp. 147-162
ABSTRACT
This study examines adjunct faculty perceptions of grade inflation. The research used a qualitative phenomenological study methodology. Twenty-three respondents participated in the research after being recruited using Facebook groups and were interviewed by phone in semi-structured interviews. The data gathered indicated variation regarding awareness and perception of grade inflation in their classes and at their institution. Also, participants did not believe they were participants in grade inflation or that their institutions were contributors to the problem, even though none of them had received training specifically geared to preventing grade inflation. Findings suggest institutions should look for ways to support adjunct faculty given they are the new majority in regards to instructors in higher education.
Keywords: adjunct faculty, grade inflation, higher education, phenomenology and perception
Research Article
Julien C. Mirivel, Avinash Thombre, Tusty ten Bensel, Kirk Leach, Benjamin Wood
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 7, Issue 2, pp. 163-184
ABSTRACT
The United Nation (UN) lists ending poverty in all its forms as the number one prerogative among seventeen sustainable development goals. One organization that is seeking to make an impact on those who live in poverty is Heifer International, a global nonprofit organization based in the United States, whose mission is “to end world hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth.” By using Values-Based Holistic Community Development, Heifer has helped to lift millions of people out of poverty. In this article, we present the results of a study we conducted in Bihar, India to assess the impact of Heifer International programming on participants’ communication competency. Grounded in over 100 interviews with women across four time periods, the results show that women who have partnered with Heifer International experience significant qualitative changes in communication competency across five areas: expressiveness, assertiveness, persuasiveness, openness, and positiveness. We discuss the implications of this work on communication competency and empowerment for women living in poverty and its impact on personal transformation.
Keywords: communication competency, poverty, community development, personal transformation
Research Article
John Adamson, Julia Christmas, Li-hsin Tu
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 7, Issue 2, pp. 185-205
ABSTRACT
This collaborative autoethnographic (CAE) study has investigated how three tertiary-level teachers of an English language lecture preparation course in a Japanese university engaged with each other over a two-year period from 2020 to 2022 regarding their approaches to the adoption of a Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) approach to syllabus design and teaching. With two new teachers based in a newly established department and the other teacher in a more established department, insights were gained through the unfolding online CAE and face-to-face discourse into their respective thoughts and motivations underpinning their pedagogical philosophies and interpretations of the CLIL approach to meet their departmental and students' requirements. Key findings revealed that teacher backgrounds and experience with CLIL, as well as institutional shifts in curriculum aims, have all directly and indirectly shaped current course design and pedagogy and revealed similarities and differences in interpretations of CLIL over time. Of significance is how the CAE itself emerged as a vital community-building forum for the teachers themselves and acted as a site for varying levels of transformation in their pedagogical practices.
Keywords: CAE, CLIL, transformation, pedagogy, tertiary.
Research Article
Pamela J. Gampetro, Celeste M. Schultz, Clare Biedenharn
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 7, Issue 2, pp. 206-225
ABSTRACT
Writing stories about distressing experiences can be a step in navigating traumatic events. With favorable conditions for novel zoonotic disease spurring future health crises, we aimed to (1) Gain insights into the lived experiences of individuals during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) Uncover gaps in care that individuals identified within their healthcare, community, and family settings; and (3) Understand commonalities among perceived psychological well-being of individuals working within their health care settings. Following examination by a midwestern university institutional review board, this study was found exempt from human subject research. A hermeneutic phenomenological framework guided the inquiry. Eighty-six stories came from 11 countries, with 64% submitted by healthcare team members. We found: (1) Lived experiences evolved from a fluid and dynamic process by which personal knowledge emerged from the interaction between individuals’ internal responses to the pandemic and their external behaviors that assisted with coping; (2) Inequities existed in how global resources and information to treatment and mitigation of C-19 was communicated within health care systems, communities, and families, impacting personal psychological safety and well-being; and (3) Spiritual fortitude supported individuals’ well-being as they coped with adversities related to psychologically unsafe work milieus, inequities, and losses. Communal activities within hospital, family and/or community settings improved the well-being of individuals’ lived experiences. Our findings will inform hospital leadership, communities, and families of individuals’ lived experiences early in the pandemic. We provide recommendations that assist in the management of future health crises involving novel viruses.
Keywords: International, COVID-19, hermeneutic analysis, lived experience, psychological well-being.
Research Article
Olivia Kachingwe
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 7, Issue 2, pp. 226-248
ABSTRACT
African American youth and young adults are disproportionately burdened by HIV and sexually transmitted infections. Although African American parent-child sexual health communication has been shown to reduce adolescent sexual risk-taking behavior, much more is known about mother-child and father-son sexual health communication than father-daughter sexual health communication. The current study explores what sexual health topics African American father-daughter dyads discuss with one another, and which topics are perceived to have the greatest impact on youths’ sexual risk behavior. Seven father-daughter dyads (N=7) and an additional five daughters (n=5) completed individual in-depth semi structured interviews. Daughters were aged 19-21 (M=20.3) years and fathers were aged 52-60 (M=56.7) years. Thematic analysis revealed five themes including: challenging topics to discuss, easy topics to discuss, topics on the continuum, desired topics of communication, and topics with greatest impact on behavior. Although participants shared that discussing sexual health is considered culturally taboo and can be challenging when criticized, several topics were easy to discuss universally, and several topics were both challenging and easy to discuss depending on the context of the conversation and depth of content covered. Sexual health communication was largely perceived as positively impacting daughters’ behaviors and daughters expressed wanting to have these conversations. Study findings can inform future intervention development by indicating which sexual health topics should be prioritized during father-daughter communication given their perceived positive impact. Future research is needed to explore how best to support father-daughter dyads in discussing sexual health topics perceived as challenging.
Keywords: Father-daughter communication, sexual health, youth and young adults, health disparities, thematic analysis.