Session: Doing Qualitative Research: Balancing Flexibility with Methodological, Ethical and Practical Considerations (Research that Promotes Sustainability and (re)Builds Strengths (January 15 - 18, 2009))

Many textbooks and journal articles have been devoted to qualitative methods but the actual doing of qualitative research remains an ‘untold story’ (Cheek, 2000). With their inherent flexibility, qualitative studies often present unforeseen challenges in design and implementation. This workshop will address the practical, methodological and ethical issues of doing qualitative research based upon the experiences of the presenters’ experiences in conducting a four-year NIMH-funded qualitative study. While attention is given to dealing with external funders and working as a team, most of the topics are applicable to studies conducted by a solo investigator (e.g., dissertation research). Topics addressed in the workshop include: • Deciding on each team member’s role, time and effort • Fostering teamwork and ensuring adequate supervision • Recruiting study participants; working with gatekeepers and study sites • Monitoring budgets and allocating resources • Retaining and keeping track of study participants • Managing data and ensuring confidentiality • Debriefing re: emotional and ethical issues • Using and applying strategies for rigor • Use(s) of qualitative data analysis software • Writing progress and final reports • Ending the study: notifying participants and sharing findings (and feelings) • Publishing results from the study As qualitative studies gain in popularity, their success depends upon a sound infrastructure. Fostering rigorous methods and confidence in findings depends upon mentoring and sharing information on what works.