Cultivating Qualitative Researchers: Lessons Learned During a Pandemic

Abstract

Under the best of circumstances, learning to conduct qualitative research is challenging, both intellectually and emotionally. Engaging in such learning in difficult situations, such as a global pandemic, may heighten challenges while creating opportunities for truly deep learning. The purpose of this paper is to provide methodological insights to guide the growth of new qualitative researchers and inform the design of introductory methods courses based on the learning experiences of a group of graduate students conducting their first qualitative research projects. We present students’ experiences with choosing and planning a project, navigating relationships with study participants, and conducting observations and interviews. Explicit connections to qualitative methodology are offered for every stage of student research engagement. An analysis of the student authors’ experiences highlights the associated learning and innovation necessary to adapt to adversity when conducting qualitative research. Advancements in research reciprocity and human connection are presented, as experienced by the student authors. We conclude with implications and insights for teaching and learning qualitative research and ethical considerations that transcend pandemic circumstances. It is the intent of this manuscript to support the development of deep reflexive practice for new qualitative researchers, effective instructional approaches for those who teach research methods, and an insight into the power of diverse student researchers learning new skills together for the global research community.

Walking in Between: a Collaged Storytelling of Data Collection During the Pandemic

“…The pandemic moved the experience of life partially to a virtual space and prompted new considerations for researcher immersions in research sites (Howlett, 2022). Although online data collection is unlikely to replace in-person data collection entirely, experimenting with different ways to collect data online during the pandemic could foster new collaboration and research opportunities (Parsons et al, 2023; Pocock et al, 2021; Rahman et al, 2021). While technological tools afforded researchers opportunities to continue their work, the uncertainty and ambiguity inherent in qualitative research could be amplified by the pandemic.…”

“…The purpose of this article is to present a collaged storytelling (Figure 1) of my experience of qualitative data collection during the pandemic. Ample articles on researchers’ experiences of conducting qualitative research during the pandemic have been published in the past few years (e.g., Howlett, 2022; Parsons et al, 2023). In these articles, researchers focused on lessons learned from challenges and opportunities of collecting data and completing qualitative research projects during challenging circumstances and offered practical recommendations for qualitative researchers and instructors.…”