ASU Principles and Paradigms of Qualitative Research Discussion

You will begin this course by delving into the core principles of qualitative research, and the paradigms on which qualitative research is based. Qualitative inquiry is informed by the researcher’s worldview which is tied to a specific research paradigm. The “researcher-as instrument” is therefore expected to be fully transparent about their worldview as this will significantly shape the research process from design and choice of methods right up to data analysis and presentation of the study’s findings.

This assignment is an essay that includes three parts:

• Provide an overview of 4-6 key characteristics of qualitative research
• Discuss the relevant paradigm/s that form the foundation of qualitative research.
• Reflect critically on your worldview as a graduate researcher. Think deeply about how and in what ways, and why your worldview aligns with any of the research paradigms discussed above. You are encouraged to thoughtfully dig down into your “inner researcher” to uncover and think about some of your own biases and assumptions as these may inform and facilitate useful insights regarding your approach to planning and conducting research.