Qualitative research

First, I will comment about the meaning of qualitative research. I considered myself a beginner researcher in the qualitative research and  on Tuesday I reaffirmed that I am a beginner. Though I was familiar to some types of the qualitative research such as ethnography, case study, and grounded theory, I  still have very limited knowledge about the genres of  the qualitative research. Qualitative research is a multi-layered work and each layer  is also  consisting of many parts. In other words, it is a huge area. When we look at the definitions of  the qualitative  research we discussed in the class, we might see it does not have a certain definition. For some researchers, a qualitative research meant to be  thick and rich description , for ones, it could be unfolding meaning and so on. It seems to me that qualitative research is a vague term which is open to discussions and various interpretations. Also, when we consider all varied epistemologies and ontologies  and how they influence the qualitative research, we can understand that qualitative research is one of the challenging concepts to define . Its definition might be changed depending on the perspectives you look through.

Given readings and classroom discussion on Tuesday, I found a chance to consider my own position regarding the  use of technology. In the class,we discussed the value of reflection in qualitative research, therefore I want to write a self-reflection. Although I am willing to learn using technology, I am a late adopter of digital tools. Most of time I do not have confidence to start using a new  device.  I do not have enough courage to try a new tool. After the classroom discussions , I questioned myself and realized that I am scared of being unsuccessful in learning and using technology. And I asked myself " why am I scared" and found the reason. I was not introduced to technological tools in my early ages, and consequently I followed the technological developments one step behind my peers. For instance, while my many friends had the computer around 10-12 years old,  I was not exposed to computer until I started to the university. I believe  early exposure to technology might increase the use of technology  in qualitative research and make adaptation process more easier. Therefore, I will definitely encourage my future undergraduate and master students to integrate digital tools in their studies, even in  their assignments. I am a kind of "digital immigrant" , but I hope my future students would be "digital natives".

  I am currently very excited about CAQDAS.  I believe these software programs makes me more comfortable while inquiring for the dissertation. Even I am  a late adopter of technology,  I will use these software programs in my future academic life.