A guide to qualitative research writing

A guide to qualitative research writing Rose Uchem, MSHR, PhD rose.uchem@unn.edu.ng University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) UNN-AuthorAID Workshop on Qualitative Research Writing (supported by an AuthorAID workshop grant) 9 – 10 Dec 2015

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PART A: PREPARING TO WRITE A RESEARCH PAPER • PART B: WRITING THE DIFFERENT SECTIONS EACH OF A PAPER • PART C: APPENDICES • PART D: JOURNAL PUBLICATION

PART A: PREPARING TO WRITE A RESEARCH PAPER

Steps involved • Problem identification • Preliminary library search • Developing an outline • Writing a tentative introduction/background • Reviewing related literature • Designing the research • Validating the instruments for data collection • Pilot testing/testing for reliability of the instruments • Observing research ethics • Presenting research proposal for reassurance

1. Problem identification • Problem • Think of a problem you will like to contribute to solving in the society through a research. • Topic • Formulate a topic based on the identified problem • Draft abstract • Write an initial abstract of 250 to 300 words as for a conference paper to capture the thoughts in your mind before you begin to consult the experts. Summarize your thoughts and intentions on the topic.

2. Preliminary library search Conduct a preliminary or exploratory library search on your topic bearing in mind your initial abstract . This will include reliable internet sources. Keep accurate notes of pages from which you take direct quotations and complete bibliographic data for each source.

3. Developing an outline (a) Expand the initial abstract into an outline, using the information collected from the exploratory library search. • This is also called background or context. • This tentative abstract will form the basis of the introduction later

Developing an outline (contd.) (b) Explain the topic very well • the meaning and why you chose it. • That is, justification for your choice of the topic. Make a statement of the problem you want to address.

Developing an outline (contd.) (c) State the purpose of the research • Mention what you want to achieve (purpose/aim and the specific objectives) and the result you expect (intended outcome); • Briefly state how you plan to achieve it (method).

Developing an outline (contd.) (d) Briefly mention how and where your ideas and suggestions could be implemented (significance or application).

Developing an outline (contd.) (e) Write down the questions arising in your mind related to the identified problem or the topic. These are questions calling for answers that could be solutions to the identified problem. • Formulate two or three of such tentative research questions.

Developing an outline (contd.) (f) Include a short working bibliography. Make a list of six (to twelve) articles or book chapters you actually plan to read. • Write out fully author’s surname and initials, year of publication, title of book, place of publication and publisher. • Arrange the list in alphabetical order.

4. Writing a tentative introduction Expand the outline into the introduction as section one of the paper under the following sub-headings: background of the study, statement of the problem, purpose of the study, significance of the study, scope of the study and research questions.

5. Conducting literature review • Meaning of literature review • How to conduct literature review • Conceptual framework • Theoretical framework • Review of empirical studies • Summary of the entire literature reviewed

5. Conducting literature review (contd.) a) Select works to be reviewed b) One author at a time c) Use your own voice d) Balance your sources e) Use inclusive language f) Use current literature g) Use only relevant materials h) Avoid unrealistic and impossible claims i) Be wise in using internet sources

6. Designing the research study • Formulate your research design and construct your instrument for data collection following given guidelines. • Describe in detail the design of the study. • Mention the area of the study, • the population of the study, the sample and sampling technique (if applicable) adopted.

Designing the research study (contd.) • Explain very well the instrument of data collection. • Validate the instruments for data collection. • Go to an expert or a peer for this purpose. (In the report, explain how and the reason for the validation of the instruments). • For each of these steps include a justification. • Finally describe the method of data analysis.

7. Observing research ethics • There should be informed consent from participants of an interview or focused group discussion, for example. • The reports should also be written anonymously. These ethical requirements are guaranteed through consent forms voluntarily signed. • In some countries, written consent is also required for use of pictures taken of participants.

Observing research ethics (contd.) • Plagiarism consists in an act of intellectual theft • Presenting another person's work as if it is one’s own, including those downloaded from free websites. • Examples of plagiarism are: • Copying from a source without proper acknowledgement : for example any paper, excerpt, paragraph, or lines • From print source such as a book, project/thesis, journal, monograph, map, chart, or pamphlet, or from a non-print source, such as the web and online databases.

Observing research ethics (contd.) • More examples of plagiarism • Taking materials from a source, supplying proper documentation but not using quotation marks to enclose other people’s actual works, still amounts to plagiarism. • Paraphrasing materials from a source without documentation of that source; purchasing a paper from a research service or a commercial term paper syndicate • Sharing or swapping from a local source (say from student past papers or projects that were previously submitted) • Creating invalid or faked citations

Observing research ethics (contd.) • Consequences of plagiarism? • One can be punished for plagiarism. Examples exist. • It makes one’s academic achievements cheap and discredited.

Observing research ethics (contd.) Madray (2006) has suggested the following tips for preventing plagiarism: • Be organized: from the onset of a research project, establish order while gathering information. This will help to alleviate confusion and problems, especially when the time comes for the bibliography, works cited, and reference pages to be prepared.

Observing research ethics (contd.) • Use either a literature review excel template or a note card to identify the following: • Source of the citation: • Periodical: Author, title of article and periodical, year, vol. issue and pages • Internet: URL/web address, author, title, and the date site was accessed • Quotes: note the page numbers, enclose quoted material in quotation marks, and include a link to the source. • Paraphrasing/summarizing: in notes, indicating points and ideas in your own words and, again, create a parenthetical reference to the source.

8. Present research proposal • Present to your seniors or colleagues • Get feedback • Look into presenting at a conference

PART B: WRITING THE DIFFERENT SECTIONS OF A PAPER

I. Introduction II. Literature III. Method IV. Presentation of findings V. Conclusion VI. References

Finalize the research report or draft manuscript • Revisit the introduction and abstract of the paper • Compile the reference list, following the accepted style • Give to another to read for you. • Correct any errors.

PART C: APPENDICES

How to write the reference list • Sample reference list • Manuscript formatting guidelines (following specified writing style sheet)

PART D: JOURNAL PUBLICATION

Select appropriate journal in which to publish • Rework draft manuscript following journal manuscript guidelines • Submit your article for journal review process • Respond promptly to editor’s queries and/or suggestions for improving the paper

A guide to qualitative research writing