- Create an interview guide, interpretation log and permitted coding example.
Choose a coherent approach
Qualitative work investigates meaning, experience and processes, but not through one universal method. Explain the epistemological position and analytical approach. Thematic analysis, grounded theory and phenomenology carry different commitments.
Explain sampling and positionality
Document why people or settings were selected and describe access limitations. Interview counts are not governed by a universal number. Preserve reflexive notes about researcher assumptions and relationships with participants.
Preserve context in collection
Pilot open questions and follow-up prompts. Establish appropriate arrangements for recording, quotations and retention. Document transcription and translation choices that affect meaning and remove identifying details appropriately.
Make interpretation traceable
Connect codes, extracts, analytical notes and category revisions. Software organizes materials but does not establish the validity of an interpretation. Use coder agreement or saturation only when coherent with the chosen approach and clearly defined.
Report within methodological limits
COREQ addresses reporting interviews and focus groups; other methods may need other guidance. Quotations should support interpretation and respect privacy. Examine contradictory cases and alternatives, and do not infer statistical generalizability automatically from purposive sampling.
Practical research checklist
- Explain the methodological approach.
- Document sampling and researcher role.
- Connect codes, evidence and interpretations.
- Use appropriate reporting guidance.
Worked case and implementation decisions
The following is a fictional teaching case. Do not use its numbers or wording as actual study findings.
For a fictional support-experience study, “Describe a recent situation when seeking help was easy or difficult” is less leading than “Why is university support poor?” The synthetic excerpt “I did not know whom to ask” may receive the initial code access-route uncertainty; one code is not a final theme. Record context, researcher position, sampling and interpretive memos. Saturation or adequacy criteria must fit the actual methodological approach rather than a universal interview number.
| Stage | Teaching example | Verification question |
|---|---|---|
| Prompt | Experience without a forced answer | Compatible with the approach? |
| Sample | Relevant diversity and ethical access | Is selection explained? |
| Code | Access-route uncertainty in synthetic text | Is it grounded in context? |
| Interpretation | Comparison and reflexive memo | Are contrasts and counterexamples considered? |
| Report | Permitted non-identifying excerpts | Are consent and COREQ applicability assessed? |
Exercise output: Create an interview guide, interpretation log and permitted coding example.
Sources and further reading
Official sources for verification and further reading