Learning Objectives

Chapter overview and goals

By the end of this chapter, you will better understand:

• What qualitative research design means and entails
• The role of research questions in guiding qualitative research design
• How to develop study goals and a study rationale as part of a systematic design process
• What it means to formulate (and iterate) the guiding research questions of your study
• How to link your conceptual framework to your research design
• How to develop your theoretical framework and think about its value for your research design
• The differences between a literature review and a theoretical framework
• The role of pilot studies in qualitative research and the implications for your study design
• The value of vetting, rehearsing, and piloting data collection instruments
• The role of writing in relationship to research design and methods choices
• How structured reflexivity practices, including memos and dialogic engagement practices, can inform, guide, and complexify your research design
• How to plan for validity and trustworthiness in/through your research design
• How to critically approach research design