Click on the following links. Please note these will open in a new window.

Article 1

Garcia, B., Welford, J., & Smith, B. (2016). Using a smartphone app in qualitative research: The good, the bad and the ugly. Qualitative Research, 16(5), 508-525. doi:10.1177/1468794115593335

Abstract:  This article reflects on the use of a smartphone application (app) in qualitative research following the experience of the FREE (Football Research in an Enlarged Europe) project, which investigated the lives of football fans in the UK.  To meet this aim, a participant-focused audiovisual methodology was designed, featuring the use of an app to collect data.  Fans were asked to take photographs and keep diaries to show the role football plays in their lives.  The app was developed to allow fans to use their own mobile phones, capturing qualitative data in ‘real time.’  The authors reflect on their experience of using the smartphone app in this qualitative research, analyzing the advantages, disadvantages and the main risks that researchers will need to take into account when using these types of apps in their future projects.

Questions that apply to this article:

1. What characteristics of qualitative research highlighted in your text are touched on in this article?
2. Select one of the characteristics you listed in question 1 and describe how the authors addressed that characteristic in their article.
    

Article 2

Leader-Janssen, E. M., Wordiness, P. D., Swain, K. D., & Hageman, J. L. (2016). Students’ perceptions of an online graduate program in special education for emotional and behavioral disorders. Teacher Education and Special Education, 39(4), 246-258. doi:10.1177/10888406416637411

Abstract:  The purpose of this study was to evaluate graduate students’ perceptions of a completely online master’s degree program in special education for emotional and behavioral disorders.  A survey was used to examine graduate students’ perceptions of the online program in the areas of teaching, cognitive, and social presences.  Results suggest that teaching and cognitive presence can be addressed with a high level of satisfaction in an online program.  Activities related to creating a social presence within an online program may need additional attention.  Given the limited amount of research on how to evaluate online teacher preparation programs, findings from this study provide a starting point for determining the effectiveness of online programs in education.

Questions that apply to this article:

1. What characteristics of quantitative research highlighted in your text are touched on in this article?
2. Select one of the characteristics you listed in question 1 and describe how the authors addressed that characteristic in their article