Major Weaknesses of Qualitative Research

Introduction

Qualitative research proposes explanations for certain happenings and supports the theory based in the research question. Unlike quantitative data, which is computed and measured; qualitative data is collected in words, insights, perspectives, attitudes, and behaviors. Qualitative data is often used a support for the; explaining the statistical outcomes.

The major weaknesses of qualitative research are more focused on the individuals; researcher and research subject. Subjectivity, influence of personal biases, and connection/lack thereof to research theory are all potential issues. Numbers can tell their own story, without a supporting narrative. Lastly, because of the need for evaluation; data analysis is more time consuming, which may influence reliability and integrity of research (Johnson, 2008). Purpose statement

The purpose of this study is to use community participatory quality research approach using audio-visual materials such as interviews, surveys and videotapes (Creswell, 2009) to collect information about African- American students and their rate of disciplinary action and the effects. We would focus on families in Jacksonville, California; an area with a large African-American community and an urban education environment.

The study will focus on encapsulating through (interview) capturing photo voice images and lived experiences on the perceptions of the factors that I as a

Analysis of the data will take place in group discussions of the photo-voice (Ornelas, et al., 2009) data collected over a period of six months of recurring themes in scheduled discussion sessions. Research

My research questions are:

- What behaviors, exhibited by African American males, although not violent consistently cause them to be suspended from school and can they be curbed?

- What is the correlation between disciplinary recidivism and graduation and eventually incarceration?

- Are the systems in place to counteract the relationship between exclusionary zero tolerance discipline and drop-out rates?

The data would require a survey and interview method that while difficult to test can easily qualified through anecdotal data. The truth in the story and the connections made lend to the reliability of the research; they are living these stories. This clearly would justify the viability of your questions.

Qualitative research would be the most appropriate design to answer the research questions because students’ stories cannot be quantified. While the numbers may give light to what is happening and how discipline procedures occur at the school level and across the district.

As an educator I can start with my school, reach out to administrators at other schools and parents as well.