Qualitative Research Project

Integration of Female Student Veterans In College

Course-College Students’ Characteristics and Cultures

Instructor-Dr. Meri Beckham

Learning Domains:

Leadership	Social Advocacy and Justice	Education	Assessment and Evaluation	Personal Development
X	X	X	X	X

Description: The project description in the course syllabus is as follows:

Each group will develop an extensive analysis and synthesis of the research literature regarding the selected population.  The core group will collectively develop an interview protocol and an informed consent document.  Each student will then select and interview two (2) currently enrolled undergraduate college students from the group’s sub-population.  Each student will transcribe his or her interviews, identify preliminary themes and codes, and create a cover sheet for each transcript.  During and after the interview process, each group will develop a coding system for analysis of the interview data as a whole. Each group will prepare a final research paper including title page, abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion, references, and appendixes.  The body of the paper should not exceed 20 pages (pages not counted in the body are title, abstract, references, and appendixes).  The discussion section should include several significant recommendations for meeting the needs of the sub-population students based specifically on the literature and the results of the research project.

Learning Outcomes:

SWiBAT: Collectively select a specific student sub-population to study for the qualitative research project, complete a literature review on the sub-population, and synthesize the literature to identity any gaps the scholarly findings

SWiBAT: Collaborate with my core group to develop an interview protocol, select 2 currently enrolled undergraduate college students from the chosen sub-population and conduct an interview with each student

SWiBAT: Transcribe the interview responses, identify preliminary themes, and collaborate with my core group to develop a system of coding for a collective analysis of the sub-population

SWiBAT: Collectively construct a final research paper including appropriate APA manuscript sections (title page, abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion, references, and appendixes) and make recommendations for meeting the needs of the sub-population on the literature and the results of the research project. 

Assessment Rubric:

Instructor’s Qualitative Research Project Rubric

Instructor’s Grading of the Project against the Rubric

Evidence:

Interview Protocol and Consent Form

Group Coding System

Final Course Paper (includes the Literature Review)

Reflection:

Completing this qualitative research project was a great learning experience as it enabled me to enhance my collaboration skills, gain practical knowledge of qualitative research methods, and deepen my understanding of female veteran students as a unique sub-population. Additionally, I was able to develop more leadership skills by assuming the role of a group leader and facilitating effective communication among my group members. I am very satisfied with my individual learning and the group’s collective outcomes achieved through this project.  I hope to have more opportunities to conduct qualitative research in the future either in my profession or as a part of my doctoral studies.