Suchergebnisse

As qualitative research methodologies continue to evolve and develop, both students and experienced researchers are showing greater interest in learning about and developing new approaches. To meet this need, faculty at the University of Manitoba created the Qualitative Research Group (QRG), a community of practice that utilizes experiential learning in the context of social relationships to nurture social interaction, create opportunities to share knowledge, support knowledge creation, and build collaborations among all disciplines. While many other qualitative research networks such as the QRG may exist, little has been published on their early development or the activities that contribute to the growth and sustainability of active collaboration. To address this gap, the authors of the paper will share the steps taken in developing the QRG, including a needs assessment identifying members' strengths and support needs, regular communication through a listserv, to the successful workshop based on the community of practice concept. Lessons learned during the initial development of the QRG are shared with the intent of contributing ideas for developing and supporting qualitative research in other institutions and prompting further consideration of ways to support and enrich every generation of qualitative researchers.

Data collection methods for qualitative research are varied and have a rich history. The Life Story Board (LSB) is a game board-like tool that is used to construct a visual representation of a person's narrative and his/her related context. In our study, we comparatively assessed the LSB as a data elicitation tool for social science research. We reviewed eight Canadian research projects that have used the LSB as data elicitation tool for qualitative research and assessed the LSB on the feasibility of its use, on its effectiveness to elicit information, on aspects that facilitate and/or hinder its use, and how it compares with conventional interview approaches. Our findings suggest that the LSB can be used with study participants of different gender, age, ethnicity, and life circumstances; that it is effective as a data elicitation tool, and that it facilitates engagement with interviewees, without presenting any major hindrances.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is the leading non-genetic cause of developmental disability in Canada. It poses many challenges at the individual, family and societal levels. This study explores adoptive parents' experiences of having a child with FASD in their family and how these experiences impact family well-being and, specifically, parenting, family dynamics, sources of support and coping strategies. Using an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight adoptive parents of children with FASD. Four main themes emerged, each with several subthemes: (1) managing individuals with FASD; (2) navigating family cohesion; (3) psychological warfare; and (4) experiences of supports. Findings showed how FASD affects all aspects of family life and has a constant and cumulative effect on the family's well-being. Hope, community and parents feeling successful in their efforts were found to have strong connections to well-being.

Youths who age out of care face adverse health outcomes and high rates of homelessness. This study used content analysis to explore: "What are the post-care housing experiences of youth who have transitioned from care through an independent support program?" Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 youths who had aged out of care. Six service providers who worked with youth in care in various capacities were also interviewed. Data analysis revealed themes including: the experience of unstable housing and homelessness, lack of formal supports, and youth leaving care then wishing they could return. Another theme to emerge, I take responsibility for where I am now, adds new information to the literature. The research findings support that child welfare services should place greater emphasis on developing youths' life skills while they are in care. In addition, allowing youths the option to return to care after discharge may reduce experiences of unstable housing and homelessness post-care.

Many carers spend money out of their own pockets on the care-related needs of their family members or friends, and this spending may expose carers to a higher risk of financial hardship. Using data from a nationally representative sample of family carers drawn from Statistics Canada's 2012 General Social Survey on Caregiving and Care Receiving, we find that nearly one in five carers reports experiencing financial hardship. The results from multivariate logistic regression analysis show that care-related out-of-pocket expenditures are significant predictors of financial hardship. The results suggest establishing personal financial planning strategies and public policies to minimise the risk of incurring financial hardship due to care-related out-of-pocket expenditures.

Although there has been much discussion about distinctions between quantitative and qualitative research, our purpose here is not to revive those conversations, but instead to attempt to explore and articulate our identities as researchers who practice in the qualitative tradition. Using autoethnography as our methodology, we as six researchers from various social science disciplines and at various career stages engaged in focused introspection by responding individually to two questions: who am I as a qualitative researcher; and how did I come to that understanding? This reflection led to discussions of those elements and experiences that have shaped the way we see ourselves in the context of our research. The question of "identity" evolved into a discussion about "what we do." During our data analysis, six themes emerged, representing our group's responses: (a) building epistemology, (b) making/doing good research, (c) as an art or craft, (d) why does qualitative research need legitimating? (e) qualitative research as a social bridge, and (f) stewards of people's lived experience. We conclude by reflecting on the value of building a community of practice among qualitative researchers.