Final Class: Ethics, IRB, Accountability

Final Blog: Jackie Clark

This week's readings are around important issues when conducting and considering research. The first article, written by the UGA Qual faculty, is an excellent rebuttal to those who seek to apply quantitative language and frameworks to qualitative research. Since the federal government "experts" seek to judge research in such a quantitative fashion, qualitative researchers must make the case for their work and in a way that is easily understood by laypeople. We can assume, in the United States, that most people were schooled in quantitative methodology whether they knew it or not. In secondary school you learn the scientific method, and other frameworks that are mostly positivist in nature. Lack of understanding and exposure to qualitative philosophies and methods makes it difficult for "well-trained" professionals in research to accept this type of work as valid. Troubling the language used in research, the article did a good job and explaining the who, what, why, and how of qualitative research. If nothing else, it should give the reader pause to reflect on how we define validity, quality, and standards of evidence.

The second article, centered around ethics, is a good reminder of this important topic. Why do we consdier ethics in our practice? Where does ethics and morality come from? And what are the current thoughts around ethics? I liked the authors straight-forward approach to the topic, with a quick nod to the history of classic ethics, and an introduction to some new ethical approaches, like situation, feminist, and Rawlsian. I really liked the Rawlsian discussion, as I was thinking about how older conversations about ethics and morality generally come from a western viewpoint, and rarely from other cultural backgrounds. Today, we are careful to consider our epistemologies, and think about who's voices might be absent from the conversation. The Rawlsian ethical approach takes a more interconnected/non-western view that our actions impact the world and others, and we are all linked in this way. It seems more of a community approach, and possibly more relevant in today's world.

Finally, the last article discusses criteria for excellent qualitative research. I really likes the opening arguments around criteria in general, and the push against specific criteria among many qualitative researchers. I understand their arguments completely, as qualitative work is so vast and broad, but then I like her response, "because criteria, quite simply, are useful." As a new researcher myself, I appreciate the spirit of that sentiment. It is precisely because qualitative research can cover so much territory that I think attempting to provide standards and criteria are a good idea. Not as a means to constrict work, but to guide and evaluate. Her eight criteria areas are very broad, but help create a framework for consideration that I think are valuable. I don't think anyone would disagree that in the broadest sense they are all important. I will be keeping this article handy in my work, as it is very useful and practical to help guide me as a new researcher.