RL-6: How to Write About Qualitative Research

Instructors:  

Marcus B. Weaver-Hightower, University of North Dakota 

Fee: $35

This interactive course aims to help beginning qualitative researchers—whether they are graduate students writing a qualitative dissertation or those learning qualitative methods so they can do mixed methods research—learn some of the key expectations, practices, and conventions of writing traditional qualitative research. The course focuses on writing, perhaps the least discussed topic in qualitative methods texts and courses. Participants will learn about, discuss, and practice the following key qualitative writing skills: Writing to Show You Were There; Writing About and With Qualitative Data; Writing Valid Qualitative Findings, Assertions, and Conclusions; Writing About Qualitative Methods; and Basic Revision Strategies. Although course participants can be relative beginners, they should have basic familiarity with qualitative research methodology and practices. Participants are encouraged to bring a small writing sample (or small sample of data) for group critique and discussion. The course will end with an open question-and-answer period to work on participants’ particular challenges with writing.