Discussing Quality Research via Undergraduate Theses: A Chat with Albert Lee in His Junior Year
Conducting Qualitative Research in a Junior Paper: Lessons Learned from Albert Lee '24
For students embarking on their Junior Papers (JPs) in Sociology at Princeton University, the decision to pursue qualitative research can offer numerous benefits, as well as present certain challenges. Albert Lee '24, a junior majoring in Sociology and pursuing a certificate in Journalism, recently completed a qualitative study focusing on the experiences of immigrant students in higher education spaces.
The Benefits of Qualitative Research
One of the primary advantages of qualitative research is the ability to gain in-depth insights into complex social phenomena. By delving into the experiences and behaviors of individuals, researchers can develop a deeper understanding of the topics they are investigating.
Qualitative research is also ideal for exploring sensitive topics, developing theories, and gaining nuanced insights into specific groups or communities. For his JP, Albert Lee '24 studied Asian American and Latin American undergraduate students, second-generation and beyond, focusing on the experiences of immigrant students in higher education spaces, particularly with regards to family immigration history and cultural capital.
Another benefit of qualitative research is the opportunity it provides for participants to share personal narratives. Methods such as narrative analysis and in-depth interviews allow participants to share their stories, offering a more holistic perspective on social issues.
Lastly, qualitative research is useful in the early stages of research to uncover new perspectives and inform future studies. In the case of Albert Lee '24, he initially intended to conduct a quantitative study for his JP but switched to a qualitative study due to feasibility concerns.
The Challenges of Qualitative Research
Despite its benefits, qualitative research also presents several challenges. One of the main difficulties is the time-consuming nature of data collection and analysis. Data collection can involve labor-intensive tasks such as manual transcription of interviews, while analysis requires careful interpretation to ensure the validity of findings.
Another challenge is the potential for researcher bias during data analysis and interpretation. This can affect the validity of the findings, so it is crucial for researchers to be aware of their biases and strive to minimize their impact on the research.
Data management can also be a challenge, especially without the use of specialized software like NVivo or MAXQDA. Managing large datasets and standardizing coding can be difficult, but utilizing these tools can help mitigate some of these challenges.
Finally, qualitative research often focuses on specific cases or small samples, which may limit the generalizability of findings to larger populations. This can be a concern for researchers, as they want their findings to be applicable beyond the immediate context of their study.
Lessons Learned
Albert Lee '24 faced challenges during his qualitative research, specifically with participant recruitment and scheduling interviews. He ended up with seven interviewees for his qualitative study, which was a limitation compared to the ideal number of twenty. However, he made up for the limited number of interviewees by going into more depth with his interviews and asking more detailed questions.
Alexis Wu, Engineering Correspondent, wishes she had known the experience and advice Albert Lee encountered with participant recruitment prior to beginning her own research. The challenges Albert Lee encountered and his flexibility were experience and advice that Alexis Wu finds applicable to not just sociology majors or juniors, but to all researchers.
In conclusion, conducting qualitative research for a Junior Paper in Sociology at Princeton University can offer a unique opportunity to explore complex social issues in depth. By being aware of the potential challenges and utilizing tools to mitigate them, researchers can ensure the quality of their research and gain valuable insights into their chosen topic.
[1] Creswell, J. W. (2013). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches. Sage Publications. [2] Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (2011). The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research. Sage Publications. [3] Merriam, S. B. (2014). Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation. Jossey-Bass. [4] Spradley, J. P. (2016). The Ethnographic Interview. Waveland Press.
- Albert Lee '24's junior paper, centering on the experiences of immigrant students in higher education spaces, demonstrates the value of qualitative research in education-and-self-development and learning, offering nuanced insights and providing an opportunity for participants to share personal narratives.
- As Alexis Wu, Engineering Correspondent, learned from Albert Lee's experience, the challenges faced in qualitative research, such as participant recruitment and managing data, are not unique to sociology majors or juniors, but are applicable to all researchers, highlighting the lessons that can be gained from the process of conducting qualitative research in a junior paper.
