Book: Qualitative Research Methods by Wiley PD/Trade
Complete an outline of your final paper following the format for the five major sections below.
You should write at least one sentence for each bullet point. Include citations where appropriate
and always use full-sentences.
1. Introduction & Rationale
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Describes the importance or significance of the topic.
Includes a thesis statement that answers the research question(s).
Includes a preview of the paper and the order of the main sections.
2. Literature Review
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Define sensitizing concept #1 and explain why is is useful.
Define sensitizing concept #2 and explain why is is useful.
Includes citations and references to correct sources.
The literature review should connect the concepts or theories to the specific
topic/site of study.
The section ends with 1-2 well-written research question(s) that identifies a
communication phenomenon and specific context or community
3. Methods
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The section opens by describing ethnography and a rationale for its use.
Describes your site of study, participants & recruitment, data collection (interviews &
participant observation) and data analysis.
Data collection strategies (field notes, roles, interviewing, document analysis, etc.)
include definitions from the textbook.
Identifies the analysis/writing strategy used from Chapter 12.
4. Analysis
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Interesting and engaging introduction with a preview of the analysis.
Each section begins with a definition of the theme or code, and each paragraph has a clear topic sentence.
The analysis references and presents data (field notes, interview quotations, that supports the conclusions.
Transitions and organizational language are used to make the analysis “flow” together.
5. Conclusions
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The section effectively sums up the paper and the answer to the research questions The conclusion identifies practical implications, limitations, and directions for future research.