Although subjectivity can be adversely affected by drawing on these personal experiences and observations, the failure to do so means that the research will not be as robust and the findings that emerge will be a regurgitation of previous findings rather than a critical analysis of these findings and how they apply to the current study.

There cannot in principle be a "God's eye" view that is completely free of subjectivity (in other words, all exegesis involves some eisegesis.

The quality of the addition of empirical observations and personal and professional experiences is related to the scope and extent of personal experience.

33

The use of existing theory in qualitative research has advantages and disadvantages as set forth below.

Advantages:

Theory as coat closet: A useful high-level theory provides a framework for making sense of what you see.

Theory as spotlight: A useful theory illuminates what you are seeing in your research. It draws your attention to particular events or phenomena and sheds light on relationships that might go otherwise unnoticed or be misunderstood.

37-41

A conceptual map can be a useful tool for depicting the relationship between the various elements in a study. The author cites two main reasons for using concept maps:

To pull together, and make visible, what your implicit theory actually is, or to clarify an existing theory; and,

To develop theory. Concept maps can show you unexpected connections or identify holes or contradictions in your theory, and help you to figure out ways to resolve the latter.

br /> Developing concept maps is an iterative process that builds on what is learned as the research progresses and optimal results should not be expected on the first attempt.

Brainstorming exercises can be useful in providing a conceptual checklist of issues that may be important, but at some point the focus must turn to the underlying theory.

It can be useful at some point to narrow the focus to two concepts and the relationship between them, as a focusing exercise.

Make commitments to what you feel is important and relevant in the theory.

42

There are several different types of concept maps, including the following:

An abstract framework mapping the relationship among concepts;

A flowchart-like account of events and how you think these are connected;

A causal network of variables or influences;

A treelike diagram of the meanings of words;

A Venn diagram representing concepts as overlapping circles.

Table 4

Chapter 4: Research Questions: What Do You Want to Understand?

Section

Summary of Contents

49

This section emphasizes the importance of formulating accurate research questions that reflect the purpose and goals of the study.

It may not be possible or desirable to formulate research questions as a starting point in the study, though, until the purpose and context of the research design are clarified.

This does not mean that preliminary research questions cannot be posed, only that these should be fine-tuned as the research process progresses.