Reflecting on Research

Merriam (2009) is quick to state, “the challenge to those new to qualitative research is trying to figure out which “kind” of qualitative research to do” (p. 32). As one of those individuals who can be identified as new to research, I wasn’t even aware of the various types within qualitative research. After reading Merriam’s writings I have found a peaked interest in narrative analysis but am unsure if this is a type or methodology to be used for my research.

My current research is focused middle school students’ attitudes towards mathematic and how this correlates to achievement. The mathematical performance of students in the United States is regularly compared to the performance of students globally. How do the attitudes of students compare globally? One way to find this out is to listen to the stories of those who are directly connected to middle school students and their attitudes towards mathematics, past and present, locally and globally as well as those who are living it; the students themselves.

In researching I am interested to hear about the school, home and cultural expectations, which may or may not influence students’ attitudes. Narrative analysis centers around the study of individuals but also of groups, societies, and cultures. These are the narratives which can help me to better understand middle school students’ attitudes globally and factors which may affect these attitudes. Does delving into the lives of those who have lived with or experienced a particular mathematics education within in the U.S. and globally direct my type of research into phenomenology? (Lichtman, 2012)

Merriam (2009) describes the end result of a phenomenological study as “a composite description that gives the reader a better understanding of what it is for somebody to live the experience” (p. 26). As a new researcher, the ability to gather personal perspectives and descriptions from a significant global population seems unlikely. Not having access to a significant population will make eliminate my research from being statistically reliable. Am I simply using phenomenology as a philosophy versus a type of qualitative research?

After reasoning through the various types of qualitative research, Merriam (2009) has helped me to identify myself as “a researcher who is interested in understanding the meaning a phenomenon has for those involved” (p. 22). There is interest in the narrative analysis and phenomenological aspects of qualitative research, however, I have convinced myself that my research will fall under that of a basic qualitative study; “a study looking to uncover and interpret meaning” (Merriam, 2009, p.24).


Lichtman, M. (2012). Qualitative research in education: A user's guide. Sage.

Merriam, S. (2009). Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publications.