Promoting Rigorous Research Using Innovative Qualitative Approaches

Abstract

An increased understanding of research methodologies that can examine the outcomes or processes in counseling—as well as be inclusive of marginalized voices—is important in the counseling field. Understanding the components and interventions that are effective in counseling can help counseling professionals provide services that are more efficacious. Additionally, marginalized client voices are needed in scholarship, particularly in counseling process‐ and outcome‐based research; thus, it is imperative to utilize a variety of research methods, including emergent, qualitative methodologies. We review Q methodology, participatory action research, and photovoice, including each method's utility and application to counseling, procedural aspects, and critiques and recommendations. Compared with other research methods, these methods cater more toward the inclusion of marginalized voices by incorporating action steps toward change based on the findings.

Challenges Hindering Rendering of Formal Education Programs at Correctional Centers in South Africa

“…Qualitative research is characterized by its aims, which relate to understanding some aspects of social life, and its methods which, in general, generate words rather than numbers as data analysis [33]. A qualitative approach strives to penetrate and Challenges Hindering Rendering of Formal Education Programs at Correctional Centers… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.1004400 understand the significance that the researcher ascribes to the topic being researched [34]. Bianco and Corr [35] assert that qualitative research is conducted in an attempt to understand experiences and attitudes of people in contextually bound settings.…”

School Counselors as Critical Consumers of Research: Guidelines for Evaluating Quantitative Research by Recognizing Quality Indicators

“…Positivistic research was “embraced as an accurate portrayal of the scientific method” (Howe & Eisenhart, 1990, p. 3). Over the decades, researchers have also valued nonpositivist inquiries and interpretive perspectives, such as qualitative and mixed-methods approaches, that offered multiple lenses and amplified voices of participants that objectivity and quantitative measurements might not necessarily include or portray (Dei, 2005; Prosek & Gibson, 2021; Wester et al, 2021).…”

Barriers and facilitators of young people’s engagement with webchat counselling: A qualitative analysis informed by the Behaviour Change Wheel

“…To better meet the mental health needs of young people, the field could benefit from a systematic exploration to identify the barriers and enablers of young people's engagement with webchat counselling to improve the effectiveness of engagement strategies that are implemented in this context. Whilst previous research has relied upon quantitative methods, emergent qualitative methodologies have recently been recognised as effective avenues to understand and explore counselling interventions through the lens of those directly involved in counselling (Wester et al., 2021).…”