The Power IN Qualitative Writing
Hello Curious Learner,
A few days ago I was listening to Michael Hyatt’s podcast and he compared writing to “catching lightening in a bottle” which, in this case, referred to capturing incredible new ideas in writing. Even though writing in qualitative research is not really about capturing your new ideas, it is essential to synthesize and showcase your qualitative results (especially once data analysis is concluded). Whether you create a thick description, a narrative or present a new theory, you will need to use (or work on) your writing skills at some point in your qualitative journey.
Yet, most people I know struggle with the “final” writing of their qualitative results. Some simply don’t enjoy writing and need to overcome writer’s block and procrastination. Others, however, struggle with the power words can have, even if unintended, and issues of representation in qualitative writing. Power, representation and ethics in qualitative writing are real issues and worth discussing so here are a few thoughts on these issues.
Writing in qualitative research requires critical thinking. As the researcher, you need to think about the words you will use to describe or narrate your results, how in-depth you will go when discussing each theme and which participants’ quotes (if any) you will include to illustrate your findings. I bet you have realized the power we have, as researchers, in representing and portraying those involved in our qualitative work. Thus, critically think about qualitative writing and ask yourself the following questions:
How would the people who participated in my research feel if they read this manuscript, thesis or report?
How could my writing impact the lives of those who are portrayed in my research?
Maybe you have a research topic that is not sensitive and do not believe those questions apply to your work. Even if that is the case, take some time to think about your writing and what it will tell the world about the people in your research.
For one of my PhD studies, I presented my final findings to a group of stakeholders and emphasized how the management structure of a program was not working well for program providers…less than six months later the program providers’ contracts were terminated. Now imagine how I felt when I found out about this. Nothing that my supervisors said made feel less guilty and devastated. When I presented my findings, I wrongly assumed measures were going to be taken to remedy the issues affecting program providers. Instead, management decided those providers’ positions were not fitting the organizational mandate and the rest was history.
I hope my unfortunate example demonstrates the power we have as qualitative researchers. Never assume individuals who participated in your research will not read your results. Choose your words carefully, do not put people in boxes and stereotypes that continue to marginalize them and, whenever possible, showcase the strengths people and communities have. It is easier to find solutions to complex issues in existing strengths than to find solutions in things that are not working for those most affected by the issues.
Talk soon,
Maira