{"id":54,"date":"2019-12-02T17:27:50","date_gmt":"2019-12-02T17:27:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/postgradproofreader.co.uk\/blog\/?p=54"},"modified":"2021-06-17T16:32:52","modified_gmt":"2021-06-17T16:32:52","slug":"convince-any-stats-lover-with-your-qualitative-method-section","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/postgradproofreader.co.uk\/blog\/2019\/12\/02\/convince-any-stats-lover-with-your-qualitative-method-section\/","title":{"rendered":"Convince Any Stats-Lover with Your Qualitative Method Section"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You have done a cutting-edge piece of qualitative research that is ripe for publishing\u2026 but your subject matter means that targeting traditional, quant-based journals makes more sense for your beloved paper. Do you know how to get your paper ready to submit to a potentially stats-favouring audience? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sending your paper to someone who does this all day? Don\u2019t quake in your boots… we\u2019ve got you covered!<\/em>
 
Photo by Ruth Zimmerman<\/a> on Unsplash <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lots of publications have quantitative researchers reviewing\nqualitative work and you want to make sure that your reviewer has no doubts\nabout the value of your fabulous paper. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fear not \u2013 here are some top tips on how to get your\nmethodology section looking ravishingly rigorous and ready for submission. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Check the journal\u2019s conventions for qualitative research.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many journals that accept qualitative papers have specific\nconventions or guidelines for qualitative submissions.
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\nThere are also journals that do not accept qualitative papers (sad but true!), although\nthey don\u2019t always let you know this. If you can\u2019t find any specific conventions\nfor qualitative papers in the publication in question, have a look to see if\nthey have any lovely qual papers in their archives. If they don\u2019t, it\u2019s\nprobably a waste of your time to send your paper to this journal, so cut your\nlosses and move on to the next journal on your list.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Recognise and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the qualitative approach.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One sure-fire way to put off reviewers is to ignore the weaknesses of your approach. Of course, you want to emphasise why your approach is fantastic and perfect for addressing your research question (as well as why quantitative research is not suitable for your study). However, discussing the disadvantages will give strength to your argument.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Talking about the strengths of your approach is obviously important, but don\u2019t forget about its weaknesses!<\/em>

Photo by Pixabay<\/a> on Pexels <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. Discuss validity and reliability. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One concern of quantitative researchers is that qualitative\nresearch lacks validity and reliability. Emphasise the rigour of your approach,\nusing examples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Put all the right information in your methods section.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The structure of your methodology section will depend on your specific piece of research. Qualitative methods sections are not as cut and dried as quantitative methods sections. There are, however, some essential ingredients! <\/p>\n\n\n\n