Research Article
Michaela Parisi
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 10, Issue 2, pp. 1-28
ABSTRACT
English dominance in U.S. classrooms continues to marginalize multilingual learners, limiting their access to equitable participation and identity expression. This qualitative heuristic critical ethnographic case study examined Translanguaging Pedagogy (TP) as a culturally sustaining practice in an English Medium Instruction (EMI) high school science classroom. The study took place in a linguistically diverse Midwestern urban school where 22 of 27 students spoke a home language other than English. Data were collected through classroom observations, semi-structured interviews with the teacher and students, and document analysis. Findings revealed four interrelated themes: Building Classroom Community, Teacher as Reflective Practitioner, Language as Identity, and Equity Tensions. Data analysis showed that translanguaging practices fostered collaboration, belonging, and deeper conceptual understanding while affirming students’ linguistic and cultural identities. The teacher’s intentionality was central to sustaining these multilingual spaces, yet equity tensions persisted as English remained the dominant academic language. The study underscores the importance of teachers approaching TP with purposeful, reflection, and a commitment to disrupting linguistic hierarchies. Implications for practice include the need for professional learning that prepares educators to design equitable, culturally sustaining environments where all students—monolingual and multilingual alike—can participate fully in the co-construction of knowledge.
Keywords: Translanguaging Pedagogy, Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy, English Medium Instruction, Multilingual Students, Classroom Community.
Research Article
Linnea Hjelm, Carolee Dodge Francis, Courtney Schwalbach
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 10, Issue 2, pp. 29-50
ABSTRACT
Transformative participatory evaluation designs are characterized by a commitment to stakeholder engagement and social justice values of inclusion and equity. These designs, when implemented with integrity and reciprocity, can support organizational development and amplify community voice. Guidance on how to honor the values of transformative participatory evaluation is limited, though it can provide evaluators and their nonprofit partners with a clear pathway to designing, sustaining, and executing participatory projects with a transformative agenda. This paper presents a transformative participatory evaluation project with youth sexual violence prevention leaders, in a nonprofit context. Across four stages – initiating the partnership, designing the evaluation, implementing the evaluation, and sharing the evaluation with others for change – we outline the shared decisions, collaborative activities, and meaningful outcomes of this evaluation effort, with particular attention to how transformative participatory principles were embedded in its design. With support, scaffolding, and funding, youth leaders contributed data, directed analysis and interpretation, and developed deliverables to share best practices with diverse audiences. Actionable takeaways for evaluators are provided for each stage to inspire more intentional and expanded use of this design.
Keywords: Participatory Evaluation, Transformative Paradigm, Youth, Capacity-Building, Social Change.
Research Article
Fiina Shimaneni
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 10, Issue 2, pp. 51-69
ABSTRACT
The transformation in higher education globally has intensified demands on academic staff, particularly in private higher education institutions (PHEIs) that operate within increasing market-driven environments. This study responds to these transformation pressures by developing a human resource management (HRM) framework for enhancing academic staff performance. While academic staff performance is central to educational quality, most human HRM frameworks overlook the distinctive realities of PHEIs. Using a phenomenological qualitative approach, data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with academic staff and academic management. Utilizing thematic data analysis, the study identified six interrelated HRM practices, namely professional development, provision of resources, recognition of achievements, collaboration and knowledge sharing, workload, and job security, that collectively shape academic staff ability, motivation, and opportunity to perform. While intrinsic motivation to teaching emerged as an important sustaining factor, the analysis also reveals tensions whereby reliance on passion and professional identity may normalize excessive workloads. This article, therefore, proposes a context-sensitive HRM framework that advances the understanding of academic labor in PHE and highlights the need for institutional HRM systems that complement, rather than rely upon, individual commitment to sustain academic staff performance.
Keywords: Academic staff performance, AMO theory, intrinsic motivation, private higher education institutions, higher education institutions, Human resources management practices/framework, Namibia
Research Article
Amir Kalan, Sitong Wang
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 10, Issue 2, pp. 70-94
ABSTRACT
While pluralized concepts such as multiliteracies, multilingualism, and translanguaging are often portrayed as cutting-edge research discourses in the West, non-Western communities have a rich history of engaging with these multidimensional forms of literacy and language use. This article recommends Reconstructive Discourse Analysis (RDA) as a decolonial research methodology to recognize and incorporate non-Western communities’ perceptions of semiotically complex language and literacy practices into mainstream research discourses. The authors describe the steps involved in RDA and illustrate its application through a comparative study of recent Western discourses on translanguaging and ancient Chinese notions of interlinguality: "通九蕃语" and "解六蕃译". This experiment highlights the contextual nature of Western theorizations about translanguaging, revealing how it is influenced by responses to modern European nation-states and their associated discriminatory social, racial, and linguistic categorizations. In contrast, the Chinese concepts prioritize multilingualism in everyday professional, social, and political interactions for mutual comprehension and the prevention of discriminatory hierarchies. The authors conclude that each concept is a response to local and time-bound discourses, and claims to universality and uniqueness of a theory can be challenged by centering similar concepts in other contexts.
Keywords: Translanguaging, multilingualism, discourse analysis, deconstruction, decolonization, 通九蕃语, 解六蕃译
Research Article
Ada Rosemary Uche
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 10, Issue 2, pp. 95-114
ABSTRACT
This study employs a qualitative approach to help examine the factors that influence first generation college students in their path to attaining a STEM degree. The qualitative analysis involved a sample of 40 North Carolina first-generation college seniors preparing to graduate with STEM degrees. Other national studies have used quantitative data only, which creates a notable gap in the literature and begs the need for more robust analysis. In this study, we argue that background attributes, pre-college experiences, institutional characteristics, as well as social and academic integration influence the performance of first-generation college students in STEM. The qualitative findings suggest the vital role that pre-college influences play for first generation college students in STEM, when compared to their non-first-generation peers.
Keywords: First-generation college students, STEM, disparity, qualitative methods
Research Article
Carlene Brown
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 10, Issue 2, pp. 115-138
ABSTRACT
Vaccine hesitancy among parents of young children extends beyond individual family choice and impact; it is an imminent health challenge with far-reaching consequences. This study explores the underlying beliefs of parents through qualitative interviews and compares Traditional human-led reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) with AI-assisted RTA using ChatGPT. It examines latent beliefs contributing to vaccine hesitancy among parents of children under 18 and evaluates the effectiveness of Traditional RTA versus AI-assisted RTA. A basic qualitative research design was used to explore how individuals construct meaning from their experiences. Semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted with 18 participants recruited via convenience sampling through social media. Data were analyzed using RTA, and traditional methods were compared with AI-assisted RTA using ChatGPT. Traditional RTA identified four main themes: influences and perceptions shaping vaccine decisions, trust and concerns in vaccine decision-making, attitudes toward vaccine mandates, and alternative perspectives on vaccinations. AI-assisted RTA discovered five and six themes, respectively. Parental perspectives were shaped by personal and vicarious experiences, trust in healthcare providers, and various information sources. The methodological comparison revealed that Traditional RTA provided a more nuanced and comprehensive analysis than AI-driven RTAs, though the AI analyses were significantly faster.
Keywords: AI-assisted analysis, parental attitudes, qualitative research, reflexive thematic analysis, vaccine hesitancy
Research Article
Laetitia Adelson, Cherese Fine, Dion Harry, Keneisha Harrington, Becky Morgan, Tomiko Smalls, Travis Smith, Jerad Green, Courtney Allen, Anuoluwapo Bankole, Robin Phelps-Ward
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 10, Issue 2, pp. 135-161
ABSTRACT
This manuscript examines the impact of racist campus climates for Black graduate students at a predominantly white institution. Using a photovoice methodological design, this study illuminates students’ ability to thrive through radical self-care despite the many racist factors, incidents, and systems at the institution. The paper ends with recommendations for improving campus racial climate in graduate education.
Keywords: campus climate, Black graduate students, photovoice, radical self-care
Research Article
Michell Temple, Shawnna Jantz, Paula Tipton
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 10, Issue 2, pp. 162-187
ABSTRACT
For decades, professional counselors have considered the importance of multiculturally competent practice. Counselors affirmed with the adaptation of the Multicultural Social Justice and Counseling Competencies that social oppression influences professional practice. These competencies call for counselors to gain knowledge, awareness, skills, and actions to address relational dynamics and societal forces of power, privilege, and oppression. We aimed to describe how counseling professionals’ (CPs’) perceptions of these dynamics have influenced relational patterns across the scope of professional counseling. Twenty-one (N = 21) participants from diverse backgrounds examined their lived experiences of power and privilege dynamics as students, pre-licensed counselors, counselors, supervisors, and counselor educators. The findings of the constructivist grounded theory study led to the formulation of the Developmental Model of Relational Consciousness Positionalities, which describes the attitudinal commitments of CPs’ progressive awareness of power and privilege. The model offers implications for ongoing change across the types of relationships within the counseling field.
Keywords: Positionalities, power, privilege, multicultural and social justice, professional counseling
Research Article
Artemiy Leonov, Justin Laplante
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 10, Issue 2, pp. 188-212
ABSTRACT
Habits – implicit associations between psychologically satisfying outcomes and the sequence of actions that repetitively produced these outcomes in a relatively stable environment – are crucial for human health, self-regulation, and day-to-day functioning. The present research claims that the primary function of habit mechanism is stress-reduction, associated with decision-making and environmental assessment. Next, addressing the theoretical contradictions of the traditional model of habit development, we propose a new two-phase model, differentiating the old-habit extinction phase and the new-habit formation phase and choosing appropriate cognitive strategies for each. The model was tested via 6-week longitudinal qualitative study, assessing its effectiveness and alignment with participants’ experience. Ten participants who expressed the wish to develop a habit of practicing mindfulness meditation, and who had never meditated regularly before, participated. The study protocol was designed to strategically increase their awareness of routine during the first two weeks of the study and decrease it during the remaining four weeks of the study, thus minimizing the stress entailed by the routine restructuring. All participants reported developing a meditation habit, and thematic analysis has shown that the experiences of 8/10 participants fit the two-phase model. Finally, participants’ accounts support the synthesis of outcome-insensitivity and cue-dependence issues in habit formation and initiate broader discussion about personal differences in routine following.
Keywords: habit, implicit processing, stress, mindfulness, longitudinal qualitative study
Research Article
Larry Parker II
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 10, Issue 2, pp. 213-234
ABSTRACT
This literature review explores the relationship between current trends in higher education leadership practices and servant leadership, with a specific focus on small, private colleges in upstate New York. The review confirms three areas of challenge for current leaders and the higher education industry. These challenges consist of a lack of longevity, insufficient diversity, and resistance to change, each signaling the need for a servant leadership approach. Through an examination of historical leadership frameworks, modern leadership practices, and emerging challenges, the review identifies servant leadership as a model that fosters organizational well-being, enhances employee satisfaction, and improves organizational performance. Key constructs such as bureaucracy and hierarchical structures are analyzed to highlight barriers that hinder the adoption of servant leadership within higher education institutions. Additionally, the review synthesizes findings from related studies to underscore the positive organizational outcomes associated with servant leadership, including improved innovation, engagement, and institutional performance. Anticipated themes such as the lack of professional development, the importance of employee satisfaction, and the persistence of traditional leadership models are explored to inform future research. Overall, the review substantiates the relevance of servant leadership and calls for its broader implementation to meet the evolving needs of higher education institutions.
Keywords: Servant leadership, small private college, job satisfaction, employee well-being, leadership development, human capital
Research Article
Ohud Alderaan
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 10, Issue 2, pp. 235-249
ABSTRACT
The interpretive paradigm posits that social reality is constructed by individuals and embedded within their social contexts, requiring researchers to interpret this reality through processes of analysis and sense-making. In qualitative research, where subjectivity is embraced rather than avoided, reflexivity—the practice of critically examining how the researcher’s subjectivity and context influence the research process—becomes indispensable. Despite its importance, reflexivity is frequently addressed superficially in the literature, leaving novice researchers grappling with its application. This gap is particularly pronounced in insider-outsider research, where the researcher’s dual positionality layers of complexity to the reflexive process. This paper explores the practical application of reflexivity in insider-outsider research, drawing on my experiences as a Saudi female researcher examining the professional identities of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instructors in remote Saudi universities. I reflect on my reflexive practices, focusing on two key strategies that enhanced my research: journaling and emotional reflexivity.
Keywords: Qualitative research; positionality; reflexivity; insider researcher; outsider researcher
Research Article
Jennifer Scarduzio, Amber Lynn Scott
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 10, Issue 2, pp. 250-263
ABSTRACT
Intensive care unit (ICU) employees experience specific organizational communication challenges that can increase their stress and burnout while decreasing their overall wellness. Twelve structured interviews and ten hours of observation with ICU employees were conducted to explore perceptions of increased stress and burnout. Multiple factors contributing to negative impacts on workplace wellness and burnout have been identified in previous communication literature, including work overload, time constraints, lack of management support, and role stressors. The findings of this study extended research on two additional organizational stressors linked to communication—patient families and travel nurses. Interactions with patient families since the COVID-19 pandemic have challenged ICU employees, with family members demonstrating overbearing and controlling tendencies as well as persistent questioning of ICU employees. The presence of travel nurses during COVID-19 were identified as a second stressor, with travel nurses’ inexperience in the ICU units creating communication challenges. Pay discrepancies between travel nurses and ICU employees also contributed to perceptions of injustice. The identification of patient families and travel nurses as two significant organizational stressors expands previous organizational research beyond the identification of job characteristics to illustrate how communicative practices contribute to emotional exhaustion in organizations.
Keywords: Burnout, covid-19, intensive care workers, organization stress, workplace wellness
Research Article
Siri Clocksin, Casey Mace Firebaugh, Tishra Beeson, Melody Madlem
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 10, Issue 2, pp. 264-278
ABSTRACT
This study applied a qualitative exploration of the experiences of university students navigating mental health and counseling needs within a rural county, Washington State community. The study uses data on mental health and counseling needs gathered from the local Community Health Assessment supplemental student focus groups (2023) and a survey of students living off campus (2021). The focus group (n=13) and survey data (n=372) provide insight into what barriers may constrain or facilitate students’ ability to meet their mental health and counseling needs. This study will utilize a specified research design, framework, and methodology to better5 understand the gaps, limitations, and effects of mental health counseling needs among college students in rural areas.
Keywords: Mental health, rural health, college students, counseling, community health assessment
Research Article
Thomas Collins, Tait Shanafelt, Neha Purkey, Meenu Singh, Rania Sanford
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 10, Issue 2, pp. 279-295
ABSTRACT
Physician burnout is a national epidemic, with many dissatisfied and unfulfilled with their careers. This threatens an already strained healthcare system. Though numerous studies have explored these issues in medicine, data are lacking on what constitutes a successful medical career that is satisfying and fulfilling. We conducted 40 semi-structured, 50-minute interviews of physicians who had achieved the rank of professor in our school of medicine. The interviews centered on how participants defined success and what it took for them to achieve that in their careers. We used inductive content analysis to identify content categories around the topic of success and reviewed all transcripts to identify how participants discussed success in academic medicine. From these, we identified major themes that were synthesized into a new explanatory model of success in academic medicine. Our 40 physician-cohort discussed their perspectives of success and the contributors to it. Four major themes emerged and suggested that success in academic medicine 1) is individually defined; 2) involves making an impact; 3) is based on pursuit of personal passion; and 4) is not defined by traditional metrics of academic productivity. Some or all of these themes were articulated by all participants as being fundamental to their definition of success. Accomplished academic physicians defined success as finding personal meaning and “making an impact through one’s greatest passion.” Multiple participants stated traditional metrics of productivity do not define success. These findings may have significant implications on the epidemic of burnout among academic physicians.
Keywords: Physician, faculty development, career, success, passion
Research Article
Jennifer B. Gray
AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 10, Issue 2, pp. 296-320
ABSTRACT
The present study details an autoethnography of miscarriage, the author’s personal experience nested within the mediated pregnancy loss story of Meredith Grey in the long running television series, Grey’s Anatomy. Through the lens of Burke’s framework of equipment for life, various themes emerge surrounding miscarriage communication and experience through several roles in personal and professional circles. The linear and complex timeline of these roles in pregnancy and pregnancy loss factor into the influence of varied life equipment garnered within different stages of womanhood and within various dichotomies in relationships and experiences in this health context. Implications for patient-centeredness and miscarriage communication and experience, as well as the employment of Burke’s concept of life equipment in health settings, are detailed. Meredith’s mediated story of miscarriage provides cultural equipment that aids in better understanding and defining the author’s lived loss experience. This work may aid in exploring autoethnographic, media-based analysis and offer others another script or story in pregnancy loss. Further, it may offer an expanded way to employ Burke’s concept in health settings.
Keywords: Autoethnography, Burke, equipment for life, miscarriage, illness narratives, media