RSCH FPX 7860 Assessment 3 Qualitative Research Proposal

Student Name

Capella University

RSCH FPX 7860 Survey of Research Methods

Prof. Name:

Date

Introduction

Statement of the Problem

Female African American first-generation college students have historically faced numerous challenges in accessing higher education. Currently, these students continue to encounter barriers, including financial obstacles and other factors, in their pursuit of higher education. One significant barrier that African American female students face is microaggression (Ellis et al., 2019).

Purpose of the Study

The aim of this qualitative research study is to develop a shared understanding of the microaggressions encountered by first-generation African American women in their pursuit of higher education.

Research Question

What microaggressions do first-generation African American women experience in their pursuit of higher education?

Procedures

Philosophical Assumptions or Worldview

This research study will adopt an interpretive framework, emphasizing critical race theory. Savas discusses the importance of understanding critical race theory as a framework in higher education research (Savas, 2012).

Qualitative Design

The qualitative design of this research study will employ a narrative research approach to explore how participants construct their stories or narratives based on personal experiences.

Role of the Researcher

The researcher’s role is to access the feelings and thoughts of study participants. The researcher is responsible for explaining the study to participants in an unbiased manner, as well as for collecting, analyzing, and presenting the data.

Data Collection Procedures

Data will be collected through face-to-face personal interviews.

Data Analysis Procedures

Grounded theory analysis will be utilized for data analysis.

Strategies for Validating Findings

Strategies for validating findings will include prolonged engagement and persistent observation in the field, as well as triangulation.

Population, Sample, and Participants

The population will consist of five African American females who are first-generation college students from five different universities across the United States (N=5). The age range of participants will vary.

Anticipated Ethical Issues

The anticipated ethical issues for this qualitative research study include confidentiality and the researcher’s role as a data collection instrument.

Expected Findings

Previous research studies have indicated that racism and discrimination are prevalent at colleges and universities throughout the United States (Ellis & Powell, 2019). While there is limited research specifically addressing the microaggressions experienced by African American female first-generation college students, there is substantial research on discrimination affecting African American first-generation college students.

References

Ellis, J. M., Powell, C. S., Demetriou, C. P., Huerta-Bapat, C., & Panter, A. T. (2019). Examining first-generation college student lived experiences with microaggressions and microaffirmations at a predominately White public research university. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, 25(2), 266–279. https://doi.org/10.1037/cdp0000198

Musmade, P., Nijhawan, L., Udupa, N., Bairy, K., Bhat, K., Janodia, M., & Muddukrishna, B. (2013). Informed consent: Issues and challenges. Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research, 4(3), 134. https://doi.org/10.4103/2231-4040.116779