Scenario 1

Ten students are available for in-depth interviews. Participants will be selected based on their involvement with the peer mediation program. They will be observed over three weeks. Analysis will attempt to determine issues concerning peer mediation.

Type of research: Qualitative Research Design: Interactive Method--Phenomenological Study

Rationale: When gathering data regarding the interactions or behaviors of people it is important that the research sets his/her beliefs aside and observe situations as they occur. In this specific situation, the researcher has willing participants to interview, a short, but intensive amount of time to observe, interview and collect data (McMillan & Schumacher, 2008). As Dr. Canipe explained, phenomenological studies allow for in-depth study of a few participants which describes the experiences of the subjects and what the research has observed (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009). Along with any notes taken while observing the peer mediation program, the researcher will get an inside look at how the process works through the personal interviews. Dr. Canipe describes phenomenological studies in the aspect that the researcher is on the inside looking around (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009).

References:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program six. Qualitative Research Methods [Motion picture]. Introduction to educational research. Baltimore: Author.

McMillan, J. H., & Schumacher, S. (2008). Research in education: Evidence-based inquiry (Laureate custom edition). Boston: Pearson.

Literature