Qualitative Study Planner
Parts 1-3
Qualitative Research Study Planner – QSP Part 3
Part 3: Site, Participants, and Data Collection Methods
1. In a paragraph, format describes the qualitative design/approach to be used in the study and describe why this
research design is appropriate for your research questions and topic. Provide citations from your textbook to
support the decision.
2. In a paragraph, format describe the site of the research study. Provide details of the site that are pertinent and that
inform the study. Describe how you will gain access to this site.
Things to consider:
• Where will the study be conducted? (Region, type of community or organization)
• Is the size or are the demographics of the site relevant to the study? If so, include them.
• Are there multiple sites? Describe each.
• What permissions will you need to obtain to conduct the study at this site?
3. In paragraph format describe the participants who participate in the study and the procedures for selecting the
participants.
Things to consider:
• How many participants will be a part of the study? Provide citations from your textbook to justify the number of
participants as it relates to your approach.
• What sampling strategy was used to select the participants? Provide citations from your textbook to support the
decision.
4. In paragraph format describe your data collection procedures. Walk the reader through each step of the process,
from collecting consent forms to storing your data once collected. Include data sources you plan on using and how
you plan on collecting the data.
Things to consider:
• Will you conduct observations? If so, how many? What type of observer will you be in these observations? What
will be the focus of these observations?
• Will you conduct interviews? If so, how many? What type of interview will you conduct? What will be the focus
of these interviews? Will the interview be audio or videotaped? Will you transcribe the interviews yourself, use
software, or outsource transcription?
• Will you use photos, documents, or artifacts?
5. Develop an observation OR an interview protocol to go with your data collection methods. This protocol should
demonstrate congruency with the study’s research questions.