The Nuts and Bolts of Qualitative Research

Abstract

Although qualitative research has gained more popularity than before in the field of language education, we need to continue sharing the terms relating to qualitative research and discussing the interpretations about them. In this paper, I provide a brief description of fundamental issues surrounding qualitative research by introducing germane concepts (e.g., approach, paradigm and research methods) and by explaining relevant criteria to evaluate the research (e.g., credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability). To achieve this, I use a qualitative-oriented study that I conducted (Hiratsuka, 2014) as an illustrate example. I conclude this paper with recommendations for further qualitative studies.