Qualitative Research Critique for Relevant Research Methodology

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Summary of Methods
Summary of Findings
Ethical Aspects
Evaluation of Study
Conclusion
References

Introduction

This work aims to evaluate a specific scholarly article with a qualitative research method critically with the provision of relevant evidence and suggestions regarding the chosen methodology and findings. As a work for analysis, the study “Perfectionism and Life Narratives: A Qualitative Study” by Farmer, Mackinnon, and Cowie (2017) will be used. The research question posed in this article may be as follows: is it possible to categorize the manifestations of perfectionism in life on the basis of special classification groups through qualitative assessment? The authors utilize several frameworks (“relationship success, relationship problems, agentic redemption, agentic contamination, and academic success”) and compare the positions of adaptive and maladaptive perfectionists (Farmer et al., 2017, p. 1).

By analyzing the studies used in the literature review, one cannot find any apparent bias since all the sources focus on a specific topic and do not imply individual value judgments. The key objective of this critical work is to determine the relevance of the research methods utilized and their relevance to the stated results.

Summary of Methods

As a qualitative research design, a thematic technique is used, which is a convenient mechanism for evaluating the opinions of the involved participants regarding the topic covered. The sampling method is selective, and the principle of choosing people for the research is based on the self-identification of the members in accordance with their individual perfectionist inclinations. Invitations to participate were sent through personalized offers and online advertising.

Despite the initial emphasis on the equal division of people into adaptive and maladaptive perfectionists, the authors were not able to observe the planned ratio, and more maladaptive members were invited (Farmer et al., 2017). All the data are obtained due to qualitative interviews through direct interaction with the target groups. Gorton et al. (2019) apply the identical principle of obtaining information, and the authors confirm that this method provides them with flexibility in interacting with participants. Therefore, this type of data collection is a convenient and suitable tool.

Bracketing is referred to as an attempt to distinguish among individual stereotypes about types of perfectionists. However, Farmer et al. (2017) note that such work is conditional and may be perceived differently depending on personal positions. Reflectivity is also stated since thematic analysis implies obtaining objective data directly from primary sources. The analysis took place after receiving all the required information, and the coding system addressed each data element in order to compose a holistic picture of the results in the future.

As Newman (2016) notes, qualitative studies imply collecting data and conducting observations in natural research settings. Therefore, the analysis of all the information obtained in detail helps achieve an objective assessment. In order to ensure trustworthiness and credibility, the authors provide “triangulating qualitative evidence” and consider all the dimensions of the claimed categories separately (Farmer et al., 2017, p. 10). Thus, the structure and order of all standard research procedures are followed.

Summary of Findings

As additional findings, Farmer et al. (2017) note life narratives as a valuable research element that allows obtaining objective source data. The authors argue that correlations in the features of perfectionism are not natural, and the individual experience of the study participants is a background that determines the specifics of their behavior (Farmer et al., 2017). Various manifestations of the phenomenon under consideration are given, and comparison among individual implications proves a similar character, which allows categorizing relevant themes. For instance, the division of the manifestations of perfectionism in five groups is a consequence of the respondents’ answers to the questions posed.

The frequency of mentioning specific examples, in particular, relationship problems, academic success, and other categories makes it possible to classify these topics in accordance with the participants’ answers. Also, dividing the members into adaptive and maladaptive perfectionists confirms that relationship success is a topic characteristic of the first category, while for the second group, agentic redemption is a concern (Farmer et al., 2017). Summarizing proves this correlation and helps draw appropriate conclusions and recommendations.

In order to confirm their findings, Farmer et al. (2017) apply sufficient evidence, including both participants’ personal answers and relevant academic resources on this topic. The division of findings into categories proves the credibility of the work done, and taking into account the opinions of the study members is a significant aspect of reliability. No crucial information is missed, and all the main evaluation criteria are analyzed, including the cultural and ethnic background of the participants.

Ethical Aspects

In the article in question, no ethical issues are observed. Farmer et al. (2017) state that to participate in the study, all the respondents familiarized themselves with the progress of work and signed a written agreement. In addition, according to the authors, approval was obtained “from the Dalhousie University University Health Sciences Research Ethics Board” (Farmer et al., 2017, p. 4). None of the practices utilized are questionable, and the personal data of the members, along with the results of their answers, are not available in open access to maintain confidentiality.

Evaluation of Study

While taking into account the research design used in this article, its application is appropriate based on the goals and the research question. One of the main strengths of this work is the interpretation of all respondents’ answers individually due to a convenient coding system. A small sample size is a limitation of the study because not many participants are recruited. Also, Farmer et al. (2017) cite the weakness of qualitative methodology as a practice that makes it difficult to “determine cause and effect relationships” (p. 12). In addition, the authors note the simplicity of the applied thematic analysis and note that for a more detailed study, deeper assessment tools may be needed (Farmer et al., 2017).

However, there are no other obvious limitations, and the researchers are aware of the possibility of improving the results by engaging a control group of non-perfectionists for a deeper comparison (Farmer et al., 2017). As an alternative to the applied design, a correlational technique could be used, which, as Newman (2016) remarks, is a convenient prediction tool. Nevertheless, in this article, all the arguments are substantiated, and the evidence is corroborated.

Conclusion

The qualitative research under consideration offers a relevant research methodology in order to categorize the manifestations of perfectionism in a group of participants. Assessment mechanisms are objective, and all the stated goals are achieved. The study does not contain ethical issues and includes some limitations, which, however, are confirmed by the authors. As key findings, the separation of the implications of particular behaviors is cited for adaptive and maladaptive perfectionists.

The claimed research design is consistent with the principles and results of the work conducted. As a method for a follow-up study, one can recommend focusing on a correlational type of research with an additional control group of non-perfectionists. The research question may be as follows: are perfectionists’ life habits expressed significantly compared with those of non-perfectionists in the context of special behavioral patterns?

References

Farmer, J. R., Mackinnon, S. P., & Cowie, M. (2017). Perfectionism and life narratives: A qualitative study. SAGE Open, 7(3), 1-14. Web.

Gorton, H. C., Littlewood, D., Lotfallah, C., Spreadbury, M., Wong, K. L., Gooding, P., & Ashcroft, D. M. (2019). Current and potential contributions of community pharmacy teams to self-harm and suicide prevention: A qualitative interview study. PloS One, 14(9), 1-17. Web.

Newman, M. (2016). Research methods in psychology. (2^nd ed.). San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education.

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