qualitative research topics about engineering

Write my thesis
Thesis writers
Buy thesis papers
Bachelor thesis
Master's thesis
Thesis editing services
Thesis proofreading services
Buy a thesis online
Write my dissertation
Dissertation proposal help
Pay for dissertation
Custom dissertation
Dissertation help online
Buy dissertation online
Cheap dissertation
Dissertation editing services
Write my research paper
Buy research paper online
Pay for research paper
Research paper help
Order research paper
Custom research paper
Cheap research paper
Research papers for sale
Thesis subjects
How It Works

110 Engineering Research Topics For Engineering Students!

Getting engineering topics for research or presentation is not an easy task. The reason is that the field of engineering is vast. Engineers seek to use scientific principles in the design and building of machines, structures, bridges, tunnels, etc.

Engineering as a discipline has a broad range of specialized fields such as chemical engineering, civil engineering, biomedical engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, software engineering, and lots more! In all, engineering seeks to apply mathematics or science to solving problems.

110 Engineering Topic Ideas in Different Areas

Genetic engineering topics, mechanical engineering research topics, electrical engineering research topics, software engineering research topics, computer engineering research topics, biomedical engineering research topics, civil engineering topics, chemical engineering research topics, controversial engineering topics, aerospace engineering topics, industrial engineering topics, environmental engineering topics for research.

We understand how difficult and tiring it could be to get engineering research topics; hence this article contains a total of 110 interesting engineering topics covering all aspects of engineering. Ready to explore? Let’s begin right away!

Genetic engineering is the direct manipulation of the gene of an organism using biotechnology. Many controversies are surrounding this engineering field because of the fantastic potential feats it could achieve. Here are some genetic engineering topics that encompass essential areas of this field.

Can the human personality be altered through genetic engineering?
Genetic engineering: hope for children with intellectual disabilities?
Genetic engineering: the problems and perspectives.
Genetic engineering and the possibility of human cloning.
Genetic Engineering
The side effects of altering human personality
Immortalizing humans through genetic engineering
Addressing human deficiencies through genetic engineering

Mechanical engineering deals with the design and manufacture of physical or automated systems. These systems include power and energy systems, engines, compressors, kinematic chains, robotics, etc. Here are some impressive mechanical engineering topics that double as mechanical engineering thesis topics too.

A study of the compressed air technology used in cars.
The design of a motorized automatic wheelchair that can serve as a bed.
The why and how of designing stronger and lighter automobiles.
The design of an electronic-assisted hydraulic braking system.
Basics of Electronics Engineering
AC and DC motors and operations
Design and implementation of wind energy
Power lines and electricity distribution
Electromagnetic field and its applications
Generators and electric motors

Electrical engineering is a trendy and well-sought field that deals with the design and manufacture of different electrical and electronic systems. Electrical engineering encompasses power and electronics. The basic principle of digital technology and electricity are all given birth to in this field. From your lighting to computers and phones, everything runs based on electricity. Although finding topics in electrical engineering could be difficult, we have carefully selected four electrical engineering topics to give you a great head start in your research! or write research paper for me

A study on how temperature affects photovoltaic energy conversion.
The impact of solar charging stations on the power system.
Direct current power transmission and multiphase power transmission
Analysis of the power quality of the micro grid-connected power grid.
Solar power and inverters
Alternator and electric magnetic induction
AC to DC converters
Operational amplifiers and their circuits.

Software engineering deals with the application of engineering approaches systematically to develop software. This discipline overlaps with computer science and management science and is also a part of overall systems engineering. Here are some software engineering topics for your research!

The borderline between hardware and software in cloud computing.
Essential computer languages of the future.
Latest tendencies in augmented reality and virtual reality.
How algorithms improve test automation.
Essentials for designing a functional software
Software designing and cyber security
5 computer languages that will stand the test of time.
Getting software design right
Effects of malware on software operation.

Computer engineering integrates essential knowledge from the subfields of computer science, software engineering, and electronic engineering to develop computer hardware and software. Computer engineering applies various concepts to build complex structural models. Besides, we have completed researches in the information technology field and prepare great it thesis topics for you. Here are some computer engineering topics to help you with your research.

Biotechnology, medicine, and computer engineering.
Programs for computer-aided design (cad) of drug models.
More effective coding and information protection for multinational companies.
Why we will need greater ram in modern-day computers.
Analysis and computer-aided structure design
Pre-stressed concrete structures and variations
General computer analysis of structures
Machine foundation and structural design
Storage and industrial structures.

Biomedical engineering applies principles and design concepts from engineering to medicine and biology for diagnostic or therapeutic healthcare purposes. Here are some suggested biomedical engineering topics to carry out research on!

A study on how robots are changing health care.
Can human organs be replaced with implantable biomedical devices?
The advancement of brain implants.
The advancement of cell and tissue engineering for organ replacement.
Is planting human organs in machines safe?
Is it possible to plant biomedical devices insensitive to human organs?
How can biomedicine enhance the functioning of the human brain?
The pros and cons of organ replacement.

Civil engineering deals with the construction, design, and implementation of these designs into the physical space. It is also responsible for the preservation and maintenance of these constructions. Civil engineering spans projects like roads, buildings, bridges, airports, and sewage construction. Here are some civil engineering topics for your research!

Designing buildings and structures that withstand the impact of seismic waves.
Active noise control for buildings in very noisy places.
The intricacies of designing a blast-resistant building.
A compatible study of the effect of replacing cement with silica fume and fly ash.
Comparative study on fiber-reinforced concrete and other methods of concrete reinforcement.
Advanced construction techniques
Concrete repair and Structural Strengthening
Advanced earthquake resistant techniques
Hazardous waste management
Carbon fiber use in construction
Structural dynamics and seismic site characterization
Urban construction and design techniques

Chemical engineering transverses the operation and study of chemical compounds and their production. It also deals with the economic methods involved in converting raw chemicals to usable finished compounds. Chemical engineering applies subjects from various fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. It utilizes technology to carry out large-scale chemical processes. Here are some chemical engineering topics for you!

Capable wastewater treatment processes and technology.
Enhanced oil recovery with the aid of microorganisms.
Designing nanoparticle drug delivery systems for cancer chemotherapy.
Efficient extraction of hydrogen from the biomass.
Separation processes and thermodynamics
Heat, mass, and temperature
Industrial chemistry
Water splitting for hydrogen production
Mining and minerals
Hydrocarbon processes and compounds
Microfluidics and Nanofluidics.

Not everyone agrees on the same thing. Here are some engineering ethics topics and controversial engineering topics you can explore.

Are organic foods better than genetically modified foods?
Should genetically modified foods be used to solve hunger crises?
Self-driving cars: pros and cons.
Is mechanical reproduction ethical?
If robots and computers take over tasks, what will humans do?
Are electric cars really worth it?
Should human genetics be altered?
Will artificial intelligence replace humans in reality?

Aerospace engineering deals with the design, formation, and maintenance of aircraft, spacecraft, etc. It studies flight safety, fuel consumption, etc. Here are some aerospace engineering topics for you.

How the design of planes can help them weather the storms more efficiently.
Current techniques on flight plan optimization.
Methods of optimizing commercial aircraft trajectory
Application of artificial intelligence to capacity-demand.
Desalination of water
Designing safe planes
Mapping a new airline route
Understanding the structural design of planes.

Petroleum engineering encompasses everything hydrocarbon. It is the engineering field related to the activities, methods, processes, and adoptions taken to manufacture hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbon examples include natural gas and crude oil which can be processed to more refined forms to give new petrochemical products.

The effect of 3d printing on manufacturing processes.
How to make designs that fit resources and budget constraints.
The simulation and practice of emergency evacuation.
Workers ergonomics in industrial design.
Heat transfer process and material science
Drilling engineering and well formation
Material and energy flow computing
Well log analysis and testing
Natural gas research and industrial management

Manufacturing engineering is integral for the creation of materials and various tools. It has to do with the design, implementation, construction, and development of all the processes involved in product and material manufacture. Some useful production engineering topics are:

Harnessing freshwater as a source of energy
The design and development of carbon index measurement systems.
Process improvement techniques for the identification and removal of waste in industries.
An extensive study of biomedical waste management.
Optimization of transportation cost in raw material management
Improvement of facility layout using systematic planning
Facilities planning and design
Functional analysis and material modeling
Product design and marketing
Principles of metal formation and design.

So here we are! 110 engineering research paper topics in all major fields of engineering! Choose the ones you like best and feel free to contact our thesis writers for help. It’s time to save humanity!

Qualitative Research Topics for STEM Students PDF

Benefits of undertaking qualitative research for stem students.

STEM fields excel in quantitative data, experiments, and mathematical models, but qualitative research adds a crucial human dimension. Here’s how it benefits STEM students:

Communication Skills : It improves clear expression of ideas, listening to diverse perspectives, and presenting research effectively.
New Perspectives : Understand societal impacts on science and technology through human experiences and public perceptions.
User Needs : Learn to design solutions by understanding user motivations and challenges.
Critical Thinking : Analyze narratives to draw insights and solve complex problems effectively.
Research Confidence : Gain independence, confidence in presenting findings, and readiness for future research or career paths.

Qualitative research complements STEM’s quantitative focus, preparing students to innovate and communicate effectively in diverse fields.

Qualitative Research Topics for STEM Students

Check out qualitative research topics for STEM students:-

Create immersive VR experiences showcasing global conservation efforts.
Incorporate stakeholder interviews and interactive storytelling.
Produce episodic podcasts discussing ethical dilemmas in genetic engineering.
Feature interviews with researchers, ethicists, and affected stakeholders.
Develop a website for case studies and discussions on bioethical issues.
Engage users in debates and collaborative problem-solving.
Produce animated shorts exploring public perceptions of GMOs in agriculture.
Use storytelling to educate and foster dialogue on biotechnology.
Design an AR exhibition on biotechnological advancements in healthcare.
Allow visitors to interact with virtual models and learn from stakeholder insights.
Collaborate with local artists to create installations on marine conservation.
Reflect community perspectives and environmental challenges through art.
Produce a series highlighting diverse marine conservation efforts globally.
Feature interviews with scientists, policymakers, and community leaders.
Organize live debates on cloning technologies with experts and the public.
Facilitate discussions on the ethical implications of genetic research.
Launch a social media campaign sharing personal stories on plant evolution.
Highlight the importance of biodiversity and ecological dynamics.
Host an online symposium on wildlife rehabilitation practices.
Invite global experts to discuss rehabilitation methods and conservation impacts.
Develop virtual tours of green chemistry laboratories.
Showcase innovative practices and environmental impacts.
Create podcasts discussing chemical safety regulations and public perceptions.
Include interviews with scientists, policymakers, and community members.
Design an app for sharing effective teaching methods and curriculum insights.
Engage educators and students in a collaborative learning platform.
Develop a board game exploring ethical dilemmas faced by chemists.
Encourage players to navigate complex scenarios and make ethical decisions.
Collaborate with artists to create artworks reflecting public perceptions of nanomaterials.
Showcase artistic interpretations of scientific concepts in consumer products.
Create a simulation game on managing chemical waste and pollution.
Incorporate stakeholder feedback and real-world environmental challenges.
Produce podcasts on community attitudes towards water quality testing.
Discuss management strategies and public health implications.
Conduct workshops on ethical issues in pharmaceutical research.
Facilitate discussions among researchers, ethicists, and industry professionals.
Launch a digital campaign sharing narratives on materials science innovations.
Highlight advancements in materials research and their societal impact.
Organize a virtual forum on policies and regulations affecting chemical safety.
Foster dialogue among stakeholders on regulatory effectiveness and improvements.
Develop a VR experience exploring quantum computing applications.
Educate users on quantum principles and their potential societal impacts.
Create podcasts discussing ethical challenges in space exploration.
Feature interviews with astronauts, scientists, and ethicists.
Collaborate with artists to create an interactive art installation on renewable energy.
Use visual art to depict technological advancements and environmental benefits.
Design a gamified platform for solving physics challenges.
Incorporate interactive elements and adaptive learning features.
Produce a documentary series profiling particle physics research.
Share insights from scientists and explore the relevance of particle physics.
Organize a live-streamed debate on nuclear energy policies and technologies.
Engage policymakers, scientists, and the public in discussions on energy futures.
Host workshops on ethical considerations in astrophysical research.
Use case studies and simulations to explore ethical decision-making.
Create community art installations that celebrate solar energy initiatives.
Engage local artists and residents in sustainable energy awareness.
Launch a digital storytelling campaign on quantum mechanics.
Share personal stories and scientific discoveries in an accessible format.
Organize a symposium on funding priorities in space exploration.
Discuss investment strategies, public support, and future space missions.

Engineering

Create a virtual showcase of sustainable engineering projects.
Feature interactive case studies and interviews with project teams.
Design an interactive exhibition on robotics and automation in manufacturing.
Showcase industry innovations and their impact on production processes.
Develop an escape room experience focusing on ethical dilemmas in AI development.
Challenge participants to solve puzzles based on real-world scenarios.
Create a virtual simulation of urban infrastructure projects.
Allow users to design and assess environmental and social impacts.
Collaborate with communities to create digital stories on transportation challenges.
Highlight infrastructure improvements and public transit initiatives.
Design a role-playing game exploring ethical dilemmas faced by engineers.
Encourage critical thinking and decision-making in professional scenarios.
Produce podcasts on biomedical engineering advancements and healthcare applications.
Include interviews with researchers, clinicians, and industry leaders.
Partner with artists to create an art installation showcasing materials science innovations.
Use visual art to communicate scientific concepts and technological breakthroughs.
Host a virtual symposium on ethical considerations in environmental engineering.
Invite experts to discuss sustainable practices and policy implications.
Produce a documentary series on construction engineering projects.
Highlight community impacts, engineering challenges, and innovative solutions.

Mathematics

Launch a digital storytelling platform for sharing experiences with mathematics anxiety.
Include strategies for overcoming anxiety and promoting mathematical confidence.
Host webinars featuring discussions on gender representation in mathematical research.
Invite researchers, educators, and policymakers to participate.
Create podcasts exploring ethical issues in data science and analytics.
Discuss data privacy, bias in algorithms, and ethical decision-making.
Develop an online forum for educators to discuss math curriculum effectiveness.
Encourage collaboration and sharing of best practices in teaching mathematics.
Collaborate with communities to create visualizations of mathematical modeling.
Illustrate real-world applications and community-driven problem-solving.
Design a mobile game where players apply mathematical problem-solving strategies.
Gamify learning and promote critical thinking skills in mathematical contexts.
Host virtual workshops on using statistics in public policy decisions.
Facilitate discussions on data-driven governance and policy implementation.
Organize online forums for actuaries to discuss ethical dilemmas in risk assessment.
Explore regulatory frameworks and professional standards in actuarial practices.
Launch a storytelling campaign on emerging trends in mathematical research.
Share insights from researchers and highlight breakthroughs in the field.
Engage communities in multimedia projects promoting mathematical literacy.
Create educational resources and interactive workshops for diverse audiences.

Computer Science

Develop a VR training program for cybersecurity best practices and simulations.
Use immersive scenarios to educate users on cyber threats and defense strategies.
Create a virtual lab where users test and provide feedback on VR applications.
Improve usability and user experience based on real-world interactions.
Design a serious game exploring ethical issues in AI-driven healthcare decisions.
Challenge players to navigate complex scenarios and ethical considerations.
Produce podcasts discussing ethical considerations in software design and development.
Feature insights from industry experts, developers, and ethicists.
Collaborate with digital artists to create an interactive art installation on data privacy.
Raise awareness about social media privacy issues through visual storytelling.
Develop a simulation where participants explore ethical implications of ML algorithms.
Analyze decision-making processes and ethical dilemmas in AI applications.
Organize a design challenge for creating innovative HCI solutions.
Engage participants in user research, prototyping, and usability testing.
Host a virtual seminar on cryptocurrency security measures and risks.
Discuss blockchain technology, digital wallets, and cybersecurity best practices.
Collaborate with communities to develop IoT solutions for local challenges.
Foster innovation and sustainable development through community-driven projects.
Organize a symposium on ethical considerations in blockchain technology.
Explore decentralized systems, smart contracts, and governance frameworks.

Environmental Science

Create a virtual exhibition on climate change science and education.
Feature interactive displays, multimedia content, and expert insights.
Collaborate with communities to create digital maps of sustainable practices.
Highlight urban sustainability initiatives and community engagement.
Produce podcasts discussing ethical dilemmas in environmental policy-making.
Include perspectives from policymakers, scientists, and environmental advocates.
Develop a VR experience on marine pollution and conservation efforts.
Educate users on marine ecosystems and the impact of pollution.
Launch a digital campaign sharing stories and case studies on renewable energy.
Advocate for policy changes and community-driven renewable energy projects.
Partner with wildlife artists to create an immersive art installation on conservation.
Use art to raise awareness about endangered species and habitat preservation.
Organize dialogues on the value of local ecosystem services and conservation.
Engage stakeholders in discussions on biodiversity and ecosystem management.
Develop a simulation game on managing water resources and sustainability.
Explore water conservation strategies and environmental stewardship.
Host workshops on ethical considerations in ecological research and field studies.
Discuss scientific integrity, animal welfare, and community engagement.
Launch a digital storytelling platform on sustainable agriculture practices.
Share farmer stories, agricultural innovations, and community impacts.

Qualitative Research Topics for STEM Based on Difficulty Level

Check out qualitative research topics for STEM based on difficulty level:-


		Study how students experience specific science lab activities or teaching methods.
		Explore user feedback on new educational apps or online learning platforms.
		Interview engineers about their career paths and challenges they face.
		Investigate student perceptions of math anxiety in different learning environments.
		Analyze public views on controversial scientific topics through surveys or focus groups.
		Research social media’s impact on public trust in science using interviews with experts.
		Conduct ethnographic research on communities affected by large engineering projects.
		Study teacher strategies for fostering a growth mindset in math education.
		Explore ethical dilemmas in emerging scientific fields like using interviews with scientists and policymakers.
		Investigate algorithmic bias on social media platforms and its societal implications through document analysis and interviews.
		Compare the social impacts of engineering projects in different cultural contexts.
		Analyze how cultural factors and stereotypes influence student achievement in math using document analysis and interviews.

Qualitative Research Topics for SETM Based on Grades

Check out qualitative research topics for stem students Based on Grades:-


		Study how students learn from hands-on science experiments through interviews.
		Explore student experiences with educational apps or games and their learning outcomes.
		Observe how students approach design challenges using recycled materials.
		Assess the effectiveness of math tools like counting blocks in early education.
		Survey student attitudes towards topics like space or climate change.
		Examine how social media influences student interest in STEM.
		Investigate how students view the engineering design process.
		Study how middle schoolers handle math anxiety during tests.
		Gather public opinions on recent scientific breakthroughs through discussions.
		Evaluate the ethics of using wearable tech in education.
		Analyze community views on local engineering projects.
		Research how cultural expectations affect student math choices.

Choosing the Right Qualitative Research Topic for STEM

Welcome to qualitative research in STEM! Here’s how to find the perfect topic:

Fueling Your Passion

Interests: Pick what fascinates you most in STEM.
Real-World Impact: Choose topics connected to real challenges.

Balancing Feasibility

Time and Resources: Ensure your topic fits your program’s timeframe and resource availability.
Originality: Aim for a unique angle or application.

Seeking Guidance

Expert Advice: Collaborate with experienced professors or advisors.
Literature Review: Explore gaps in existing research.

Refining Your Topic

Clear Goals: Define your research question and methods clearly.
Focus: Keep your topic manageable and focused.

Remember: The best topic aligns passion with feasibility and offers a fresh perspective. Enjoy exploring human experiences in STEM!

Conducting Qualitative Research for STEM

You’ve chosen an exciting qualitative research topic in STEM! Here’s how to approach data collection and analysis:

Choosing the Right Method

Interviews: Talk one-on-one for deep insights.
Focus Groups: Discuss topics with small groups.
Ethnography: Immerse yourself in settings for context.
Document Analysis: Study existing texts for insights.

Ethical Research Practices

Informed Consent: Explain your research clearly.
Anonymity and Confidentiality: Keep identities private.
Respect: Approach participants respectfully.

Data Collection and Analysis

Interviews/Focus Groups: Use open-ended questions.
Ethnographic Observation: Take detailed notes.
Document Analysis: Identify themes and biases.
Analysis Tools: Use software for insights.
Choose methods based on your topic.
Follow ethical guidelines.
Analyze data critically.

Consider using multimedia for richer findings.

By following these steps, you’ll uncover valuable insights in your STEM research.

Hey there! In STEM, we’re all about pushing boundaries with data and logic. But there’s a whole other side to explore—the human side. Qualitative research lets us dive into the stories, experiences, and viewpoints that shape our scientific breakthroughs and engineering wonders.

When you pick an interesting topic, use the right methods, and stick to ethical guidelines, you can really add something special to your field. Your research could:

Influence how we teach science, regulate tech, or promote sustainability.
Tackle tough ethical issues in fields like AI or genetic research.
Help folks understand science better and get excited about STEM.

So, follow your curiosity, get into qualitative research, and uncover the human stories behind STEM. Remember, the future of STEM isn’t just about what we discover—it’s about how those discoveries touch people’s lives and sharing those stories with the world.

50 Top Physical Science Research Topics for High School Students

500+ Qualitative Research Titles and Topics

Table of Contents

Qualitative research is a methodological approach that involves gathering and analyzing non-numerical data to understand and interpret social phenomena. Unlike quantitative research , which emphasizes the collection of numerical data through surveys and experiments, qualitative research is concerned with exploring the subjective experiences, perspectives, and meanings of individuals and groups. As such, qualitative research topics can be diverse and encompass a wide range of social issues and phenomena. From exploring the impact of culture on identity formation to examining the experiences of marginalized communities, qualitative research offers a rich and nuanced perspective on complex social issues. In this post, we will explore some of the most compelling qualitative research topics and provide some tips on how to conduct effective qualitative research.

Qualitative Research Titles

Qualitative research titles often reflect the study’s focus on understanding the depth and complexity of human behavior, experiences, or social phenomena. Here are some examples across various fields:

“Understanding the Impact of Project-Based Learning on Student Engagement in High School Classrooms: A Qualitative Study”
“Navigating the Transition: Experiences of International Students in American Universities”
“The Role of Parental Involvement in Early Childhood Education: Perspectives from Teachers and Parents”
“Exploring the Effects of Teacher Feedback on Student Motivation and Self-Efficacy in Middle Schools”
“Digital Literacy in the Classroom: Teacher Strategies for Integrating Technology in Elementary Education”
“Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices: A Case Study in Diverse Urban Schools”
“The Influence of Extracurricular Activities on Academic Achievement: Student Perspectives”
“Barriers to Implementing Inclusive Education in Public Schools: A Qualitative Inquiry”
“Teacher Professional Development and Its Impact on Classroom Practice: A Qualitative Exploration”
“Student-Centered Learning Environments: A Qualitative Study of Classroom Dynamics and Outcomes”
“The Experience of First-Year Teachers: Challenges, Support Systems, and Professional Growth”
“Exploring the Role of School Leadership in Fostering a Positive School Culture”
“Peer Relationships and Learning Outcomes in Cooperative Learning Settings: A Qualitative Analysis”
“The Impact of Social Media on Student Learning and Engagement: Teacher and Student Perspectives”
“Understanding Special Education Needs: Parent and Teacher Perceptions of Support Services in Schools

Health Science

“Living with Chronic Pain: Patient Narratives and Coping Strategies in Managing Daily Life”
“Healthcare Professionals’ Perspectives on the Challenges of Rural Healthcare Delivery”
“Exploring the Mental Health Impacts of COVID-19 on Frontline Healthcare Workers: A Qualitative Study”
“Patient and Family Experiences of Palliative Care: Understanding Needs and Preferences”
“The Role of Community Health Workers in Improving Access to Maternal Healthcare in Rural Areas”
“Barriers to Mental Health Services Among Ethnic Minorities: A Qualitative Exploration”
“Understanding Patient Satisfaction in Telemedicine Services: A Qualitative Study of User Experiences”
“The Impact of Cultural Competence Training on Healthcare Provider-Patient Communication”
“Navigating the Transition to Adult Healthcare Services: Experiences of Adolescents with Chronic Conditions”
“Exploring the Use of Alternative Medicine Among Patients with Chronic Diseases: A Qualitative Inquiry”
“The Role of Social Support in the Rehabilitation Process of Stroke Survivors”
“Healthcare Decision-Making Among Elderly Patients: A Qualitative Study of Preferences and Influences”
“Nurse Perceptions of Patient Safety Culture in Hospital Settings: A Qualitative Analysis”
“Experiences of Women with Postpartum Depression: Barriers to Seeking Help”
“The Impact of Nutrition Education on Eating Behaviors Among College Students: A Qualitative Approach”
“Understanding Resilience in Survivors of Childhood Trauma: A Narrative Inquiry”
“The Role of Mindfulness in Managing Work-Related Stress Among Corporate Employees: A Qualitative Study”
“Coping Mechanisms Among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder”
“Exploring the Psychological Impact of Social Isolation in the Elderly: A Phenomenological Study”
“Identity Formation in Adolescence: The Influence of Social Media and Peer Groups”
“The Experience of Forgiveness in Interpersonal Relationships: A Qualitative Exploration”
“Perceptions of Happiness and Well-Being Among University Students: A Cultural Perspective”
“The Impact of Art Therapy on Anxiety and Depression in Adult Cancer Patients”
“Narratives of Recovery: A Qualitative Study on the Journey Through Addiction Rehabilitation”
“Exploring the Psychological Effects of Long-Term Unemployment: A Grounded Theory Approach”
“Attachment Styles and Their Influence on Adult Romantic Relationships: A Qualitative Analysis”
“The Role of Personal Values in Career Decision-Making Among Young Adults”
“Understanding the Stigma of Mental Illness in Rural Communities: A Qualitative Inquiry”
“Exploring the Use of Digital Mental Health Interventions Among Adolescents: A Qualitative Study”
“The Psychological Impact of Climate Change on Young Adults: An Exploration of Anxiety and Action”
“Navigating Identity: The Role of Social Media in Shaping Youth Culture and Self-Perception”
“Community Resilience in the Face of Urban Gentrification: A Case Study of Neighborhood Change”
“The Dynamics of Intergenerational Relationships in Immigrant Families: A Qualitative Analysis”
“Social Capital and Economic Mobility in Low-Income Neighborhoods: An Ethnographic Approach”
“Gender Roles and Career Aspirations Among Young Adults in Conservative Societies”
“The Stigma of Mental Health in the Workplace: Employee Narratives and Organizational Culture”
“Exploring the Intersection of Race, Class, and Education in Urban School Systems”
“The Impact of Digital Divide on Access to Healthcare Information in Rural Communities”
“Social Movements and Political Engagement Among Millennials: A Qualitative Study”
“Cultural Adaptation and Identity Among Second-Generation Immigrants: A Phenomenological Inquiry”
“The Role of Religious Institutions in Providing Community Support and Social Services”
“Negotiating Public Space: Experiences of LGBTQ+ Individuals in Urban Environments”
“The Sociology of Food: Exploring Eating Habits and Food Practices Across Cultures”
“Work-Life Balance Challenges Among Dual-Career Couples: A Qualitative Exploration”
“The Influence of Peer Networks on Substance Use Among Adolescents: A Community Study”

Business and Management

“Navigating Organizational Change: Employee Perceptions and Adaptation Strategies in Mergers and Acquisitions”
“Corporate Social Responsibility: Consumer Perceptions and Brand Loyalty in the Retail Sector”
“Leadership Styles and Organizational Culture: A Comparative Study of Tech Startups”
“Workplace Diversity and Inclusion: Best Practices and Challenges in Multinational Corporations”
“Consumer Trust in E-commerce: A Qualitative Study of Online Shopping Behaviors”
“The Gig Economy and Worker Satisfaction: Exploring the Experiences of Freelance Professionals”
“Entrepreneurial Resilience: Success Stories and Lessons Learned from Failed Startups”
“Employee Engagement and Productivity in Remote Work Settings: A Post-Pandemic Analysis”
“Brand Storytelling: How Narrative Strategies Influence Consumer Engagement”
“Sustainable Business Practices: Stakeholder Perspectives in the Fashion Industry”
“Cross-Cultural Communication Challenges in Global Teams: Strategies for Effective Collaboration”
“Innovative Workspaces: The Impact of Office Design on Creativity and Collaboration”
“Consumer Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence in Customer Service: A Qualitative Exploration”
“The Role of Mentoring in Career Development: Insights from Women in Leadership Positions”
“Agile Management Practices: Adoption and Impact in Traditional Industries”

Environmental Studies

“Community-Based Conservation Efforts in Tropical Rainforests: A Qualitative Study of Local Perspectives and Practices”
“Urban Sustainability Initiatives: Exploring Resident Participation and Impact in Green City Projects”
“Perceptions of Climate Change Among Indigenous Populations: Insights from Traditional Ecological Knowledge”
“Environmental Justice and Industrial Pollution: A Case Study of Community Advocacy and Response”
“The Role of Eco-Tourism in Promoting Conservation Awareness: Perspectives from Tour Operators and Visitors”
“Sustainable Agriculture Practices Among Smallholder Farmers: Challenges and Opportunities”
“Youth Engagement in Climate Action Movements: Motivations, Perceptions, and Outcomes”
“Corporate Environmental Responsibility: A Qualitative Analysis of Stakeholder Expectations and Company Practices”
“The Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Ecosystems: Community Awareness and Behavioral Change”
“Renewable Energy Adoption in Rural Communities: Barriers, Facilitators, and Social Implications”
“Water Scarcity and Community Adaptation Strategies in Arid Regions: A Grounded Theory Approach”
“Urban Green Spaces: Public Perceptions and Use Patterns in Megacities”
“Environmental Education in Schools: Teachers’ Perspectives on Integrating Sustainability into Curricula”
“The Influence of Environmental Activism on Policy Change: Case Studies of Grassroots Campaigns”
“Cultural Practices and Natural Resource Management: A Qualitative Study of Indigenous Stewardship Models”

Anthropology

“Kinship and Social Organization in Matrilineal Societies: An Ethnographic Study”
“Rituals and Beliefs Surrounding Death and Mourning in Diverse Cultures: A Comparative Analysis”
“The Impact of Globalization on Indigenous Languages and Cultural Identity”
“Food Sovereignty and Traditional Agricultural Practices Among Indigenous Communities”
“Navigating Modernity: The Integration of Traditional Healing Practices in Contemporary Healthcare Systems”
“Gender Roles and Equality in Hunter-Gatherer Societies: An Anthropological Perspective”
“Sacred Spaces and Religious Practices: An Ethnographic Study of Pilgrimage Sites”
“Youth Subcultures and Resistance: An Exploration of Identity and Expression in Urban Environments”
“Cultural Constructions of Disability and Inclusion: A Cross-Cultural Analysis”
“Interethnic Marriages and Cultural Syncretism: Case Studies from Multicultural Societies”
“The Role of Folklore and Storytelling in Preserving Cultural Heritage”
“Economic Anthropology of Gift-Giving and Reciprocity in Tribal Communities”
“Digital Anthropology: The Role of Social Media in Shaping Political Movements”
“Migration and Diaspora: Maintaining Cultural Identity in Transnational Communities”
“Cultural Adaptations to Climate Change Among Coastal Fishing Communities”

Communication Studies

“The Dynamics of Family Communication in the Digital Age: A Qualitative Inquiry”
“Narratives of Identity and Belonging in Diaspora Communities Through Social Media”
“Organizational Communication and Employee Engagement: A Case Study in the Non-Profit Sector”
“Cultural Influences on Communication Styles in Multinational Teams: An Ethnographic Approach”
“Media Representation of Women in Politics: A Content Analysis and Audience Perception Study”
“The Role of Communication in Building Sustainable Community Development Projects”
“Interpersonal Communication in Online Dating: Strategies, Challenges, and Outcomes”
“Public Health Messaging During Pandemics: A Qualitative Study of Community Responses”
“The Impact of Mobile Technology on Parent-Child Communication in the Digital Era”
“Crisis Communication Strategies in the Hospitality Industry: A Case Study of Reputation Management”
“Narrative Analysis of Personal Stories Shared on Mental Health Blogs”
“The Influence of Podcasts on Political Engagement Among Young Adults”
“Visual Communication and Brand Identity: A Qualitative Study of Consumer Interpretations”
“Communication Barriers in Cross-Cultural Healthcare Settings: Patient and Provider Perspectives”
“The Role of Internal Communication in Managing Organizational Change: Employee Experiences”

Information Technology

“User Experience Design in Augmented Reality Applications: A Qualitative Study of Best Practices”
“The Human Factor in Cybersecurity: Understanding Employee Behaviors and Attitudes Towards Phishing”
“Adoption of Cloud Computing in Small and Medium Enterprises: Challenges and Success Factors”
“Blockchain Technology in Supply Chain Management: A Qualitative Exploration of Potential Impacts”
“The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Personalizing User Experiences on E-commerce Platforms”
“Digital Transformation in Traditional Industries: A Case Study of Technology Adoption Challenges”
“Ethical Considerations in the Development of Smart Home Technologies: A Stakeholder Analysis”
“The Impact of Social Media Algorithms on News Consumption and Public Opinion”
“Collaborative Software Development: Practices and Challenges in Open Source Projects”
“Understanding the Digital Divide: Access to Information Technology in Rural Communities”
“Data Privacy Concerns and User Trust in Internet of Things (IoT) Devices”
“The Effectiveness of Gamification in Educational Software: A Qualitative Study of Engagement and Motivation”
“Virtual Teams and Remote Work: Communication Strategies and Tools for Effectiveness”
“User-Centered Design in Mobile Health Applications: Evaluating Usability and Accessibility”
“The Influence of Technology on Work-Life Balance: Perspectives from IT Professionals”

Tourism and Hospitality

“Exploring the Authenticity of Cultural Heritage Tourism in Indigenous Communities”
“Sustainable Tourism Practices: Perceptions and Implementations in Small Island Destinations”
“The Impact of Social Media Influencers on Destination Choice Among Millennials”
“Gastronomy Tourism: Exploring the Culinary Experiences of International Visitors in Rural Regions”
“Eco-Tourism and Conservation: Stakeholder Perspectives on Balancing Tourism and Environmental Protection”
“The Role of Hospitality in Enhancing the Cultural Exchange Experience of Exchange Students”
“Dark Tourism: Visitor Motivations and Experiences at Historical Conflict Sites”
“Customer Satisfaction in Luxury Hotels: A Qualitative Study of Service Excellence and Personalization”
“Adventure Tourism: Understanding the Risk Perception and Safety Measures Among Thrill-Seekers”
“The Influence of Local Communities on Tourist Experiences in Ecotourism Sites”
“Event Tourism: Economic Impacts and Community Perspectives on Large-Scale Music Festivals”
“Heritage Tourism and Identity: Exploring the Connections Between Historic Sites and National Identity”
“Tourist Perceptions of Sustainable Accommodation Practices: A Study of Green Hotels”
“The Role of Language in Shaping the Tourist Experience in Multilingual Destinations”
“Health and Wellness Tourism: Motivations and Experiences of Visitors to Spa and Retreat Centers”

Qualitative Research Topics

Qualitative Research Topics are as follows:

Understanding the lived experiences of first-generation college students
Exploring the impact of social media on self-esteem among adolescents
Investigating the effects of mindfulness meditation on stress reduction
Analyzing the perceptions of employees regarding organizational culture
Examining the impact of parental involvement on academic achievement of elementary school students
Investigating the role of music therapy in managing symptoms of depression
Understanding the experience of women in male-dominated industries
Exploring the factors that contribute to successful leadership in non-profit organizations
Analyzing the effects of peer pressure on substance abuse among adolescents
Investigating the experiences of individuals with disabilities in the workplace
Understanding the factors that contribute to burnout among healthcare professionals
Examining the impact of social support on mental health outcomes
Analyzing the perceptions of parents regarding sex education in schools
Investigating the experiences of immigrant families in the education system
Understanding the impact of trauma on mental health outcomes
Exploring the effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy for individuals with anxiety
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful intergenerational relationships
Investigating the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace
Understanding the impact of online gaming on social skills development among adolescents
Examining the perceptions of teachers regarding technology integration in the classroom
Analyzing the experiences of women in leadership positions
Investigating the factors that contribute to successful marriage and long-term relationships
Understanding the impact of social media on political participation
Exploring the experiences of individuals with mental health disorders in the criminal justice system
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful community-based programs for youth development
Investigating the experiences of veterans in accessing mental health services
Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health outcomes
Examining the perceptions of parents regarding childhood obesity prevention
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful multicultural education programs
Investigating the experiences of individuals with chronic illnesses in the workplace
Understanding the impact of poverty on academic achievement
Exploring the experiences of individuals with autism spectrum disorder in the workplace
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful employee retention strategies
Investigating the experiences of caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease
Understanding the impact of parent-child communication on adolescent sexual behavior
Examining the perceptions of college students regarding mental health services on campus
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful team building in the workplace
Investigating the experiences of individuals with eating disorders in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of mentorship on career success
Exploring the experiences of individuals with physical disabilities in the workplace
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful community-based programs for mental health
Investigating the experiences of individuals with substance use disorders in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of social media on romantic relationships
Examining the perceptions of parents regarding child discipline strategies
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful cross-cultural communication in the workplace
Investigating the experiences of individuals with anxiety disorders in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of cultural differences on healthcare delivery
Exploring the experiences of individuals with hearing loss in the workplace
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful parent-teacher communication
Investigating the experiences of individuals with depression in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of childhood trauma on adult mental health outcomes
Examining the perceptions of college students regarding alcohol and drug use on campus
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful mentor-mentee relationships
Investigating the experiences of individuals with intellectual disabilities in the workplace
Understanding the impact of work-family balance on employee satisfaction and well-being
Exploring the experiences of individuals with autism spectrum disorder in vocational rehabilitation programs
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful project management in the construction industry
Investigating the experiences of individuals with substance use disorders in peer support groups
Understanding the impact of mindfulness meditation on stress reduction and mental health
Examining the perceptions of parents regarding childhood nutrition
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful environmental sustainability initiatives in organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with bipolar disorder in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of job stress on employee burnout and turnover
Exploring the experiences of individuals with physical disabilities in recreational activities
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful strategic planning in nonprofit organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with hoarding disorder in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of culture on leadership styles and effectiveness
Examining the perceptions of college students regarding sexual health education on campus
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful supply chain management in the retail industry
Investigating the experiences of individuals with personality disorders in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of multiculturalism on group dynamics in the workplace
Exploring the experiences of individuals with chronic pain in mindfulness-based pain management programs
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful employee engagement strategies in organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with internet addiction disorder in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of social comparison on body dissatisfaction and self-esteem
Examining the perceptions of parents regarding childhood sleep habits
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful diversity and inclusion initiatives in organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with schizophrenia in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of job crafting on employee motivation and job satisfaction
Exploring the experiences of individuals with vision impairments in navigating public spaces
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful customer relationship management strategies in the service industry
Investigating the experiences of individuals with dissociative amnesia in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of cultural intelligence on intercultural communication and collaboration
Examining the perceptions of college students regarding campus diversity and inclusion efforts
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful supply chain sustainability initiatives in organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of transformational leadership on organizational performance and employee well-being
Exploring the experiences of individuals with mobility impairments in public transportation
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful talent management strategies in organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with substance use disorders in harm reduction programs
Understanding the impact of gratitude practices on well-being and resilience
Examining the perceptions of parents regarding childhood mental health and well-being
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful corporate social responsibility initiatives in organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with borderline personality disorder in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of emotional labor on job stress and burnout
Exploring the experiences of individuals with hearing impairments in healthcare settings
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful customer experience strategies in the hospitality industry
Investigating the experiences of individuals with gender dysphoria in gender-affirming healthcare
Understanding the impact of cultural differences on cross-cultural negotiation in the global marketplace
Examining the perceptions of college students regarding academic stress and mental health
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful supply chain agility in organizations
Understanding the impact of music therapy on mental health and well-being
Exploring the experiences of individuals with dyslexia in educational settings
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful leadership in nonprofit organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with chronic illnesses in online support groups
Understanding the impact of exercise on mental health and well-being
Examining the perceptions of parents regarding childhood screen time
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful change management strategies in organizations
Understanding the impact of cultural differences on international business negotiations
Exploring the experiences of individuals with hearing impairments in the workplace
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful team building in corporate settings
Understanding the impact of technology on communication in romantic relationships
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful community engagement strategies for local governments
Investigating the experiences of individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of financial stress on mental health and well-being
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful mentorship programs in organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with gambling addictions in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of social media on body image and self-esteem
Examining the perceptions of parents regarding childhood education
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful virtual team management strategies
Investigating the experiences of individuals with dissociative identity disorder in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of cultural differences on cross-cultural communication in healthcare settings
Exploring the experiences of individuals with chronic pain in cognitive-behavioral therapy programs
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful community-building strategies in urban neighborhoods
Investigating the experiences of individuals with alcohol use disorders in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of personality traits on romantic relationships
Examining the perceptions of college students regarding mental health stigma on campus
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful fundraising strategies for political campaigns
Investigating the experiences of individuals with traumatic brain injuries in rehabilitation programs
Understanding the impact of social support on mental health and well-being among the elderly
Exploring the experiences of individuals with chronic illnesses in medical treatment decision-making processes
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful innovation strategies in organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with dissociative disorders in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of cultural differences on cross-cultural communication in education settings
Examining the perceptions of parents regarding childhood physical activity
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful conflict resolution in family relationships
Investigating the experiences of individuals with opioid use disorders in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of emotional intelligence on leadership effectiveness
Exploring the experiences of individuals with learning disabilities in the workplace
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful change management in educational institutions
Investigating the experiences of individuals with eating disorders in recovery support groups
Understanding the impact of self-compassion on mental health and well-being
Examining the perceptions of college students regarding campus safety and security measures
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful marketing strategies for nonprofit organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with postpartum depression in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of ageism in the workplace
Exploring the experiences of individuals with dyslexia in the education system
Investigating the experiences of individuals with anxiety disorders in cognitive-behavioral therapy programs
Understanding the impact of socioeconomic status on access to healthcare
Examining the perceptions of parents regarding childhood screen time usage
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful supply chain management strategies
Understanding the impact of parenting styles on child development
Exploring the experiences of individuals with addiction in harm reduction programs
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful crisis management strategies in organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with trauma in trauma-focused therapy programs
Examining the perceptions of healthcare providers regarding patient-centered care
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful product development strategies
Investigating the experiences of individuals with autism spectrum disorder in employment programs
Understanding the impact of cultural competence on healthcare outcomes
Exploring the experiences of individuals with chronic illnesses in healthcare navigation
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful community engagement strategies for non-profit organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with physical disabilities in the workplace
Understanding the impact of childhood trauma on adult mental health
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful supply chain sustainability strategies
Investigating the experiences of individuals with personality disorders in dialectical behavior therapy programs
Understanding the impact of gender identity on mental health treatment seeking behaviors
Exploring the experiences of individuals with schizophrenia in community-based treatment programs
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful project team management strategies
Investigating the experiences of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder in exposure and response prevention therapy programs
Understanding the impact of cultural competence on academic achievement and success
Examining the perceptions of college students regarding academic integrity
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful social media marketing strategies
Investigating the experiences of individuals with bipolar disorder in community-based treatment programs
Understanding the impact of mindfulness on academic achievement and success
Exploring the experiences of individuals with substance use disorders in medication-assisted treatment programs
Investigating the experiences of individuals with anxiety disorders in exposure therapy programs
Understanding the impact of healthcare disparities on health outcomes
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful supply chain optimization strategies
Investigating the experiences of individuals with borderline personality disorder in schema therapy programs
Understanding the impact of culture on perceptions of mental health stigma
Exploring the experiences of individuals with trauma in art therapy programs
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful digital marketing strategies
Investigating the experiences of individuals with eating disorders in online support groups
Understanding the impact of workplace bullying on job satisfaction and performance
Examining the perceptions of college students regarding mental health resources on campus
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful supply chain risk management strategies
Investigating the experiences of individuals with chronic pain in mindfulness-based pain management programs
Understanding the impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on social anxiety disorder
Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and well-being
Exploring the experiences of individuals with eating disorders in treatment programs
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful leadership in business organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with chronic pain in cognitive-behavioral therapy programs
Understanding the impact of cultural differences on intercultural communication
Examining the perceptions of teachers regarding inclusive education for students with disabilities
Investigating the experiences of individuals with depression in therapy programs
Understanding the impact of workplace culture on employee retention and turnover
Exploring the experiences of individuals with traumatic brain injuries in rehabilitation programs
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful crisis communication strategies in organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with anxiety disorders in mindfulness-based interventions
Investigating the experiences of individuals with chronic illnesses in healthcare settings
Understanding the impact of technology on work-life balance
Exploring the experiences of individuals with learning disabilities in academic settings
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful entrepreneurship in small businesses
Understanding the impact of gender identity on mental health and well-being
Examining the perceptions of individuals with disabilities regarding accessibility in public spaces
Understanding the impact of religion on coping strategies for stress and anxiety
Exploring the experiences of individuals with chronic illnesses in complementary and alternative medicine treatments
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful customer retention strategies in business organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with postpartum depression in therapy programs
Understanding the impact of ageism on older adults in healthcare settings
Examining the perceptions of students regarding online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful team building in virtual work environments
Investigating the experiences of individuals with gambling disorders in treatment programs
Exploring the experiences of individuals with chronic illnesses in peer support groups
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful social media marketing strategies for businesses
Investigating the experiences of individuals with ADHD in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of sleep on cognitive and emotional functioning
Examining the perceptions of individuals with chronic illnesses regarding healthcare access and affordability
Investigating the experiences of individuals with borderline personality disorder in dialectical behavior therapy programs
Understanding the impact of social support on caregiver well-being
Exploring the experiences of individuals with chronic illnesses in disability activism
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful cultural competency training programs in healthcare settings
Understanding the impact of personality disorders on interpersonal relationships
Examining the perceptions of healthcare providers regarding the use of telehealth services
Investigating the experiences of individuals with dissociative disorders in therapy programs
Understanding the impact of gender bias in hiring practices
Exploring the experiences of individuals with visual impairments in the workplace
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful diversity and inclusion programs in the workplace
Understanding the impact of online dating on romantic relationships
Examining the perceptions of parents regarding childhood vaccination
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful communication in healthcare settings
Understanding the impact of cultural stereotypes on academic achievement
Exploring the experiences of individuals with substance use disorders in sober living programs
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful classroom management strategies
Understanding the impact of social support on addiction recovery
Examining the perceptions of college students regarding mental health stigma
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful conflict resolution in the workplace
Understanding the impact of race and ethnicity on healthcare access and outcomes
Exploring the experiences of individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder in treatment programs
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful project management strategies
Understanding the impact of teacher-student relationships on academic achievement
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful customer service strategies
Investigating the experiences of individuals with social anxiety disorder in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of workplace stress on job satisfaction and performance
Exploring the experiences of individuals with disabilities in sports and recreation
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful marketing strategies for small businesses
Investigating the experiences of individuals with phobias in treatment programs
Understanding the impact of culture on attitudes towards mental health and illness
Examining the perceptions of college students regarding sexual assault prevention
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful time management strategies
Investigating the experiences of individuals with addiction in recovery support groups
Understanding the impact of mindfulness on emotional regulation and well-being
Exploring the experiences of individuals with chronic pain in treatment programs
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful conflict resolution in romantic relationships
Investigating the experiences of individuals with autism spectrum disorder in social skills training programs
Understanding the impact of parent-child communication on adolescent substance use
Examining the perceptions of parents regarding childhood mental health services
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful fundraising strategies for non-profit organizations
Investigating the experiences of individuals with chronic illnesses in support groups
Understanding the impact of personality traits on career success and satisfaction
Exploring the experiences of individuals with disabilities in accessing public transportation
Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful team building in sports teams
Investigating the experiences of individuals with chronic pain in alternative medicine treatments
Understanding the impact of stigma on mental health treatment seeking behaviors
Examining the perceptions of college students regarding diversity and inclusion on campus.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

500+ Psychology Research Topic Ideas

500+ History Research Paper Topics

500+ Criminal Justice Research Topics

500+ Sports Research Topics

500+ Music Research Topics

500+ Google Scholar Research Topics

Qualitative methods for engineering systems: Why we need them and how to use them

December 2017
Systems Engineering 20(6)
This person is not on ResearchGate, or hasn't claimed this research yet.

George Washington University

Discover the world's research

25+ million members
160+ million publication pages
2.3+ billion citations

No full-text available

To read the full-text of this research, you can request a copy directly from the authors.

Nikolai Joseph
Zoe Szajnfarber

Samantha Brainard
Jennifer I. Clark
Sage Kittelman

Molly R. Schmitt

Eric van Velzen
Alison Olechowski
SYSTEMS ENG

Konstantinos Triantis
Richard Malak
Paul D. Collopy

Anthony Hennig
Suparna Mukherjee

Jesse Austin-Breneman

Katharina Tomaschek

Lyndsay Ruane

INT J HYDROGEN ENERG
Benedikt Wohlmuth

Cacia Ploeg
Kimberly Lai
Kathy Cheng
Michal K. Davis
Xiyue Zhang
Meredith Bates

Menghan Liu

Jessica Lyons
Rebekah Jackson
James Richards
Stephanie Price
Lauryn A. Spearing

Leigh C. Hamlet
Kasey M. Faust
RES ENG DES

Joshua Kirshner

Camille Raymond
Lihui “Lydia” Zhang

Kristy A. Bryden
Anna A. Prisacari
RELIAB ENG SYST SAFE
Domenico C. Amodeo
Karen Locke

Brandon Greenberg
Paule Voevodsky

PROD OPER MANAG

andrew H Van De
Ven Harold L Angle
Marshall Scott Poole
John W Creswell
M. Q. Patton
B.G. Glaser
Anselm L. Strauss
Wayne C. Booth
Kathleen M. Eisenhardt
A.M. Huberman
Karen Golden-Biddle

Anna-Maria Rivas McGowan

Lawrence B. Mohr
David D. McFarland
Charles A. Lave
James G. March
J. D. Eveland
A.H. Van De Ven
Harold L. Angle

Diane Vaughan
Matthew B Miles
Michael A. Huberman

James P. Spradley
Robert I. Sutton

ACTA ASTRONAUT

Francis J. Flynn
SPACE POLICY
INT J PROD ECON

Annalisa L. Weigel
Mario L. Small

Karl E. Weick
J. E. McGrath

Ann Langley
Thomas D. Cook
Donald T. Campbell
R.I. Sutton

Recruit researchers
Join for free
Login Email Tip: Most researchers use their institutional email address as their ResearchGate login Password Forgot password? Keep me logged in Log in or Continue with Google Welcome back! Please log in. Email · Hint Tip: Most researchers use their institutional email address as their ResearchGate login Password Forgot password? Keep me logged in Log in or Continue with Google No account? Sign up

IEEE Account

Change Username/Password
Update Address

Purchase Details

Payment Options
Order History
View Purchased Documents

Profile Information

Communications Preferences
Profession and Education
Technical Interests
US & Canada: +1 800 678 4333
Worldwide: +1 732 981 0060
Contact & Support
About IEEE Xplore
Accessibility
Terms of Use
Nondiscrimination Policy
Privacy & Opting Out of Cookies

A not-for-profit organization, IEEE is the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. © Copyright 2024 IEEE - All rights reserved. Use of this web site signifies your agreement to the terms and conditions.

150+ Best Engineering Research Topics for Students To Consider

Table of Contents

Engineering is a wide field of study that is divided into various branches such as Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Electronics, Chemical, etc. Basically, each branch has thousands of engineering research topics to focus on. Hence, when you are asked to prepare an engineering research paper or dissertation for your final year assignments, you might experience difficulties with identifying a perfect topic. But hereafter, you need not worry about topic selection because to make the topic selection process easier for you, here we have suggested some tips for choosing a good engineering research topic. Additionally, we have also shared a list of the best 150+ engineering research paper topics on various specializations. Continue reading this blog to get exclusive ideas for engineering research paper writing.

Engineering Research Paper Topic Selection Tips

When it comes to research in the field of engineering, identifying the best engineering research topic is the first step. So, during that process, in order to identify the right topic, consider the following tips.

Choose a topic from the research area matching your interest.
Give preference to a topic that has a large scope to conduct research activities.
Pick a topic that has several reference materials and evidence supporting your analysis.
Avoid choosing an already or frequently discussed topic. If the topic is popular, discuss it from a different perspective.
Never choose a larger topic that is tough to complete before the deadline.
Finalize the topic only if it satisfies your academic requirements.

List of the Best Engineering Research Topics

Are you searching for the top engineering project ideas? Would you have to complete your academic paper on the best engineering research topic? If yes, then take a look below. Here, we have suggested a few interesting engineering topics in various disciplines that you can consider for your research or dissertation.

Mechanical Engineering Research Topics

How does the study of robotics benefit from a mechanical engineering background?
How can a new composite substitute reduce costs in large heat exchangers?
Which will become the predominant energy technology this century?
Why structural analysis is considered the foundation of mechanical engineering?
Why is cast iron used in the engines of large ships?
What is the finite element approach and why is it essential?
Why is the flow of fluids important in mechanical engineering?
What impact does mechanical engineering have in the medical field?
How do sports incorporate mechanical engineering theories?
What is the process of thermal heat transfer in machines?
How can solar panels reduce energy costs in developing countries?
In what ways is mechanical engineering at the forefront of the field?
How do various elements interact differently with energy?
How can companies improve manufacturing through new mechanical theories?

Additional Research Paper Topics on Mechanical Engineering

Power generation: Extremely low emission technology.
Rail and wheel wear during the presence of third-body materials.
Studying the impact of athletic shoe properties on running performance and injuries
Evaluating teeth decay using patient-specific tools
Nanotechnology.
Describe the newly developed methods and applications in Vibration Systems
Perspective or general Commentaries on the methods and protocols relevant to the research relating to Vibration Systems
Software-related technology for Visibility of end-to-end operations for employee and management efficiencies
What should be the best strategies to apply in the planning for consumer demand and responsiveness using data analytics
Analysis of the monitoring of manufacturing processes using IOT/AI
Critical analysis of the advancing digital manufacturing with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) Data Analytics
Pyrolysis and Oxidation for Production and Consumption of Strongly Oxygenated Hydrocarbons as Chemical Energy Carriers: Explain
Explore the most effective strategies for fatigue-fracture and failure prevention of automotive engines and the importance of such prevention
Explore the turbomachinery performance and stability enhancement by means of end-wall flow modification
Production optimization, engine performance, and tribological characteristics of biofuels and their blends in internal combustion engines as alternative fuels: Explain

Civil Engineering Research Topics

The use of sustainable materials for construction: design and delivery methods.
State-of-the-art practice for recycling in the construction industry.
In-depth research on the wastewater treatment process
Building Information Modelling in the construction industry
Research to study the impact of sustainability concepts on organizational growth and development.
The use of warm-mix asphalt in road construction
Development of sustainable homes making use of renewable energy sources.
The role of environmental assessment tools in sustainable construction
Research to study the properties of concrete to achieve sustainability.
A high-level review of the barriers and drivers for sustainable buildings in developing countries
Sustainable technologies for the building construction industry
Research regarding micromechanics of granular materials.
Research to set up remote sensing applications to assist in the development of sustainable construction techniques.
Key factors and risk factors associated with the construction of high-rise buildings.
Use of a single-phase bridge rectifier
Hydraulic Engineering: A Brief Overview
Application of GIS techniques for planetary and space exploration
Reengineering the manufacturing systems for the future.
Production Planning and Control.
Project Management.
Quality Control and Management.
Reliability and Maintenance Engineering.

Environmental Engineering Research Paper Topics

Design and development of a system for measuring the carbon index of energy-intensive companies.
Improving processes to reduce kWh usage.
How can water conductivity probes help determine water quality and how can water be reused?
A study of compressor operations on a forging site and mapping operations to identify and remove energy waste.
A project to set up ways to measure natural gas flow ultrasonically and identify waste areas.
Developing a compact device to measure energy use for a household.
What are carbon credits and how can organizations generate them?
Production of biogas is from organic coral waste.
Analyzing the impact of the aviation industry on the environment and the potential ways to reduce it.
How can voltage reduction devices help organizations achieve efficiency in electricity usage?
What technologies exist to minimize the waste caused by offshore drilling?
Identify the ways by which efficient control systems using information systems can be introduced to study the energy usage in a machining factory.
The process mapping techniques to identify bottlenecks for the supply chain industry.
Process improvement techniques to identify and remove waste in the automotive industry.
In what ways do green buildings improve the quality of life?
Discussion on the need to develop green cities to ensure environmental sustainability
Process of carbon dioxide sequestration, separation, and utilization
Development of facilities for wastewater treatment

Environmental Engineering Research Topics

Read more topics: Outstanding Environmental Science Topics for You to Consider

Electrical Engineering Research Topics

Research to study transformer losses and reduce energy loss.
How does an ultra-low-power integrated circuit work?
Setting up a control system to monitor the process usage of compressors.
Integration of smart metering pulsed outputs with wireless area networks and access to real-time data.
What are the problems of using semiconductor topology?
Developing effective strategies and methodical systems for paying as-you-go charging for electric vehicles.
A detailed review and investigation into the key issues and challenges facing rechargeable lithium batteries.
Trends and challenges in electric vehicles technologies
Research to investigate, develop and introduce schemes to ensure efficient energy consumption by electrical machines.
What is meant by regenerative braking?
Smart charging of electric vehicles on the motorway
Research to study metering techniques to control and improve efficiency.
Develop a scheme to normalize compressor output to kWh.
Research to introduce smart metering concepts to ensure efficient use of electricity.
What is the most accurate method of forecasting electric loads?
Fundamentals of Nanoelectronics
Use of DC-to-DC converter in DC (Direct Current) power grid
Development of Microgrid Integration

Electronics and Communications Engineering Research Topics

Developing the embedded communication system for the national grid to optimize energy usage.
Improvement of inter-symbol interference in optical communications.
Defining the boundaries of electrical signals for current electronics systems.
The limitation of fiber optic communication systems and the possibility of improving their efficiency.
Gaussian pulse analysis and the improvement of this pulse to reduce errors.
A study of the various forms of errors and the development of an equalization technique to reduce the error rates in data.
Realizing the potential of RFID in the improvement of the supply chain.
Design of high-speed communication circuits that effectively cut down signal noise.
Radiation in integrated circuits and electronic devices.
Spectral sensing research for water monitoring applications and frontier science and technology for chemical, biological, and radiological defense.

Computer and Software Engineering Research Topics

How do businesses benefit from the use of data mining technologies?
What are the risks of implementing radio-controlled home locks?
To what extent should humans interact with computer technologies?
Are financial trading systems operating over the web putting clients at risk?
What challenges do organizations face with supply chain traceability?
Do chatbot technologies negatively impact customer service?
What does the future of computer engineering look like?
What are the major concepts of software engineering?
Are fingerprint-based money machines safe to use?
What are the biggest challenges of using different programming languages?
The role of risk management in information technology systems of organizations.
In what ways does MOOD enhancement help software reliability?
Are fingerprint-based voting systems the way of the future?
How can one use an AES algorithm for the encryption of images?
How can biological techniques be applied to software fault detection?

Read more: Creative Capstone Project Ideas For Students

Industrial Engineering Research Paper Topics

The application of lean or Six Sigma in hospitals and services-related industries.
The use of operation research techniques to reduce cost or improve efficiency.
Advanced manufacturing techniques like additive manufacturing.
Innovation as a Complex Adaptive System.
CAD-based optimization in any manufacturing environment.
Gap analysis in any manufacturing firm.
The impact of 3D printing in the manufacturing sector.
Simulating a real-life manufacturing environment into simulating software
The rise of design and its use in the developing world.
Building a network-based methodology to model supply chain systems.
Risk optimization With P-order comic constraint
Technology and its impact on mass customization
How project management becomes more complex with disparate teams and outsourced functions?
Scheduling problem for health care patients.

Biomedical Engineering Research Ideas

How does the use of medical imaging help patients with higher risks?
How can rehabilitation techniques be used to improve a patient’s quality of life?
In what ways can biomaterials be used to deliver medications more efficiently?
What impact does medical virtual reality have on a patient’s care?
What advancements have been made in the field of neural technology?
How does nanotechnology pave the way for further advancements in this field?
What is computational biology and how does it impact our lives?
How accurate are early diagnosis systems in detecting heart diseases?
What does the future hold for technology-fueled medications?
What are the guiding principles of biomedical engineering research?

Read more: Top Biology Research Topics for Academic Writing

Chemical Engineering Research Topics

How can epoxy resins withstand the force generated by a firing gun?
The use of software affected design aspects in chemical engineering.
What challenges are there for biochemical engineering to support health?
The advancements of plastic technology in the last half-century.
How can chemical technologies be used to diagnose diseases?
What are the most efficient pathways to the development of biofuels?
How can charcoal particles be used to filter water in developing countries?
Increased production of pharmacy drugs in many countries.
How do complex fluids and polymers create more sustainable machinery?

Miscellaneous Engineering Research Ideas

Sensing and controlling the intensity of light in LEDs.
Design and development of a pressure sensor for a solar thermal panel.
Development of microsensors to measure oil flow rate in tanks.
How can organizations achieve success by reducing bottlenecks in the supply chain?
Research to identify efficient logistics operations within a supply chain.
Developing frameworks for sustainable assessments taking into account eco-engineering measures.
Research to identify process improvement plans to support business strategies.
What can engineers do to address the problems with climate change?
The impact of training on knowledge performance index within the supply chain industry.
Research to introduce efficiency within information systems and support the timely transfer of knowledge and information.

Out of the 150+ engineering research paper topics and ideas suggested in this blog, choose any topic that is convenient for you to conduct research and write about. In case, you have not yet identified a good topic for your engineering research paper, reach out to us immediately.

qualitative research topics about engineering

110 Hard Words to Spell for Students and Adults

Learn How to Avoid Passive Voice in 3 Simple Steps

117 Best Greek Mythology Essay Topics For Students

About author.

Jacob Smith

I am an Academic Writer and have affection to share my knowledge through posts’. I do not feel tiredness while research and analyzing the things. Sometime, I write down hundred of research topics as per the students requirements. I want to share solution oriented content to the students.

140 Unique Geology Research Topics to Focus On

200+ outstanding world history topics and ideas 2023, 190 excellent ap research topics and ideas, 150+ trending group discussion topics and ideas, 170 funny speech topics to blow the minds of audience, who invented exams learn the history of examination, how to focus on reading 15 effective tips for better concentration, what is a rhetorical analysis essay and how to write it, primary school teacher in australia- eligibility, job role, career options, and salary, 4 steps to build a flawless business letter format, get help instantly.

Raise Your Grades with Assignment Help Pro

Qualitative research in software engineering

Published: 28 May 2011
Volume 16 , pages 425–429, ( 2011 )

Cite this article

Tore Dybå 1 ,
Rafael Prikladnicki 2 ,
Kari Rönkkö 3 ,
Carolyn Seaman 4 &
Jonathan Sillito 5

11k Accesses

33 Citations

Explore all metrics

Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.

Qualitative research methods were developed in the social sciences to enable researchers to study social and cultural phenomena and are designed to help researchers understand people and the social and cultural contexts within which they live (Denzin and Lincoln 2011 ). The goal of understanding a phenomenon from the point of view of the participants and its particular social and institutional context is largely lost when textual data are quantified. Taylor and Bogdan ( 1984 ) point out that qualitative research methods were designed mostly by educational researchers and other social scientists to study the complexities of human behavior (e.g., motivation, communication, difficulties in understanding). According to these authors, human behavior is clearly a phenomenon that, due to its complexity, requires qualitative methods to be fully understood, since much of human behavior cannot be adequately described and explained through statistics and other quantitative methods. Examples of qualitative methods are action research, case study research, ethnography, and grounded theory. Qualitative data sources include observation and participant observation (fieldwork), interviews and questionnaires, documents and texts, and the researcher’s impressions and reactions.

Many in the software industry recognize that software development also presents a number of unique management and organizational issues that need to be addressed and solved in order for the field to progress. And this situation has led to studies related not only to software engineering technical issues, but also to non-technical issues as well as to the intersection between the technical and non-technical aspects. Complex software engineering issues can be difficult to study using a purely quantitative approach. The reasons for this include typically small sample sizes, the expense of controlled experiments with human subjects, and the need for preliminary support before hypothesis testing can begin. Alternatively, qualitative studies can generate well-grounded hypotheses and findings that incorporate the complexity of the phenomenon under study. They also offer richer explanations and new areas for future study. They are also appropriate when variables are not defined or quantified and there is little prior theoretical or empirical work.

Lastly, a principal advantage of using qualitative methods is that they force the researcher to delve into the complexity of the problem rather than abstract it away, and the results can be more informative. Thus, since software engineering involves complex human behavior in an environment and circumstances that are to date not well developed theoretically or empirically and the phenomenon requires rich explanation in order to develop constructs and hypothesis, we need to raise the awareness regarding qualitative research in this field.

For this reason, we solicited submissions for this Special Issue on the topic of “Qualitative Research in Software Engineering”. This special issue was meant to overcome some of the methodological challenges by providing software engineering researchers with good examples of the state of the art in the application of qualitative research methods to software engineering problems. We hoped to include articles that could illustrate good flexible research designs, and how methodological challenges in software engineering research can be addressed.

In this special issue we have gathered four papers that present innovative ideas on how to cope with the growing complexity of effectively researching software engineering phenomena using qualitative approaches. We received papers from around the world, 24 in total. Each paper was reviewed by at least three expert referees. The guest editors would like to thank all the reviewers and authors of submitted papers to this Special Issue.

The four papers of this Special Issue employ a variety of qualitative research methods to address a variety of software engineering phenomena. Two of the papers, those by Prechelt and Oezbek and by Adolph et al., employ grounded theory, although they both tailor and interpret traditional grounded theory techniques for the particular needs of software engineering researchers. Thus, they provide a much-needed resource for researchers in our field who are struggling with adapting grounded theory based on resources written for researchers in education and the social sciences. Sim and Alspaugh’s paper on their “war story” study of requirements engineering is another example of tailoring a traditional qualitative research method (interviews) to the context of studying software engineering phenomena. Another twist in a well-known research approach, the case study, is presented in McLeod et al., who present a detailed explanation and rationale for a “longitudinal” case study methodology. Synopses of these four papers follow.

Prechelt and Oezbek present a narrative about their multiple attempts to study the phenomenon of software process improvement in open source software development. They found this subject very difficult to address, and tried a number of well-reasoned approaches to the problem. In addition to the approach that was finally successful, an adaptation of grounded theory, their article provides a rare exposition of the failings of several other methodological approaches to this problem.

McLeod et al. give a detailed descriptive and prescriptive treatment of a type of case study approach, the longitudinal case study, which is particularly well suited for exploring complex software development phenomena. In particular, the authors found this approach useful in understanding the multiple factors, including time, that interacted to effect the outcomes of the project being studied.

Sim and Alspaugh provide deep insights and five valuable recommendations related to analyzing data from “war stories” interviews. Standard quantitative analysis techniques, which broke down the stories into smaller “facts”, led the authors to lose the structure of each story. On the other hand, analysis using techniques from the humanities, along with concepts such as methodical vs. amethodical perspectives, enabled new useful insights.

Adolph, et al., present their own experiences of implementing Glaserian grounded theory. Although the method is time consuming and tedious, they find it to be an effective tool for software engineering research. Based on their own case of applying grounded theory in a software engineering context they provide insightful lessons learned and useful guidelines for how to interpret the canons of classical grounded theory literature.

It is our hope that this Special Issue will serve as a resource for software engineering researchers, through its detailed examples of how these authors tailored and applied qualitative research methods to contribute to the body of knowledge in our field. We also sincerely desire for this issue, and for the growing body of literature describing qualitative research in software engineering, to motivate the research community to employ qualitative methods, alone or in mixed methods designs, to more fully study the complexities of software engineering. We believe that progress in our field requires full consideration of human behavior within software development environments, and that understanding the complexities of human behavior requires that researchers go beyond the limitations of quantification and statistical analysis. Qualitative research methods have been found, in many other fields, to be critical to grasping and understanding the phenomena in which humans play a role. We are pleased to present this Special Issue as a contribution towards the continuing need for qualitative research in software engineering.

Denzin NK, Lincoln YS (2011) The SAGE handbook of qualitative research, 4th edn. Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, California

Google Scholar

Taylor SJ, Bogdan R (1984) Introduction to qualitative research methods. John Wiley & Sons, New York

Download references

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

SINTEF, Trondheim, Norway

PUCRS, Porto Alegre, Brazil

Rafael Prikladnicki

Blekinge Institute of Technology, Karlskrona, Sweden

Kari Rönkkö

University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA

Carolyn Seaman

University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Jonathan Sillito

You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Carolyn Seaman .

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Dybå, T., Prikladnicki, R., Rönkkö, K. et al. Qualitative research in software engineering. Empir Software Eng 16 , 425–429 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10664-011-9163-y

Download citation

Published : 28 May 2011

Issue Date : August 2011

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s10664-011-9163-y

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

Find a journal
Publish with us
Track your research

Studies in Engineering Education

Download PDF (English) XML (English)
Alt. Display

Literature Reviews

Uncovering epistemologies and values of our qualitative engineering education research community: listening for voices.

Nadia Kellam
Madeleine Jennings

Background: In engineering education research, we have made great strides in both our advanced qualitative research methodologies and the acceptance of qualitative research within the broader field. This shift in our community likely marks a shift in our epistemologies and a shift in our values, but we are still feeling a pull towards positivist epistemologies from funding agencies, journals, editorial boards, reviewers, and readers, which may be limiting our potential to conduct more critical and postmodern research and learn more about communities who are marginalized in engineering.

Purpose: The purpose of this research project is to develop an understanding of qualitative researchers’ epistemological perspectives and values. The research question guiding this study is: Through an analysis of qualitative engineering education manuscripts published in 2019, what voices of researchers and participants appear in our work and what do they reveal about our EER community’s epistemologies and values?

Method: The databases Engineering Village and Google Scholar were employed to identify journal articles that are qualitative, engineering education–focused, and published in 2019. This search resulted in 27 journal articles from eleven journals that served as the data for this project. The analysis was derived from discourse analysis and The Listening Guide and involved multiple readings. During these readings, we considered how the epistemologies present in qualitative engineering education research were reflected through a discursive examination of voices that emerged in the papers.

Conclusions: Researcher and participant voices emerged in the analysis, including some that are more aligned with positivist epistemologies (e.g., apologetic, generalizable, and abstracted voices) and others that are aligned with more postmodern epistemologies (e.g., alongside, vulnerable, and storied voices). These voices provide some insight into epistemological and paradigmatic tensions within our qualitative engineering education research community.

qualitative research
engineering education researchers
epistemology
methodology

Introduction

In 2019, our research team submitted a qualitative proposal in the postmodern paradigm to the National Science Foundation and, while it was not ultimately funded, it was reviewed positively. In 2020, we conducted a major revision of the proposal to address concerns raised by the reviewers and to update the proposal considering a pilot study that we began conducting while the proposal was being reviewed. We were caught off guard when we received the reviews. One reviewer said that the research team did not have “statistical power to draw conclusions that can be extended beyond their sample” and that it was unclear “how they [the researchers] plan to replicate their initial findings in separate samples.” Another reviewer stated, “It is unclear how the researchers propose to generalize the findings.”

This story is provided to illustrate a possibly common occurrence in qualitative engineering education research (EER), where there is a difference in epistemologies of researchers, funding agencies, and reviewers. These epistemological differences may shape not only the type of research that we take on in engineering education, but also how we describe that research within our subsequent publications. These tensions between researchers in our community who are pulled more towards positivist epistemologies and those pulled more towards postmodern and critical epistemologies may result in funded research projects and refereed journal articles that reflect an imbalance of representation regarding various epistemologies along the paradigmatic continuum.

Despite these tensions that are experienced by researchers and reviewers in qualitative EER, our community has made strides in both our advanced qualitative research methodologies and the acceptance of qualitative research within the broader field. Evidence of this includes articles with small numbers that have been both accepted within our community ( Pawley, 2019 ) and have earned best paper awards ( Benson, 2019 ; Burt, 2020 ; Secules et al., 2018 ). These strides perhaps mark a shift in our epistemologies and a shift in our values as a scholarly community.

The theoretical perspective and methodology—along with the epistemology of a researcher—influence the research process from research design to data collection and analysis and, finally, to dissemination ( Staller, 2013 ). As an example, we will consider two hypothetical researchers with differing epistemologies and their resulting qualitative research projects around LGBTQIA+ engineering students. A post-positivist may use random sampling to identify participants and then conduct structured interviews with 100 participants. Their grounded theory data analysis may use a constant comparative method and result in a theoretical model that describes patterns that appeared across participants’ responses to questions. At the conclusion of the research, the post-positivist may present their results in a tabulated format in a peer-reviewed journal article or engineering education conference presentation. Conversely, a researcher who aligns with more critical and interpretive epistemologies may conduct unstructured interviews with three participants on multiple occasions. The subsequent data analysis may involve a narrative analysis that includes counter-narratives. Their dissemination efforts may include traditional avenues such as journal articles and conferences but may also branch out towards more creative approaches such as podcasts or the development of course curriculum. While these are both examples of educational research projects focused on LGBTQIA+ engineering students’ experiences that involve data, analysis, and dissemination, the subsequent research projects, results, dissemination efforts, and impacts are starkly different. Researchers, reviewers, journals, and funding agencies’ epistemologies influence our community’s research projects from initial design and conceptualization of their research projects to published journal articles.

In this paper, we take a closer look at recently published manuscripts in the EER community to better understand what our publications reveal about us as qualitative researchers, our epistemologies, and our values. Through an analysis of the way we communicate in our publications, we can begin to consider taken-for-granted assumptions and inferences that are implied but not explicitly stated in our publications ( Gee, 2014 ) to better understand the engineering education community’s current values and epistemologies. Moreover, this analysis will also help us better understand the state of the broader field of qualitative EER, our culture, and the values of our community. Through this analysis, we hope to reveal epistemological and paradigmatic tensions within our community while demonstrating the value that various epistemological approaches bring to our community and to our understandings of engineering education.

Engineering education researchers have historically borrowed methods and theory from a wide array of disciplines, resulting in a heterogeneous collection of epistemologies that are demonstrated throughout the corpus of engineering education literature ( Beddoes, 2014b ). Epistemologically, EER can vary from positivist to postmodern in nature ( Waller, 2006 ), although there has historically been a marked preference for large-scale, generalizable positivist or post-positivist studies, derived from EER’s embeddedness within the positivist engineering paradigm ( Beddoes, 2014a ; Pawley et al., 2016 ; Riley, 2017 ; Yu & Strobel, 2011 ).

However, adopting a critical historical perspective reveals that the preference for positivist or post-positivist studies can be directly linked to the development of the American academy within the context of settler colonialism and the institution of chattel slavery (i.e., the practice of having total ownership over another; Wilder, 2013 ; Winfield, 2007 ). The most prominent example of positivism’s role in the formation and perpetuation of racism, white 1 supremacy, and eugenics is American biological and psychological scholars’ body of work produced at the height of the moral dilemma surrounding chattel slavery and westward expansion during and following the Enlightenment period ( Curran, 2011 ; Lombardo, 1987 ; Tyson & Oldroyd, 2019 ). These researchers weaponized positivist epistemological assumptions of objectivity and generalizability through the scientific method to fabricate evidence that situated African slaves and Native Americans as biologically, cognitively, psychologically, and morally inferior to whites, instantiating the pseudoscience of eugenics as a popular and economically profitable area of study ( Council of National Psychological Associations for the Advancement of Ethnic Minority Interests, 2016 ; Farrall, 1979 ; Neejer, 2015 ). Thus, positivism is the epistemological underpinning that informed the institutionalization of scientific research in the American academy ( Wilder, 2013 ).

The scholarship of critical (and particularly Black and Indigenous) historians reveals the roots of today’s positivist epistemological unconsciousness within the legacy of American white supremacy, imperialism, settler colonialism, and nationalism ( Wilder, 2013 ; Winfield, 2007 ). The American academic enterprise cannot be separated from the contexts with which it was developed, and it continues to reproduce itself through the enculturation of a positivist epistemological unconsciousness that manifests individually in researchers as a desire to produce objective, generalizable research ( Staller, 2013 ; Steinmetz, 2005 ). This positivist epistemological unconsciousness in academia, and particularly in the social sciences, can lead qualitative engineering education researchers, and especially novice qualitative engineering education researchers, towards valuing data that is measurable, quantifiable, and generalizable over other forms of data. This can lead to a tendency towards quantifying qualitative research and unconsciously valuing qualitative data and analysis less, as it is inherently (and intentionally) not generalizable to the broader population. In opposition to positivist underpinnings within academia, qualitative methodologies that are derived from critical paradigms acknowledge positivism’s roots in white supremacy and colonialism by contextualizing the role of white supremacy in social science research, as well as problematizing objectivity and generalizability. These critical, qualitative methodologies tend to be more liberatory and focus on dismantling oppressive institutions through the elevation of marginalized voices ( Crenshaw et al., 1995 ; Delgado et al., 2012 ; Freire, 1973 ).

Because positivist and post-positivist approaches are favored, institutionalized, and privileged in the academy (and American ideology more broadly), it is not surprising that researchers doing research from a more constructivist or postmodern epistemological stance will often be faced with illegitimate questions when the utility and validity of qualitative work is reviewed or presented, as illustrated by our vignette at the beginning of the introduction. Guba and Lincoln ( 2005 ) termed these illegitimate questions as questions without meaning because they are being asked and answered by people with differing epistemologies. Questions such as, “How can we trust this research if you only have three subjects?” or “How can you claim this work to be generalizable if you only focused on one case?” are illegitimate questions from the perspective of a critical qualitative researcher, which exemplify a difference in epistemology between the researcher and reviewer. Despite the positivist epistemological unconsciousness for quantifiability and generalizability, qualitative and/or interpretive research has become more commonplace in EER, accounting for nearly half of the body of work published in 2018, and it has contributed to major breakthroughs in the field ( Liu, 2019 ).

Illegitimate questions about qualitative methodologies happen when we, as a community, apply quantitative quality criteria to judge the contribution or quality of qualitative research ( Tracy, 2010 ). In applying these quantitative quality criteria, we will tend to both “misunderstand and misevaluate qualitative work” ( Tracy, 2010, p. 839 ). Developing widely accepted criteria that align better with qualitative research and epistemologies that are more in alignment with constructivist, critical, or postmodern leanings are needed. Criteria that better align with these epistemological perspectives were developed by Tracy ( 2010 ) and include eight big tent criteria with which to judge the quality of qualitative work. These include having a worthy topic, rich rigor, sincerity, credibility, resonance, significant contribution, ethics, and meaningful coherence.

To better understand EER’s alignment with positivist epistemological unconsciousness, we can look at our history and the somewhat recent development of EER as a discipline. In early efforts to establish EER as a discipline, there was a push towards rigorous EER ( Streveler & Smith, 2006 ). This initial effort was aligned with positivist epistemologies and aligned criteria with traditional concepts of rigor ( Beddoes, 2014b ). This initial effort to establish rigorous EER was heavily influenced through National Science Foundation (NSF) funding, which explicitly sought to construct the EER field as a “well-established” and “rigorous” one ( Beddoes, 2014b, p. 302 ). Due to NSF and EER’s roots in the positivist tradition, conceptual standards of rigor and validity bled into how we as a community conduct qualitative research, which has seemingly created tensions among qualitative methodological researchers in the field ( Riley, 2017 ). As we continued to develop our field, Walther and colleagues proposed a framework for quality in EER that was better aligned with more constructivist epistemologies and borrowed a framework from engineering focused on total quality management ( Walther et al., 2013 , 2015 , 2017b ). Walther and colleagues ( 2013 , 2015 , 2017b ) provided a helpful structure for a collaborative inquiry approach, which moves away from positivist concepts of quality. This process is both empirical and interpretive in nature and advocates for researchers to work collaboratively to create meaning from the data, while paying attention to how they are relating to the data. This process includes the critical analysis of one’s subjectivities, along with understanding and respecting how these subjectivities influence data collection and analysis ( Hampton et al., 2021 ). However, some have incorrectly applied Walther’s quality framework in a way that closer aligns with more positivist traditions, as their misuse of the framework involves using it as a simple checklist ( Kellam & Cirell, 2018 ). Criticism of rigor in EER gave way to “methodological diversity,” which called for a movement away from rigorous, positivist work ( Beddoes, 2014b, p. 298 ). This tension perhaps marks an era of evolution within the field of EER, suggesting that EER may be shifting, albeit slightly, from valuing generalizability in research to valuing rich, nuanced understandings of experiences.

In engineering education, it is common to find language such as evidence-based, empirical, systematic , and rigorous when describing research projects ( Borrego & Henderson, 2014 ; Brown et al., 2016 ; Jamieson & Lohman, 2009 ; Streveler & Smith, 2006 ). This may be due in part to researchers feeling as if they need to heed off illegitimate questions that they may receive from reviewers due to the positivist epistemological unconsciousness present in our field. This epistemological unconsciousness likely runs deep within our field with a common objective of research that is generalizable, repeatable, and rigorous. Many of these desired attributes of our research derive from positivist epistemological perspectives and can likely be uncovered through studying discourses within our publications.

Despite EER’s marked preference for empirically driven and generalizable research, significant breakthroughs have been made using small number works, answering the call for methodological diversity within EER ( Beddoes, 2014b ; Case & Light, 2011 ). In 2007 , Foor and colleagues wrote a seminal article where they presented an “ethnography of the particular,” which focused on the story of one participant, Inez (p. 103). More recently, Pawley ( 2013 ) also advanced our small numbers focus where she encouraged us to “learn from small numbers” through her work that pushes us to better understand marginalized and underrepresented communities in engineering. In Pawley’s work, she has been critical and transparent in her methodological choices ( Pawley, 2013 ; Pawley & Phillips, 2014 ; Slaton & Pawley, 2018 ; Walther et al., 2015 ). She uses narratives to preserve the richness of each participant’s story (2013) and to better understand structural inequalities in engineering education (2019). We interpret the increasing prevalence of small numbers research in EER to represent the beginnings of a shift in the landscape of our community’s epistemological unconsciousness. Thus, we are interested in how this turn towards small number research has manifested itself now that it has been over a decade since that seminal paper about Inez ( Foor et al., 2007 ).

Other works in EER highlight this changing landscape and suggest a possible pull towards more critical and postmodern research. Evidence of this changing landscape include a chapter from the Cambridge Handbook of Engineering Education Research that argues for a more critical approach to engineering education research that is situated around power relations ( Riley et al., 2014 ), recent journal articles that emerged from more interpretive and critical research projects ( Burt, 2020 ; Pawley, 2017 , 2019 ; Secules et al., 2018 ), articles arguing for the inclusion of positionality statements ( Hampton et al., 2021 ; Secules et al., 2021 ), and recent efforts and calls to overhaul and make the review process more transparent and unbiased ( Coley et al., 2021 ; Edstrom et al., 2020 ). In this project, we examine recent 2019 publications in EER to see if the broader community has begun to engage in an internalization of the epistemological perspectives that are embracing positivist and post-positivist epistemologies as well as more critical and postmodern epistemologies in qualitative EER scholarship.

The purpose of this research project was to develop an understanding of our qualitative EER community’s epistemologies and values through an analysis of recent publications. The research question guiding this study was: Through an analysis of qualitative, engineering education manuscripts published in 2019, what voices of researchers and participants appear in our work and what do they unveil about our EER community’s epistemologies and values? We asked this question to begin to understand the EER community’s most recent qualitative research trends, as well as to determine how the calls for methodological diversity have been answered and if postmodern and critical approaches are part of this diversity.

Research Design

The intention of this article was to interrogate the positivist and post-positivist biases and epistemological leanings of the EER community through a critical perspective while simultaneously advocating for an increase in the prominence of postmodern, critical, and liberatory epistemologies in EER. As such, we intentionally have adopted a postmodern, interpretive approach in our methods, inspired by the book Reconceptualizing Qualitative Research (Koro-Ljungberg (Koro), 2016), discourse analysis ( Foucault, 1972 ; Gee, 2014 ) and The Listening Guide (a feminist approach to qualitative research methodologies, again derived from critical theory, which centers the voices of the participants over the voices of the research; Gilligan et al., 2003 ). Our interpretations reflect this epistemological preference, which is also discussed in the Reflexive Interlude section.

Scope/Method

The databases Engineering Village and Google Scholar were employed to search for journal articles that are qualitative, focused on engineering education, and published in 2019. We searched using the terms qualitative and engineering education and excluded the terms quantitative, mixed , and educational technology. We also constrained the search to include only journal articles that were published in 2019. We conducted this analysis in 2020 and decided to constrain our search to the most recent complete year (2019) as these publications were the latest research published in the field at that time. The initial search resulted in 60 journal articles. These journal articles were filtered by removing the ones that were not focused on engineering education, those that involved mixed methods, and one that was not an authentic journal article (the authors misrepresented that the article was published in the International Journal of Engineering Education ). This resulted in 27 journal articles from 11 journals that met our criteria.

With such a large data set of 27 articles, we were concerned that the analysis and subsequent interpretations would become somewhat superficial and not generate much insight. To address this concern, we borrowed critical and postmodern ways of engaging with the data inspired by the book Reconceptualizing Qualitative Research (Koro-Ljungberg (Koro), 2016) and the Listening Guide method ( Gilligan et al., 2003 ). In Koro’s book, she describes a process of moving beyond coding and categorizing the data to a process where she gives space for the data to speak to her (2016). The Listening Guide method involves a series of listenings in which the researcher listens for different aspects of a person’s multilayered voice within a transcript ( Gilligan et al., 2003 ). We borrowed from both approaches and listened for the voices of the researchers and the participants in published journal articles. This focus on the voices enabled us to capture the essence or mood of the articles that would not necessarily be captured in other types of analyses. We first read each article to become familiar with its content. In subsequent readings (or listenings) of each article, we listened for the voice(s) of the researchers, as well as the participants. We also borrowed from discourse analysis methods ( Gee, 2014 ) to consider the underlying and sometimes unspoken assumptions of the researchers. During each listening, we took notes, wrote memos, and annotated digital copies of the articles. This documentation of our process helped us stay close to the data while also giving space for interpretation. We found it important to complete multiple readings of each manuscript so that we could identify multiple, sometimes conflicting voices within a single manuscript.

After we completed multiple listenings of each article, we began to compose the analysis ( Gilligan et al., 2003 ), which involved attending to the research question and exploring how our analysis helped answer this question. This involved bringing together evidence from the prior listenings, memos written during the analysis, and engaging in more interpretation. In the analysis, we loosely organized our interpretations around the voices of the researchers and participants. In early listenings of the articles, we identified and described many researcher and participant voices. Through multiple readings, these voices were refined and grouped together. For example, we initially identified collaborative and alongside researcher voices. During our iterative memoing and reading we found that these two voices were similar conceptually and should be combined into a single voice. For this example, we chose to call this conceptual voice the alongside voice, as we felt that this label better captured the essence of this voice. Another example of this combination of voices is the absent or abstracted participant voice. In earlier listenings of the articles, tabulated and visual voices were identified. These participant voices appeared as tables or figures in the findings section. Upon further memoing and reflecting on the voices, we felt that these tabulated and visual voices made sense being included as an absent or abstracted participant voice. While these are not included as a separate voice, they are included in our interpretations and subsequent discussion. In our analysis, we identified voices that hopefully provide a more critical and insightful understanding of the diverse epistemologies within these manuscripts. We loosely organized our interpretations by presenting the voices that are aligned with more positivist epistemological perspectives first and then moved along the paradigmatic continuum towards voices that are aligned more closely with critical and postmodern epistemological perspectives.

Reflexive Interlude

Kellam is a white, queer engineering and engineering education faculty member at Arizona State University. They find themselves drawn to stories as ways of demonstrating complex and nuanced experiences of individual but also value larger studies that show patterns and differences across different contexts. In their own work they have been making a turn towards more postmodern and critical ways of engaging in scholarship. They hope that this paper is a call to action to engineering education researchers to begin to examine their own epistemologies, biases, perspectives, and values and how these epistemologies and values influence their work as researchers, reviewers, and engineering educators. Kellam led the efforts of this paper from conceptualization to data analysis and write-up of this manuscript.

Jennings is a white, queer, disabled graduate student at Arizona State University. Their background is in manufacturing engineering and ferrous metallurgy, and they are now pursuing an MS in human systems engineering and a Ph.D. in engineering education. They are interested in restructuring the engineering institution to become less hostile to marginalized groups using tenants from queer theory, feminism, Marxism, and critical theory. They believe that part of the way to accomplish this goal is to examine and critique research trends as a community in order to hold the community accountable. Jennings prefers qualitative methodologies when working with small numbers ( Slaton & Pawley, 2018 ), and believes that quantitative research on underrepresented groups such as the LGBTQIA+ community may serve to marginalize these communities further. Jennings was involved in building the literature review for this study, as well as providing critical feedback and editing for Kellam’s data analysis.

Interpretations

As described above in the data analysis section, this section is divided into the following subsections: Voices of the Researchers and Voices of the Participants. Within each of these broader categories, we begin with more positivist leanings and progress towards more critical voices. As we described the voices, we include examples from the data so that you, the reader, can gain a sense of the data alongside our interpretations.

Voices of the Researchers

The following section addresses the voices that we identified in our analysis that appeared to be derived from the researcher.

Separated Voices

Separated voices represented a positivist pull and appeared where there was a separation between the authors and the data as presented. In the Valentine et al. article ( 2019 ), this voice manifested in the narrative through referring to the people who conducted the research as assessors. The assessors were first introduced in the data analysis section of the paper:

The instructions to be used by assessors to evaluate the course outlines were first drafted based upon the two research questions… They were then refined through a pilot application by engaging all assessors in reading ten specified course outlines (from the authors’ institution) and using the instructions to evaluate the courses ( Valentine et al., 2019, pp. 4–5 ).

Because the authors use the passive voice in this quote, we are unsure who created and later refined these instructions, thus hinting towards the researchers attempting to be seen as objective. This use of language sets up the researchers, assessors, and data as being separate and having little influence on one another. Moreover, there was no discussed connection between the authors and the data apart from the mention that the first set of course outlines came from the authors’ institution. This separation between the data and the authors expressed in the manuscript may have been an artifact of the gold standard of generalizable research valued within a positivist or post-positivist paradigm or may have been included to try to minimize the perception of bias or influence of the researchers on the data.

Apologetic Voice

The apologetic voice emerged when authors described the research as being biased or not being generalizable. Researchers actively or passively described the study as being weak because of these limitations inherent in qualitative research. In the limitations, Valentine and colleagues discussed that the “method of analysis is subjective and subject to potential evaluator bias. Therefore, different evaluators may reach different results” ( 2019, p. 7 ). The authors were concerned about the subjectivity of this qualitative research project and the possible influences of the evaluator or assessor on the analysis of the data. This concern may be a reason for the way the authors discussed how the research was conducted (with assessors) and how the findings were presented (very brief and descriptive). We interpret this voice to potentially be representative of studies where researchers lean towards a more positivist epistemology but have designed and implemented a qualitative study.

In other papers, the apologetic voice appeared only subtly and typically appeared when the authors discussed limitations, potential biases, and strategies to overcome potential biases. This discussion of biases ranged from responding to reviewers or readers and providing a rebuttal to a claim that qualitative research is not as trustworthy as quantitative research to apologizing for the methods in the paper that do not meet the assumptions of quantitative research. We include these examples to show some of the ways that authors discussed biases in more and less apologetic ways. An example of this appeared in the McCord and Matusovich article, where the authors described the limitations of the study including the context of the study (“limited to problem-solving engineering courses for undergraduate engineering students” [p. 498]), the participants being sophomore students (“observations focused on a sophomore engineering course and do not include upper-class students” [p. 498]), and the homogeneity of the student population (and participants) of their study (“the sample of participants for this study lacks diversity” [p. 498]). The authors went on to explain that “this lack of diversity limits the generalizability of findings and the use of the current observational coding strategy” (p. 498). They further explained that “the outcomes of the research could be strengthened through the use of multiple methodological approaches for the purpose of data triangulation” (p. 499). This came across as somewhat apologetic in nature and in future work could be perceived by the community as encouraging future researchers to use multiple methodological approaches to reduce the potential biases that they identified in their study. Using multiple methodological approaches could impact both the types of research conducted and the nature of the findings that emerged from that research.

An example of a more subtle apologetic voice was in the Mobley et al. article where the authors explained, “While we recognize the limitations of our sample size of four for the in-depth narratives, the participants’ narratives offer detailed insights into their experiences and perceptions of identity” ( 2019, p. 46 ). In the next paragraph, Mobley and colleagues explained, “our results do not represent the experiences of all student veterans in engineering” ( 2019, p. 46 ). These examples are somewhat apologetic, but counter that bias or concern with strengths that their qualitative methods offer. This is still considered apologetic in that the methods of the paper will never meet the assumptions of quantitative research with larger data sets and more generalizable results. In the Boklage et al. article, the authors discussed overcoming bias during the interviews by “having the participants share their story in its entirety in the interview and only after that story was finished, did we follow up with probing questions” ( 2019, p. 4 ). While this was a concern about the author biasing the data, it also demonstrated that the authors were aware of their role in co-constructing the data through their active role during the interview process. These examples demonstrate ways to discuss biases while taking on a more or less apologetic voice in the narrative. Providing the strengths of a study alongside the possible biases is one way to lessen the apologetic tone that easily arises when discussing limitations and biases of a study.

In the Eastman et al. article ( 2019 ), the authors were not apologetic, as they directly discussed bias and generalizability and explained that these concerns were illegitimate concerns for readers of their article. These researchers described the intention of their article and the value that this article brought to the EER community, “It is our hope that readers recognize and reflect on parallels between Roger’s struggle to understand the social context of the engineering education environment and their own experiences as educators” (2019, p. 464). This example helps demonstrate the different ways in which authors avert potential concerns (in a non-apologetic way) around biases and shows a more critical epistemological approach to qualitative research.

Generalizable Voice

The generalizable voice appeared in articles when authors discussed either how their research was generalizable, reasons their research was not generalizable (even though they seemed to wish it was), or an explanation of the purpose of their research to not be generalizable at all. In the Holland et al. article ( 2019 ), the generalizable voice appeared when the authors discussed their concerns about their research not being generalizable due to it being qualitative research. They explained, “Qualitative data is unsuited to producing universal, ‘objective’ rules related to design education” ( 2019, p. 5 ). This statement implies values of the researchers where they would prefer to conduct research that is more generalizable. The author’s choice of words in this excerpt was particularly interesting, as qualitative data was the subject of the sentence and the chosen language could be interpreted that qualitative data would be superior if it could indeed produce “universal, ‘objective’ rules.” This example suggests that these authors lean towards a more positivist epistemology and would value studies that could produce these more “universal, ‘objective’ rules.”

In the Fourati-Jamoussi et al. article ( 2019 ), the authors discussed a desire to compare their case with other institutions but cannot because of the differences between the institutions. They explained,

To compare the evolution of UniLaSalle with roughly comparable structures ( Lima et al., 2016 ) raises many problems, as the chosen indicators can experience biases that are difficult to assess: different financial resources, specific student populations, diverse academic programmes, specific and non-comparable business activities of graduate students (2019, p. 575).

This quote demonstrates a concern about their work not being generalizable and that their findings cannot be used to compare or contrast other comparable organizations. This quote also suggests that the authors recognize that many of the indicators were not easily quantifiable or directly accessible. This quote may also show us the values of the researchers, who value more quantifiable studies that lead to more generalizable understandings. The authors also use the qualifier non-numerical when describing the data elsewhere in the paper, which further demonstrates a pull towards a more positivist epistemological leaning ( Fourati-Jamoussi et al., 2019, p. 576 ).

In the Rulifson and Bielefeldt article ( 2019 ) the authors suggested a tension around generalizability of their results in the author team or between authors and reviewers. These researchers address a potential critique of their own work: “One could question whether the students who participated in the interviews are broadly representative of engineering students” (2019, p. 580). Later in that paragraph, however, they somewhat contradicted that statement by explaining, “Besides these issues there is little reason to believe that the students are drastically different from the larger pool of engineering students overall” (2019, p. 580). While we cannot understand the motivation behind these contradictory statements in the final paper, we do wonder whether these somewhat conflicting statements were a reaction to reviews that they received on earlier versions of this paper ( Beddoes, 2014a ), or if this concern about generalizability was something that they themselves were internally or epistemologically grappling with.

In the Jordan et al. article ( 2019 ), the generalizable voice emerged in the limitations section. They explained that,

Our participant sample consisted almost entirely of Navajo engineers who currently live and work outside of the Navajo Nation based on the available sample. We, therefore, do not make claims about Navajo engineers who live and work on the reservation. We also do not make claims as to whether our sample is representative of the larger population of Navajo engineers as there is a lack of detailed data to confirm this. We present the need for an expanded sample as an opportunity for future research. Also, while our methodology of phenomenography does not produce generalizable results, it does provide rich, in-depth description of experiences that are transferrable [sic] (2019, p. 363).

This dialogue around generalizability seemed to have some tensions within it and with other aspects of the paper. The authors explained that they “do not make claims” of generalizability “as there is a lack of detailed data to confirm this.” This idea that there could be detailed data to confirm those claims suggests a more positivist epistemology. Also, a more positivist epistemology was inherent in their argument that an expanded sample could help create a more generalizable study and that this could be attained in future research. Next, they shifted to explaining that “phenomenography does not produce generalizable results,” which suggests that the authors are aware that even with more participants, they would not be able to reach generalizable results, at least within the confines of this methodology. It would be interesting to learn more about how this limitations paragraph was written and whether it was present in the initial draft of this paper submitted for publication or arose in response to reviewers during the review process. This discussion around generalizability seemed to be in tension with other aspects of the paper as the authors provided positionality statements and rich participant quotes in the findings, which suggests a more critical and postmodern epistemology.

In some articles without a generalizable voice, the authors directly addressed potential concerns around generalizability. For example, in the Eastman et al. article ( 2019 ), the authors explained, “It is not our intention that the findings from this research are generalizable for all engineering educators” ( 2019, p. 464 ). These statements around generalizability may be included to counter perceived concerns of readers or could be in response to reviewers’ comments. In Pawley’s article, she conducted interviews and through an analysis of the interviews focused on the structure of ruling relations ( 2019 ). She explained, “While the study participants serve as the focus of the research, the subject of the research is the structure of ruling relations and institutions themselves, accessed via participants’ stories. As a result, I do not claim conventional generalizability directly for the outcomes but instead expect the reader to assess their pragmatic validity ( Walther et al., 2013 )” ( 2019, p. 19 ). Pawley was inviting the reader to consider ways for the research to inform other contexts. This is another form of co-constructing meaning, not only with the participants but also with the readers of the article.

Alongside Voice

The alongside voice was one in which the researcher(s) co-constructed meaning together with the participant(s). Including statements around the co-construction of meaning suggested that the authors believed research was not simply learning the truth from participants, but that the researcher influenced the participant and the subsequent data that was collected, and that researcher involvement also brought value to the research. Eastman explained, “The researcher is an instrument in the processes of data collection and analysis, the critical analysis tool responsible for influencing the co-construction of meaning during the conversational interaction between interviewer and interviewee ( Howe & Eisenhart, 1990 ; Mishler, 1991 )” ( 2019, p. 464 ). This idea of the researchers and participants influencing one another showed that the researchers understood their active roles in the research project and the complex and multifaceted way that their presence influenced the conceptualization of the research project, the interview process, the subsequent data that results from the interview, and the analysis and eventual writeup of the articles. Eastman and colleagues continued to explain this co-construction process and to share their positionalities so that the readers of their article can better understand the specific context of this research project and the reader’s interpretation of the findings of the paper. “Because this co-construction process is embedded in the data collection and analysis, we believe that the first author’s status as an engineering insider lends a greater credibility to the argument we present as he was able to recognize, interpret, and capture the nuanced nature of an insider’s account of the culture of engineering education” ( Eastman et al., 2019, p. 464 ). In this paper, the authors discussed the importance of having insider and outsider perspectives among the research team. The first author related well to the participant as they are both white men who have a shared experience of learning about privilege and diversity. The author team viewed this insider perspective as being important to developing the argument of this paper. This infusion of the alongside voice in their article suggests a more postmodern or critical epistemology.

This alongside voice was also very salient in Minichiello et al.’s article ( 2019 ), “Within the constructivist perspective, researchers are viewed as ‘instruments’ of data collection and interpretation and, thus, play an important role in constructing meaning along with the participants” ( Glesne, 2016, p. 9 ). Minichiello and colleagues framed researchers as being alongside participants. This type of discussion appeared in manuscripts that exhibited this voice and tended to appear in positionality sections, which helped the readers better understand how the researchers perceive themselves and their role in the research process. This voice was very different from voices present in articles that focused only on concerns about biases and ways of minimizing bias during data collection and interpretation. Researchers who adopted this perspective seemed to understand their role in the research process and how their specific perspectives and backgrounds can contribute to, influence, and strengthen the overall research project. This alongside voice appeared more in articles that were aligned with postmodern and critical epistemologies.

While it was not common, there was one article where the authors discussed how the data influenced the researcher as well as how the researcher influenced the data in the positionality section ( Boklage et al., 2019 ). As an example of this in the researcher positionality section of the paper, Coley explains how she was influenced by the participants and data and how she influenced the participants and data. “Interviewing these participants served as a form of mentorship, guidance and encouragement” ( Boklage et al., 2019, p. 7 ). She then goes on to explain how she also influenced the data collection and analysis aspects of the project. This symbiotic relationship between the participants, researcher, and data suggests a more critical epistemology.

Vulnerable Voices

The vulnerable voice represented a willingness of the authors to interrogate themselves, their roles in the research, their own biases, and their missteps. This voice sometimes appeared as a confessional tale ( Van Maanen, 2011 ) where the researcher shared their accounts of engaging in the research process and shared what they learned and how they influenced the research project (e.g., in selecting participants, in deciding on the context, in selecting a research question). In other examples, the vulnerable voice ran throughout the paper and highlighted the positionality of the researcher. We felt that the presence of this vulnerable voice was interesting, as it showed potential growth and learning in our field by qualitative researchers and highlighted our positionality and how our perspectives influenced and are influenced by the research that we engage in.

While the vulnerable voice appeared most often in the papers with authors aligned with a more critical epistemology, it did appear in one that was more aligned with post-positivist epistemology. Carstensen and Bernhard explained that EER was an emerging field when they began this work and without much guidance they decided to collect “a huge amount of data” (250 hours of video recordings) and came to the conclusion that “analysing this huge video dataset was a major challenge” ( 2019, p. 86 ). Because they were unsure of what to do and their attempts to borrow other methods proved to not work with such a large dataset, they developed their own method, the “‘learning of a complex concept’ (LCC) model.” (p. 86). In describing their story and their uncertainty around how to proceed because of the common knowledge at the time in the field, they were putting forth a more vulnerable voice where they explain that they were not sure how to best design a study and ended up with a lot of data that led to difficulties when trying to figure out how best to analyze that data. This led to a more abstracted voice of the data as the results were presented as abstracted models and not with the potential richness and nuances that were likely present in the 250 hours of video-recorded data. The presence of the vulnerable voice in this manuscript may suggest a positivist pull of the researchers. They could have struggled with this analysis as they might have been applying quality criteria that they typically use in quantitative projects to this qualitative EER project.

In manuscripts that aligned with a more critical or postmodern epistemology, a vulnerable voice commonly emerged, which showed how the authors and researchers were open to being influenced by the participants and data and simultaneously influencing the participants and data ( Eastman et al., 2019 ; Pawley, 2019 ). The presence of this voice sometimes led to changes in how the research project played out. This emerged in a few instances in the Pawley article ( 2019 ). One instance was when she was describing her recruitment processes where she listed criteria for participating in the study as belonging to specific racial/ethnic categories. She later expressed regret for her decision to use this categorization strategy at the participant recruitment stage. Pawley explained, “I came to regret my classification of racial/ethnic categories” (p. 17) and later wrote, “Informed by gender and race theory, we did not presume participants’ racial (or later, gender) identities” (p. 18) during data collection. In this case, Pawley described regrets that she had around the research design and situated herself as a learner. This vulnerability also appeared later in the article when Pawley reflected on her role in perpetuating structural inequalities. She wrote,

As an engineering instructor, I think about the many course policies I implement in my syllabi without thinking, borrowed from course precedents—about late work or attendance or participation—and have come to notice myself as an actor in a system potentially serving the needs of the institution of higher education over the needs of my individual students. How does this complicity ‘come to happen’? ( Pawley, 2019, p. 28 ).

This example of vulnerability of the researcher demonstrated that the researcher is spending time reflecting deeply on the contexts and participants of her research. She is not only situating what she is learning as something that others “should” do but engaging in deep reflections and considering her own role and perspective.

Another example of a paper with a vulnerable voice appeared in the Eastman and colleagues ethnographic article ( 2019 ). Their study specifically focused on privilege and equity of a white, male engineering professor. The first author of the paper, Eastman, was a white male working on his PhD in a STEM education research program during this project and has more than 20 years of experience as an engineering faculty member. In taking a critical approach to the research project, the authors explained, “Like Roger, during their shared experience in the doctoral cohort, the first author struggled with conceptions of privilege and the understanding of diversity, and considers these to remain as personal, ongoing struggles of continued learning” (p. 464). By sharing this vulnerable voice, Eastman showed how he learned and struggled through this project, demonstrating how he was vulnerable and learning alongside his participant throughout this research project which extended over four years of data collection. The research team also shared aspects of their positionality and how they planned to interrogate their biases, which is another way that they enabled a more vulnerable voice to come forward.

Our research team consists of two white men and one Black woman who have experienced success in engineering education, chemistry education, and geology education. As collaborative authors, we hope to interrogate our own biases as we study issues of equity and diversity in engineering. By offering our critical view of race, gender, and culture in this study, we wish to offer a needed transparency for others regarding the culture of engineering and help readers interpret their place in it (p. 6).

This willingness of the authors to interrogate themselves and their own biases is an indication of putting themselves into a more vulnerable position. We did note, however, that this vulnerable voice did not reappear later in the paper, specifically in the findings and subsequent discussion (this quote was found near the beginning of the 22-page article). Nevertheless, the inclusion of a vulnerable voice in this paper helped demonstrate how being vulnerable and sharing positionalities and biases can help our findings become more accessible and relatable to the readers of our work.

Voices of the Participants

Absent or abstracted voices.

In the Mukhtar et al. article ( 2019 ), participants’ voices were entirely missing from the manuscript. In this article, Mukhtar et al. conducted a document analysis followed by interviews with 10 participants. The data analysis section provided ample detail about data collection (details about recruitment and interview questions) and data analysis (transcription, coding, and member checking). However, in the results section, the themes and sub-categories were described in two paragraphs and a table was provided with columns for each participant and check marks indicating the competencies that were mentioned by each participant. There were no participant quotes provided in the results section.

While this absent participant voice was uncommon in this set of manuscripts, there were others that included minimal quotes from participants and presented the findings in an abstracted way ( Carstensen & Bernhard, 2019 ; Fourati-Jamoussi et al., 2019 ; Sadikin et al., 2019 ; ten Caten et al., 2019 ; Valentine et al., 2019 ). In these articles, short quotes were often included in a table in the results or findings section. This methodological choice to remove or minimize the participant voice from the manuscript seemed to occur in cases where authors seemed more aligned with positivist or post-positivist methodologies and valued models and relationships between categories that emerged in their research projects over rich descriptions of participants’ experiences.

An example of the abstracted voice was in the Carstensen and Bernhard paper, where they discussed the difficulties associated with “analyzing the huge dataset” and explained that “transcribing complete labs would be too time-consuming” ( 2019, p. 86 ). They then abstracted the huge datasets into figures and models. This abstraction technique enabled the researchers to reduce six thousand lines of transcriptions into two simple figures. In another article, Fourati-Jamoussi and colleagues ( 2019 ) used an array of bar charts, radar charts, and a model to describe their data. Farouti-Jamoussi and colleagues included two quotes, but most of the analysis involved figures and discussions of those figures. This reduction of a very complex and large data set into two simple figures had significant implications for the results from the paper and aligned closely with more positivist and post-positivist epistemologies.

In the Pembridge and Paretti article ( 2019 ), the participants’ voices were present, but were not accentuated in the findings. This may be due somewhat to the large data set but was also likely due to the nature of this research project. The authors developed a taxonomy that included nine functions with twenty-eight practices. Because they described each of these functions and practices individually, the authors chose to present participant quotes in a tabular form. The authors may have preferred integrating the quotes into the text but chose to include them in tabular form “for brevity” (p. 203). In this case, the researchers may have made intentional choices to minimize the participant’s voices in the papers as their purpose in the paper was to develop theories and taxonomies and were likely required to consider manuscript length considerations of the journal venue. This example is included to show how the research project and research design influence the voices present in the manuscript, along with the epistemologies and values of the researchers.

The last examples in this section were two articles that had small data sets, but still had very abstracted participant voices emerge with little interpretation from the researchers. The Seiradakis and Spantidakis article ( 2019 ) was a very short article that used a case study approach, in which the authors based their analysis on three interviews with three participants. The findings were not particularly interpretive in nature and consisted mostly of participant quotes. Similarly, ten Caten and colleagues ( 2019 ) included the analysis of one focus group that had seven participants. The only mention of analysis was that it was, “transcribed, indexed, and analyzed” (p. 143). The findings were then presented in three sections that align with questions asked during the focus group. These examples imply a positivist epistemology of the researchers.

Dehumanized Participant Voice

The dehumanized participant voice appeared in manuscripts in which authors referred to participants by numerical and alphabetical codes ( Holland et al., 2019 ; Main et al., 2019 ; Mobley et al., 2019 ; Pembridge & Paretti, 2019 ) and in those in which the participant’s voice was tabulated. In one case, the authors referred to each participant by their identities (First Generation Student Veterans in Engineering [FGSVEs]) as the subject of the sentence instead of referring to them as students or participants ( Mobley et al., 2019 ). This seemed to prioritize the identities of the participants over the participants themselves. In another case, the authors referred to participants by assigning a five-digit participant ID and paragraph number (e.g., 10169/50, Pembridge & Paretti, 2019 ). This dehumanized voice was also accentuated in the Main et al. article ( 2019 ) with their choice of pronouns to describe participants. In this study, Main and colleagues referred to all participants as masculine, regardless of gender identity, to protect the anonymity of the single woman participant. While their reason to do this is understandable, it may have further dehumanized the participant’s voices by referring to all students with masculine pronouns. This methodological choice influenced both the way that the participants were represented in the manuscript and influenced the way the reader interacted with the data and the participant quotes in the article by dehumanizing the participants, placing masculine identities as the norm in engineering, and potentially placing a barrier between the reader and the participant.

There were notable differences in the way that researchers named or pseudonymized their participants in studies. Ten Caten ( 2019 ) referred to participants as “P#” (e.g., P3), which felt to us like an attempt to anonymize the participants and possibly reduce the perception of bias present in the study. Conversely, Pawley ( 2019 ) wanted to give power to the participants in deciding how they would be referred to in publications. Some participants selected a pseudonym while others preferred to use their own name. Pawley explained that she did not indicate which names were pseudonyms and which were real names, in an attempt to have a “‘community immunity’ effect” where readers would not be able to easily identify participants (p. 18). Pawley also encouraged participants to read the original and pseudonymized transcripts so that they could have an opportunity to check for inaccuracies in their own stories and remove anything that they did not want included in the analysis.

Storied Voice

When authors used the storied voice, they focused on a small number of participants and shared stories from those participants ( Boklage et al., 2019 ; Eastman et al., 2019 ; Minichiello et al., 2019 ; Pawley, 2019 ; Rulifson & Bielefeldt, 2019 ). This may be in the form of case studies (e.g., Rulifson & Bielefeldt, 2019 ) or vignettes (e.g., Boklage et al., 2019 ). In the Rulifson and Bielefeldt article, the researchers collected longitudinal interview data over four years ( 2019 ). They analyzed all the data using a framework and categorization and then presented “four students’ evolution of ideas” (p. 577). The authors wanted to provide more context to the findings through presenting these four student descriptions. They explained, “These deeper explorations of students’ ideas show the changes in the students’ own words to provide deeper context to the rough type classifications.” This paper demonstrated authors (or panelists, reviewers, or editors) who value large sample sizes, but, simultaneously, valued the complexities and nuances that can be conveyed when considering a smaller subset of the data.

This storied voice also appeared in the Mobley et al. ( 2019 ) article. In this manuscript, Mobley and co-authors explained that this data was taken from a larger study where interviews were conducted with 60 student veterans from four institutions. The author team was interested in specific intersections of participants’ identities. Specifically, they were interested in veterans who were also first-generation college students. They presented case studies of four participants that involved identity circles and narratives. The purpose of this was to “illustrate the dynamic and overlapping nature of first-generation, SES, engineering, and military identities” (p. 39). This research article shows how author teams dealt with the relatively large data set of 60 interviews by only considering a subset of the data. This small numbers study “couched” within a larger study also may suggest an epistemological tension between the positivist leanings of funding agencies or journals and the more postmodern epistemologies of the researchers. This tension may be embodied within individual researchers, among researchers on the larger team, between grant review panels and researchers, or among reviewers/editors and researchers.

Articles with a storied participant voice tended to have more researcher interpretation represented in the analysis and findings ( Eastman et al., 2019 ; Meyer & Fang, 2019 ; Minichiello et al., 2019 ; Pawley, 2019 ). These interpretive studies led to insights that could not have been drawn had the study been more descriptive in nature or included more participants. Minichiello and colleagues’ ( 2019 ) article was one example of a more interpretive article. This study included six participants who each participated in two interviews. In addition, instructors and teaching assistants were interviewed and course artifacts were also analyzed. The authors explicitly stated that they have an “open mind-set to the variety of perspectives and issues that might arise” (p. 5), which suggested that the authors were open to uncovering (or perhaps co-creating) insights in the analysis. This approach provided multiple perspectives and vantage points of stories that were represented and suggests a more critical and postmodern epistemology.

Many of the articles with a storied voice either included a subset of a larger number of participants ( Main et al., 2019 ; Mobley et al., 2019 ), focused on a few participants ( Meyer & Fang, 2019 ; Minichiello et al., 2019 ), or focused on a single participant ( Eastman et al., 2019 ). Another article included long quotations from participants as they developed their arguments in their finding sections ( Pawley, 2019, pp. 19–20 ). This storied voice suggests at least some pull from researchers towards more critical and postmodern epistemologies.

In this study, we set out to develop an understanding of our qualitative EER community’s epistemologies and values through an analysis of published 2019 journal articles. Through this analysis we uncovered a pull towards positivist epistemologies and a pull towards more critical and postmodern epistemologies. The post-positivist pull that was uncovered in many of the voices and emerged in our analysis demonstrates that our community (or, at least part of our community) values research with large data sets that minimizes or controls for researcher bias and/or subjectivities, and values generalizable research. This desire for generalizable research could be a reason that some people in our community value qualitative data less than quantitative data ( Beddoes, 2014a ) and could demonstrate that some qualitative researchers and reviewers are operating from a positivist or post-positivist epistemology, which situates them to value research that is generalizable and has minimal biases present. On the other hand, many of the voices that emerged in our analysis show that we also have many researchers who are moving towards more critical and postmodern epistemologies. This trend towards postmodern research could have large implications for the type of research that we as a community conduct, the potentially diverse participants that we develop more in-depth understandings of, and the types of learning that can happen as researchers and participants create alongside each other and then share with our broader engineering education community.

Epistemological Unconsciousness

During our analysis of voices, there was a suggestion of epistemological unconsciousness that is threaded throughout our community. When discussing the generalizable voice in the findings, we shared an example of the Jordan et al. article ( 2019 ), where the authors appeared to have an apologetic or defensive tone when discussing the lack of generalizability of their study, which suggests a more positivist leaning epistemology. This, however, is in tension with other aspects of the paper (e.g., rich participant quotes, positionality statement), which suggest a more critical or postmodern epistemology. The perceived epistemological tension within this article could be due to an epistemological unconsciousness present in our community, whereas the author team may have been responding to journal requirements, reviewers of their paper, or to reviewers on NSF panels when securing research funding for the project. It also could be due to an assumption or perception that others in the community would not find the number of participants in their study to be enough to warrant publication of this research. Finally, it could be due to an epistemological unconsciousness within a single researcher or the research team.

Epistemological unconsciousness also appeared in the couched studies that were somewhat common in articles we analyzed ( Main et al., 2019 ; McCord & Matusovich, 2019 ; Mobley et al., 2019 ). These couched studies were essentially studies that analyzed a small number of participants, which were derived from larger datasets. These couched studies may suggest a tension between engineering education researchers who are themselves leaning towards more critical and postmodern epistemologies but feel as if they must couch these in larger studies with much larger datasets to assist with gaining credibility in our broader community. Examples of this happening include McCord & Matusovich ( 2019 ), where they had over forty hours of observation but then focused their analysis on three observations, and the Main et al. ( 2019 ) article, where they conducted sixty interviews at four institutions but then randomly selected three transcripts from each university for analysis in their paper. These examples point to a potential tension within our community between feeling the need to collect large amounts of data and wanting to conduct more in-depth analysis on smaller amounts of data. We interpret this tension to be evidence of an epistemological unconsciousness that is present in our community.

The presence of the abstracted voice in our analysis suggests potential consequences of an epistemological unconsciousness in our community. In many of the studies with larger datasets there was a tendency of researchers to present the findings as abstractions. This abstracted voice often appeared as models or tables with few, if any, quotes included from the participants ( Carstensen & Bernhard, 2019 ; Fourati-Jamoussi et al., 2019 ; Mukhtar et al., 2019 ). This pseudo-quantifiable method of presenting qualitative findings could mislead our community towards over-generalizing our understandings of certain types or groups of people (e.g., the typical engineering student). This over-generalization is a critical concern for our community, as our empirical observations from this type of data presentation and interpretation could lead us to focusing our research efforts on groups of people who are more prevalent in engineering (e.g., white male students), thus developing and prioritizing understandings of these majority groups in engineering and perhaps ignoring voices that are marginalized in our communities (e.g., Black male engineering students).

Our positivist epistemological unconsciousness also has implications for the way we consider quality within qualitative EER. As more engineering education researchers begin to embrace postmodern and critical epistemologies while others continue to operate unknowingly with a positivist or post-positivist epistemology, the tension over quality work in EER may continue to be exacerbated, resulting in more frequent (and perhaps more dramatic) instances of the types of illegitimate questions that we presented at the beginning of this article. More critically, our communities’ tendencies towards a positivist epistemological unconsciousness have direct and historical implications for embedding racial, sexual, gender, and ableist discrimination within our qualitative methodologies. As discussed in the background section of this article, positivist-leaning epistemologies have been critiqued by critical scholars as tools of exploitation and violence against Black and Brown bodies, the queer community, disabled people, and women. Thus, we feel that the qualitative EER community (who is often privileged, white, cisgender, straight, and/or non-disabled) has a responsibility to reflect upon how our unconscious epistemological preferences are embedded within our research and how it impacts marginalized and vulnerable communities, both inside and outside of the engineering institution.

Illegitimate Questions

While this analysis was limited, as we only saw the accepted and published versions of manuscripts, there were some indicators that authors were answering reviewer’s illegitimate questions (or they were heeding off expected, yet illegitimate questions; Guba & Lincoln, 2005 ). Many of the articles that we analyzed discussed the inherent non-generalizability of their work, either by stating it confidently (e.g., their study was not intended to be generalizable; Pawley, 2019 ) or apologetically (e.g., stating that their study was not generalizable even though the authors appeared to want it to be; Valentine et al., 2019 ). Other authors focused their discussion on providing contextual findings so that other educators could assess the validity of the results for their specific contexts ( Minichiello et al., 2019 ).

Throughout the research process there are myriad opportunities that illegitimate questions could influence the trajectory of one’s work. Illegitimate questions and concerns that appear in journal requirements and author guidelines, funding agencies’ expectations, and the review process may push qualitative researchers to build quantifiability or generalizability into their study. This becomes apparent when we interrogate the bias towards discussing the generalizability of our findings, even though qualitative research is not meant to be generalizable. The different ways that the articles we analyzed discussed generalizability may have been influenced by illegitimate questions from our broader EER community and indicate the substantial influences that positivism has on the way that we design our research projects, write our articles, and interact with participants. Thus, validating illegitimate questions in our qualitative research may have led to the separated, apologetic, abstracted, and dehumanized voices that emerged in our analysis, even within articles that were more critical or postmodern in nature.

It is important to reiterate that the authors of the papers that we analyzed are part of a broader EER community when considering the apologetic, generalizable, and dehumanized voices that appeared in our analysis. Our articles are not only influenced by our own epistemologies as researchers but are also influenced by the broader EER community’s epistemologies, as well. Beddoes ( 2014 ) describes her experience as she published a journal article where she took a critical feminist approach to her work. In this case study, she shares how her paper evolved as she received reviews from the editorial team for the journal. She explains that “articles are often the result of multiple and competing deliberations and negotiations” (p. 273). These deliberations and negotiations can be especially difficult when a field is as interdisciplinary as EER and when reviewers of your work approach it from diverse epistemological perspectives. It is important to remember that competing epistemological preferences likely influenced the voices that emerged in our analysis and that we sought to interrogate and challenge our community’s epistemological unconsciousness in this study, not the authors of the papers we discussed.

As more engineering education researchers begin to embrace postmodern and critical epistemologies, the tension over quality work in EER continues to be exacerbated. In Beddoes’ ( 2014 ) critique, she highlights that the tensions between positivist and postmodern thinkers in EER are exacerbated by a lack of agreement regarding what is considered quality work, as well as the fact that the field is so interdisciplinary in the first place. Her findings align with the patterns that we uncovered in this work. Beddoes writes all of this to make the point (which we are also extrapolating) that our relationship to data as engineering education qualitative researchers is influenced in part by the paradigmatic tensions that we have outlined. For example, postmodern thought leaders in EER submitting an article to be published may be pressured to add, “these results are not generalizable” by a positivist reviewer when the authors never intended for their research to be generalizable. Both assertions are correct when viewed through the lenses of their respective epistemologies. However, these tensions are a result of a lack of knowledge surrounding the community’s interdisciplinary and inter-paradigmatic nature, and often manifest as disagreements or misunderstandings regarding what quality qualitative research ought to include.

More explicitly, some of the voices that were uncovered in this research (e.g., separated, apologetic, generalizable) displayed an embedded and inherent preference for large-scale datasets, which were leveraged to help justify the research as being methodologically rigorous and trustworthy by implying that there were generalizable implications. Embedded in this methodological decision is the idea that qualitative research projects with small numbers of participants are easy, untrustworthy, and of low quality. Koro and Douglas ( 2008 ) describe this perception by explaining, “qualitative research can appear at first glance as if it simply involves interviewing a few people and then writing up a summary” (p. 172). This perception of small number studies being less trustworthy and valid may be reinforced by qualitative research that takes a large-scale, generalizable approach. For example, in the ten Caten et al. article ( 2019 ), they conducted one focus group with seven participants, described their analysis as “transcribed, indexed, and analyzed,” and presented three themes that emerged from the analysis, an analytic approach that is commonly used in studies with larger datasets. Koro and Douglas explain further, “In fact, qualitative research can be just as difficult to conceptualize, and be as methodologically and theoretically challenging, if not more challenging, than quantitative research” ( 2008, p. 172 ). In another example, Eastman and colleagues ( 2019 ) had one participant and the authors thoughtfully and thoroughly triangulated the data that was included in the findings section. They only included themes that were corroborated by three data sources in the findings. This shows both that the authors went to great lengths to collect their data and to conduct their analysis. In addition, it shows that the authors wanted to convince the readers that this study with only one participant was as rigorous as other larger studies. However, one may wonder whether this article would have been published and received so well if the authors had taken a more postmodern approach to their research by assuming that their reviewers understood this epistemology to be a valid, trustworthy, and insightful way to conduct research.

There has been much effort to introduce rigor into EER in general and qualitative research in particular ( Borrego, 2007 ; Streveler & Smith, 2006 ). While many are moving away from the discussion of rigor (refer to Riley, ( 2017 ) for a problematization of the term rigor ) towards a discussion of quality, there still seems to be an effort to explain the community’s expectations of quality for qualitative research ( Kellam & Cirell, 2018 ; Walther et al., 2017a ). However, some of this effort may not be solved by considering only the quality and trustworthiness of the research but may have arisen because of the polarity of epistemologies that exist within different EER sub-communities. The polarity of these epistemologies are likely major contributors to the voices that we heard and underlying tensions in many of the papers (e.g., apologetic, generalizable, and alongside voices). One possible way to address these disparities in epistemology and quality criteria is adopting criteria that align more closely with critical and postmodern epistemologies as proposed by Tracy ( 2010 ). Here we are not arguing against quality, but rather to caution authors and reviewers against applying quality criteria and approaches that align with positivist epistemologies to projects that are more critical and postmodern in nature.

Beddoes describes this movement focused on quality historically within the EER field from early discussions and focus on rigorous research to a more recent focus on methodological diversity ( 2014b ). In thinking about how the field of EER has evolved over the years, it is not surprising that we continue to notice remnants of these earlier discourses in more recent articles. It is promising that, through our analysis, we heard voices that aligned with both positivist and critical epistemologies. It will be interesting to observe how qualitative EER continues to evolve in the coming years. We are hopeful that engineering education researchers have begun to recognize the value, importance, and contribution of researchers with more critical and postmodern epistemologies, and that we can continue the trend of valuing qualitative research more for what it is (complex and nuanced understandings) over what it is not (generalizable; Alasuutari, 2010 ).

Implications for Researchers and Reviewers

Our findings may be an indication that these tensions in our relationships with qualitative data are derived from tensions among researchers and within our culture and broader community. We are not advocating that this diversity in epistemologies is something that needs to be fixed. We also do not believe that we, as a community, should have a collective paradigm. This epistemological diversity brings a richness to our community and the types of research that we engage in and understandings that we uncover. We do, however, feel that it would be helpful for qualitative researchers to consider their epistemological stance and how it influences their research decisions. This consideration of epistemological perspectives would also have implications for reviewers of articles and grants, as well, as we strive to understand the epistemology of the research team and how their epistemologies influence the decisions that were made about the research design and analysis. In addition, it may be helpful to consider the differences between the epistemologies of the researchers and the readers of these manuscripts. For example, Beddoes describes the tensions that arose in the field of EER when researchers tried to appeal to their audience of engineering educators who perceive social science research as inherently being inferior to engineering research and science, as social science was not perceived as being objective and generalizable ( 2014b ).

This desire to remain unbiased in our research with a focus on large number studies has implications for the types of research that we can conduct and the populations that we can impact ( Slaton & Pawley, 2018 ). Large number studies enact power differentials, as majority groups have more power in this type of study and people from marginalized groups (e.g., due to race, gender, sexuality, or disability) are further marginalized by losing their voices and their analytic power because of their small numbers ( Slaton & Pawley, 2018 ). Slaton and Pawley argue that these choices that we make as researchers throughout our research design, such as who we recruit as participants, our data collection processes, and our research methodology, have “profound social consequences,” especially when promoting equity focused EER (p. 133).

Through the process of reviewing qualitative EER articles for this paper, we felt like we developed a more comprehensive understanding of where qualitative research currently stands and the potential futures within our field. As a community, we experience tensions during the writing and review process that are likely due to our varying epistemological perspectives. Building an initial awareness of our community’s mosaic of epistemological perspectives and how they influence the type of research we engage in is an important first step to identifying reasons for some of the underlying tensions in our field. If we as researchers and reviewers in this community begin considering the epistemological perspectives of others in our communities more deeply, we can begin to provide more constructive and legitimate reviews that help us move our research forward. Without this deeper understanding of epistemological differences, we may continue to notice apologetic, generalizable, or dehumanized voices appear in our manuscripts.

To stimulate further thought and/or discussion surrounding diverse qualitative epistemologies and paradigms, we present questions below, which are intended for consideration while engaging in the design, implementation, and dissemination of qualitative research. If you are involved as a reviewer, on an editorial board for a journal, or a program chair for a conference, you may consider the following reflective questions as you begin to review others’ work:

What is the researcher’s epistemological perspective and how does that align with their research design and methods? If this is not included in the paper, consider encouraging the authors to include a positionality section where they discuss their epistemological perspectives ( Hampton et al., 2021 ; Secules et al., 2021 ).
Does the researcher’s epistemological perspective align with their approaches in the research project?
If you find yourself dismissing their methods or approaches to research, consider why this may be happening. Could this be due to a difference in your epistemological perspective? If there is a difference, consider how you could provide constructive feedback that would help improve their paper and does not create tensions between your epistemological perspectives.
When you consider applying quality criteria to a research paper, do those criteria align with the epistemology of the researcher? If the researcher is more critical and postmodern, consider applying criteria demonstrated in literature such as Tracy ( 2010 ).

As our community begins to recognize the value of more diverse epistemological perspectives, we can begin to have more people take on research that is aligned with a postmodern epistemology, which could begin to expand the potential and possibilities of our research. We are not advocating for a monolithic epistemology for all qualitative researchers. Instead, we advocate for recognizing the value of our diverse epistemologies and the potential for more impactful research that could influence the way we perceive and imagine the future of engineering education. If one recognizes that they lean towards more positivist epistemologies, they may, for example, consider what this means for their research design and develop a project that aligns more closely with their epistemology. For example, this researcher may be well-suited to conduct a grounded theory study with thirty participants. Conversely, if a researcher is aligned with more postmodern epistemologies, they may be well-suited to conduct a study exploring the complex and nuanced experiences of a unique and individual student as they navigate an engineering undergraduate program. If either of these researchers conduct research that is misaligned with their epistemology, there could be a notable impact in the quality of the research, or they may find that they have more tensions when they engage in the research throughout the project from inception to completion.

If you are a qualitative engineering education researcher, we encourage you to reflect on the following questions as you begin to uncover your own epistemological perspective and what that perspective means for you and the type of work that you want to engage in:

When describing your research project to others, do you feel obligated to justify your methods as valid? If so, is there a mismatch between your epistemological perspective and the research you are conducting? Or is there a mismatch between your epistemological perspective and that of your audience?
Are you interested in research results that are generalizable? If that is the case for you, how can you design a qualitative research project that is more generalizable? Some options to consider are phenomenography ( Marton, 1986 ) or grounded theory research ( Glaser & Strauss, 1967 ).
Are you interested in co-constructing data alongside your participants? If so, you may be interested in longer engagements with smaller numbers of participants to elicit more rich data alongside your participants. It may be helpful for you to consider more critical theoretical frameworks and more postmodern approaches such as critical discourse analysis or collaborative autoethnographies. To learn how to take more postmodern approaches, you may consider auditing a course or working with a mentor with expertise in postmodern research.
What voice do the participants have in your papers? How can you meaningfully and consensually (e.g., agreed upon by participants) involve your participants’ experiences or quotations to strengthen your arguments?
How could you describe your epistemological perspective in your write-up? Consider including your epistemological perspective as you develop and share your positionality ( Hampton et al., 2021 ; Secules et al., 2021 ).

These questions are meant to help you begin to reflect on your personal values and epistemology so that you can design qualitative research projects that have the potential to have the greatest impact within engineering education and that are consistent with your epistemological preferences. We encourage you to take some time to reflect on these questions through discussions with your research teams and peers or through writing memos in response to our questions. As you engage in this reflective practice, you may begin to develop more questions to ponder and a deeper understanding of yourself so that you can create research projects that are more authentic and meaningful to you personally while also having more impactful contributions to our broader community. In addition, building awareness about your own and other’s epistemologies can help you review other’s research in more constructive ways.

Through an analysis of discourses in qualitative engineering education articles published in 2019, we developed an understanding of epistemologies and values of qualitative engineering education researchers. This analysis helped us better understand some of the underlying tensions within the qualitative EER community and, in some cases, within ourselves and our research teams. Some of these tensions led to an apologetic researcher voice where researchers seemed apologetic about their qualitative research projects not being generalizable. Researchers who seemed to be pulled towards a more positivist epistemology tended to have separated, apologetic, and generalizable researcher voices with absent, abstracted, and/or dehumanized participant voices. Researchers who were pulled more towards critical and postmodern epistemologies had a more alongside and vulnerable researcher voice, and the participants’ voices were more storied. We intended for this analysis to shed light on the role that researchers’ and reviewers’ epistemologies play in the types of qualitative research that we conduct as a community and how we write about that research in our dissemination efforts. We hope that readers will join us as we begin to interrogate our own epistemologies and consider how those epistemologies influence us as researchers, reviewers, and readers of qualitative engineering education research.

This article hopefully brings light to the difficulties of our broader community in taking on more critical and postmodern epistemologies. These difficulties may be unconsciously embedded within us as individual researchers, as we are constantly engaging with institutions that are historically rooted within a positivist epistemological paradigm. Unconsciously or compulsively striving for positivist notions of generalizability in our research comes from the academy’s role in American history. Additionally, the broader EER community has historically valued more positivist and post-positivist ways of doing qualitative research (albeit unconsciously) due to its proximity to the field of engineering, which is explicitly derived from the positivist tradition. Interrogating our own epistemologies as qualitative engineering education researchers could begin to open us up to understanding other ways of knowing as we design research studies that not only influence and have implications for our participants but enable us to grow and change as a community as we ourselves are influenced by our participants.

The 7th edition of the APA Style Guide and the authors guidelines for SEE recommend capitalizing racial and ethnic terms ( American Psychological Association, 2019 ). We are following this guideline when discussing works by or topics affecting people of color. However, we do not capitalize white throughout this manuscript for two reasons. First, we aim to decenter whiteness as an institution in our scholarly work. Secondly, we recognize that people of color have suffered oppression by white people throughout history, which has necessitated the creation of counter spaces and collective cultures that are unique to each community of color that whiteness has harmed. Whiteness, on the other hand, shares no collective culture as a result of oppression. Thus, we do not capitalize white, as we disagree with the implicit assertion that there is a white culture worth acknowledging in this particular manuscript.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the reviewers of this paper, our research team, our colleagues, and our mentors for keeping us thinking critically and deeply about the ways we engage in research. We look forward to continuing to grow and learn with you all. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. Any opinion, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Competing Interests

Nadia Kellam is a member of the advisory board for Studies in Engineering Education , which is on a voluntary basis. Madeleine Jennings has no competing interests.

Alasuutari, P. (2010). The rise and relevance of qualitative research. International Journal of Social Research Methodology , 13(2), 139–155. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13645570902966056

American Psychological Association (Washington, District of Columbia) (Ed.). (2019). Publication manual of the American psychological association (Seventh edition). American Psychological Association.

Beddoes, K. (2014a). Using peer reviews to examine micropolitics and disciplinary development of engineering education: A case study. Discourse: Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education , 35(2), 266–277. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01596306.2012.745735

Beddoes, K. (2014b). Methodology discourses as boundary work in the construction of engineering education. Social Studies of Science , 44(2), 293–312. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0306312713510431

Benson, L. (2019). Editor’s page. Journal of Engineering Education , 108(2), 143–144. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20257

Boklage, A., Coley, B., & Kellam, N. (2019). Understanding engineering educators’ pedagogical transformations through the Hero’s Journey. European Journal of Engineering Education , 44(6), 923–938. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2018.1500999

Borrego, M. (2007). Development of Engineering Education as a Rigorous Discipline: A Study of the Publication Patterns of Four Coalitions. Journal of Engineering Education , 96(1), 5–18. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2168-9830.2007.tb00911.x

Borrego, M., & Henderson, C. (2014). Increasing the use of evidence-based teaching in STEM higher education: A comparison of eight change strategies. Journal of Engineering Education , 103(2), 220–252. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20040

Brown, B. A., Henderson, J. B., Gray, S., Donovan, B., Sullivan, S., Patterson, A., & Waggstaff, W. (2016). From description to explanation: An empirical exploration of the African-American pipeline problem in STEM. Journal of Research in Science Teaching , 53(1), 146–177. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21249

Burt, B. A. (2020). Broadening participation in the engineering professoriate: Influences on Allen’s journey in developing professorial intentions. Journal of Engineering Education , 109(4), 821–842. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20353

Carstensen, A. K., & Bernhard, J. (2019). Design science research – a powerful tool for improving methods in engineering education research. European Journal of Engineering Education , 44(1–2), 85–102. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2018.1498459

Case, J. M., & Light, G. (2011). Emerging Methodologies in Engineering Education Research. Journal of Engineering Education , 100(1), 186–210. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2168-9830.2011.tb00008.x

Coley, B. C., Simmons, D. R., & Lord, S. M. (2021). Dissolving the margins: LEANING INto an antiracist review process. Journal of Engineering Education , 110(1), 8–14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20375

Council of National Psychological Associations for the Advancement of Ethnic Minority Interests. (2016). Testing and Assessment with Persons and Communities of Color . American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/pi/oema

Crenshaw, K., Gotanda, N., Peller, G., & Thomas, K. (1995). Critical Race Theory: The Key Writings that Formed the Movement . The New Press.

Curran, A. S. (2011). The Anatomy of Blackness: Science and Slavery in an Age of Enlightenment . JHU Press.

Delgado, R., Stefancic, J., & Harris, A. (2012). Critical Race Theory: An Introduction . New York University Press.

Eastman, M. G., Miles, M. L., & Yerrick, R. (2019). Exploring the White and male culture: Investigating individual perspectives of equity and privilege in engineering education. Journal of Engineering Education , 108(4), 459–480. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20290

Edstrom, K., Benson, L., Mitchell, J., Bernhard, J., van den Bogaard, M., Finelli, C., Kellam, N., Lee, M., Lord, S., Rover, D., Saliah-Hassane, H., & Zappe, S. (2020). Review unto others as you would have others review unto you. IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference, 1–2. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/FIE44824.2020.9274132

Farrall, L. A. (1979). The history of eugenics: A bibliographical review. Annals of Science , 36(2), 111–123. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00033797900200431

Foor, C. E., Walden, S. E., & Trytten, D. A. (2007). “I wish that I belonged more in this whole engineering group”: Achieving individual diversity. Journal of Engineering Education , 96(2), 103–115. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2168-9830.2007.tb00921.x

Foucault, M. (1972). The Archaeology of Knowledge & The Discourse on Language. In The Archeology of Knowledge and the Discourse on Language . DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470776407.ch20

Fourati-Jamoussi, F., Dubois, M. J. F., Agnès, M., Leroux, V., & Sauvée, L. (2019). Sustainable development as a driver for educational innovation in engineering school: The case of UniLaSalle. European Journal of Engineering Education , 44(4), 570–588. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2018.1501348

Freire, P. (1973). Pedagogy of the oppressed . Bloomsbury Publishers.

Gee, J. P. (2014). How to do discourse analysis: A toolkit (2nd ed.). Routledge. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315819662

Gilligan, C., Spencer, R., Weinberg, M. K., & Bertsch, T. (2003). On the listening guide: A voice-centered relational method. In P. M. Camic, J. E. Rhodes, & L. Yardley (Eds.), Qualitative research in psychology: Expanding perspectives in methodology and design (pp. 157–172). American Psychological Association. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/10595-009

Glaser, B. G., & Strauss, A. L. (1967). The Discovery of Grounded Theory . Aldine.

Glesne, C. (2016). Becoming Qualitative Researchers: An Introduction (5th ed.). Pearson.

Guba, E. G., & Lincoln, Y. S. (2005). Paradigmatic controversies, contradictions, and emerging confluences. In N. K. Denzin & Y. S. Lincoln (Eds.), The Sage handbook of qualitative research (3rd ed., pp. 191–216). Sage.

Hampton, C., Reeping, D., & Ozkan, D. S. (2021). Positionality statements in engineering education research: A look at the hand that guides the methodological tools. Studies in Engineering Education , 1(2), 126. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21061/see.13

Holland, D. P., Walsh, C. J., & Bennett, G. J. (2019). A qualitative investigation of design knowledge reuse in project-based mechanical design courses. European Journal of Engineering Education (UK) , 44(1–2), 137–152. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2018.1463196

Howe, K., & Eisenhart, M. (1990). Standards for qualitative (and quantitative) research: A prolegomenon. Educational Researcher , 19(4), 2–9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X019004002

Jamieson, L. H., & Lohman, J. R. (2009). Creating a Culture for Scholarly and Systematic Innovation in Engineering Education: Ensuring U.S. engineering has the right people with the right talent for a global society . American Society for Engineering Education Report.

Jordan, S. S., Foster, C. H., Anderson, I. K., Betoney, C. A., & Pangan, T. J. D. (2019). Learning from the experiences of Navajo engineers: Looking toward the development of a culturally responsive engineering curriculum. Journal of Engineering Education , 108(3), 355–376. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20287

Kellam, N., & Cirell, A. (2018). Quality considerations in qualitative inquiry: Expanding our understanding for the broader dissemination of qualitative research. Journal of Engineering Education , 107(3), 355–361. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20227

Koro-Ljungberg (Koro), M., & Douglas, E. P. (2008). State of qualitative research in engineering education: Meta-analysis of JEE articles, 2005–2006. Journal of Engineering Education , 97(2), 163–175. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2168-9830.2008.tb00965.x

Lima, R. G. de, Lins, H. N., Pfitscher, E. D., Garcia, J., Suni, A., Guerra, J. B. S. O. de A., & Delle, F. C. R. (2016). A sustainability evaluation framework for Science and Technology Institutes: An international comparative analysis. Journal of Cleaner Production , 125, 145–158. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.03.028

Liu, Q. (2019). A snapshot methodological review of journal articles in engineering education research. Proceedings of the Canadian Engineering Education Association (CEEA) . DOI: https://doi.org/10.24908/pceea.vi0.13795

Lombardo, P. A. (1987). Miscegenation, eugenics, and racism: Historical footnotes to Loving v. Virginia. U.C. Davis Law Review , 21, 421.

Main, J. B., Camacho, M. M., Mobley, C., Brawner, C. E., Lord, S. M., & Kesim, H. (2019). Technically and tactically proficient: How military leadership training and experiences are enacted in engineering education. International Journal of Engineering Education , 35(2), 446–457.

Marton, F. (1986). Phenomenography—A research approach to investigating different understandings of reality. Journal of Thought , 21(3), 28–49. JSTOR.

McCord, R. E., & Matusovich, H. M. (2019). Naturalistic observations of metacognition in engineering: Using observational methods to study metacognitive engagement in engineering. Journal of Engineering Education , 108(4), 481–502. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20291

Meyer, M., & Fang, N. (2019). A qualitative case study of persistence of engineering undergraduates. The International Journal of Engineering Education , 35(1), 99–108.

Minichiello, A., Marx, S., McNeill, L., & Hailey, C. (2019). Exploring student study behaviours in engineering: How undergraduates prepared textbook problems for online submission. European Journal of Engineering Education , 44(1–2), 253–270. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2018.1474342

Mishler, E. (1991). Representing discourse: The rhetoric of transcription. Journal of Narrative and Life History/Narrative Inquiry , 1(4), 255–280. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1075/jnlh.1.4.01rep

Mobley, C., Main, J. B., Brawner, C. B., Lord, S. M., & Camacho, M. M. (2019). Pride and promise: The enactment and salience of identity among first-generation student veterans in engineering. International Journal of Engineering Education , 35(1(A)), 35–49.

Mukhtar, N., Saud, M. S., Kamin, Y., Al-Rahmi, W. M., Mohd Kosnin, A., Yahaya, N., Abd Hamid, M. Z., Abd Latib, A., & Nordin, M. S. (2019). Environmental sustainability competency framework for polytechnics engineering programmes. IEEE Access (USA) , 7, 125991–126004. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2019.2936632

Neejer, C. (2015). The American eugenics movement. In A Companion to the History of American Science (pp. 345–360). John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119072218.ch27

Pawley, A. L. (2013). “Learning from small numbers” of underrepresented students’ stories: Discussing a method to learn about institutional structure through narrative. American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--19030

Pawley, A. L. (2017). Shifting the “default”: The case for making diversity the expected condition for engineering education and making whiteness and maleness visible. Journal of Engineering Education , 106(4), 531–533. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20181

Pawley, A. L. (2019). Learning from small numbers: Studying ruling relations that gender and race the structure of U.S. engineering education. Journal of Engineering Education , 108(1), 13–31. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20247

Pawley, A. L., & Phillips, C. M. (2014). From the mouths of students: Two illustrations of narrative analysis to under-stand engineering education’s ruling relations as gendered and raced. Proceedings of the 2014 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference and Exhibition DOI: https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--20524

Pawley, A. L., Schimpf, C., & Nelson, L. (2016). Gender in engineering education research: A content analysis of research in JEE, 1998–2012. Journal of Engineering Education , 105(3), 508–528. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20128

Pembridge, J. J., & Paretti, M. C. (2019). Characterizing capstone design teaching: A functional taxonomy. Journal of Engineering Education , 108(2), 197–219. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20259

Riley, D. (2017). Rigor/Us: Building boundaries and disciplining diversity with standards of merit. Engineering Studies , 9(3), 249–265. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19378629.2017.1408631

Riley, D., Slaton, A. E., & Pawley, A. L. (2014). Social justice and inclusion women and minorities in engineering. In A. Johri & B. M. Olds (Eds.), Cambridge Handbook of Engineering Education Research (pp. 335–356). Cambridge University Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781139013451.022

Rulifson, G., & Bielefeldt, A. R. (2019). Learning social responsibility: Evolutions of undergraduate students’ predicted engineering futures. The International Journal of Engineering Education , 35(2), 572–584.

Sadikin, A. N., Mohd-Yusof, K., Aliah Phang, F., & Abdul Aziz, A. (2019). The introduction to engineering course: A case study from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Education for Chemical Engineers , 28, 45–53. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ece.2019.04.001

Secules, S., Gupta, A., Elby, A., & Turpen, C. (2018). Zooming out from the struggling individual student: An account of the cultural construction of engineering ability in an undergraduate programming class. Journal of Engineering Education , 107(1), 56–86. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20191

Secules, S., McCall, C., Mejia, J. A., Beebe, C., Masters, A. S. L., Sánchez-Peña, M., & Svyantek, M. (2021). Positionality practices and dimensions of impact on equity research: A collaborative inquiry and call to the community. Journal of Engineering Education , 110(1), 19–43. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20377

Seiradakis, E., & Spantidakis, I. (2019). EFL engineering students’ research article genre knowledge development through concept mapping tasks: A qualitative interview-based study. Journal for the Study of English Linguistics , 7, 45. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5296/jsel.v7i1.14870

Slaton, A., & Pawley, A. (2018). The power and politics of engineering education research design: Saving the ‘small N.’ Engineering Studies , 10(2–3), 133–157. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19378629.2018.1550785

Staller, K. M. (2013). Epistemological boot camp: The politics of science and what every qualitative researcher needs to know to survive in the academy. Qualitative Social Work: Research and Practice , 12(4), 395–413. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1473325012450483

Steinmetz, G. (2005). The epistemological unconscious of U.S. sociology and the transition to post-Fordism: The case of historical sociology. In J. Adams, E. Clemens, & A. S. Orloff, Remaking Modernity . Duke University Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1215/9780822385882-005

Streveler, R. A., & Smith, K. A. (2006). Conducting rigorous research in engineering education. Journal of Engineering Education , 95(2), 103–105. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2168-9830.2006.tb00882.x

ten Caten, C. S., Silva, D. S., Aguiar, R. B., Silva Filho, L. C. P., & Huerta, J. M. P. (2019). Reshaping engineering learning to promote innovative entrepreneurial behavior. Brazilian Journal of Operations & Production Management , 16(1), 141–148. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14488/BJOPM.2019.v16.n1.a13

Tracy, S. J. (2010). Qualitative quality: Eight “big-tent” criteria for excellent qualitative research. Qualitative Inquiry , 16(10), 837–851. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1077800410383121

Tyson, T. N., & Oldroyd, D. (2019). Accounting for slavery during the Enlightenment: Contradictions and interpretations. Accounting History , 24(2), 212–235. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1032373218759971

Valentine, A., Belski, I., Hamilton, M., & Adams, S. (2019). Creativity in electrical engineering degree programs: Where is the content? IEEE Transactions on Education , 62(4), 288–296. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/TE.2019.2912834

Van Maanen, J. (2011). Tales of the field: On writing ethnography (2nd ed). University of Chicago Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7208/chicago/9780226849638.001.0001

Waller, A. A. (2006). Special session—Fish is fish: Learning to see the sea we swim in: Theoretical Frameworks for Education Research. IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference, 1–2. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/FIE.2006.322605

Walther, J., Pawley, A., & Sochacka, N. (2015). Exploring ethical validation as a key consideration in interpretive research quality. ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18260/p.24063

Walther, J., Sochacka, N., Benson, L., Bumbaco, A., Kellam, N., Pawley, A., & Phillips, C. (2017a). Qualitative research quality: A collaborative inquiry across multiple methodological perspectives. Journal of Engineering Education , 106(3), 398–430. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20170

Walther, J., Sochacka, N., & Kellam, N. (2013). Quality in interpretive engineering education research: Reflections on an example study. Journal of Engineering Education , 102(4), 626–659. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20029

Walther, J., Sochacka, N. W., Benson, L., Bumbaco, A., Kellam, N. N., Pawley, A. L., & Phillips, C. M. (2017b). Qualitative research quality – A collaborative inquiry from multiple methodological perspectives. Journal of Engineering Education , 106(3), 398–430. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20170

Wilder, C. S. (2013). Ebony and Ivy: Race, Slavery, and the Troubled History of America’s Universities . Bloomsbury Publishing USA.

Winfield, A. G. (2007). Eugenics and Education in America: Institutionalized Racism and the Implications of History, Ideology, and Memory . Peter Lang.

Yu, J. H., & Strobel, J. (2011). Instrument development: Engineering-specific epistemological, epistemic and ontological beliefs. Research in Engineering Education Symposium, 1–8.

Tips on how to choose good qualitative research topics

Writing a research paper or a college assignment with success solely depends on your ability to choose suitable qualitative research topics. It’s essential to carefully examine and explore the field with all the challenges before you start writing to identify the key factors and aspects of your assignment. Here are a few tips on how to do that to get good research paper ideas.

Align your research topic with your field of interest

Your assignment topic should be something that interests you deeply so that you can completely get into it and make the most out of your efforts. More importantly, your topic should allow you to develop your personal skills and learn new things.

Make sure you have all the right research on the topic

If you choose a topic that has little to no supporting research available, you’ll end up getting stuck. You must properly research the topic before you start writing. This research will also help you shortlist unrelated topics and narrow down your scope so that you can focus on the information that matches your exact needs.

Follow your university guidelines!

Consulting with your professors and going through the assessment guidelines is paramount to writing a top-class paper. Follow your university guidelines to make sure your efforts get approved by your supervisor.

List of qualitative research topics examples

Long-term planning methods for better project management
How to deal with issues during a project implementation program
The best practices for dealing with tight project deadlines
Why time management is essential for goal setting
Flexibility in management: How to improve decision-making as a manager
Top professional techniques for developing management skills
Healthcare in low-income societies: How to achieve affordable medical care
Dealing with a loss and the process of recovery
How to make eco-friendly facemasks
Preventing flu during cold seasons: The most effective preventative methods
The importance of developing community-based sanitization programs
The best practices for quitting alcohol and cigarettes
Helping the young manage their obesity: The most effective obesity management strategies
Promoting healthcare during COVID-19: Strategies for expanding the health sector
Guide to collecting resources for building a centralized community
How academic and social practices can help uplift a society
Professional practices for building a one-on-one relationship between teachers and students
The science behind consumer motivations and appraisals
Reshaping the traditional form of virtual ethnography
Are homeschooling programs as efficient as they should be?
The importance of developing healthy eating habits
The best strategies for getting ahead of the prospective market
How to track the dynamics of real estate investments
How effective are modern newsgathering technologies?
Developing introvert behavior and its key effects
Can sharing help an individual overcome addictions?
Guide to creating a one-people community
The most effective methods for dealing with cyberbullying
The best way to bringing social equity to patriarchal societies
How quarantine prevents the spread of infectious diseases
The aging populations and the trends they follow
The latest digital media trends
Methods for mitigating communicable diseases
How governments work on protocol observance
Practices for preventing the spread of the coronavirus in crowded places
Alleviating pain during childbirth
Maternal healthcare in developing countries
Can pop music change erratic youth behavior?
The best therapies for recovering from brain surgery
How alcohol changes normal behavior
Depression management among school-going children
Strategies for avoiding a viral disease
Ways to influence the eating habits of children
How and when to engage in sporting activities
How low socioeconomic background impacts self-esteem
The importance of parenting for shaping children’s morals
The impact of poor market completion on supply and demand
Do children under four years need preschool education?
Single-gender schools vs. mixed schools
How the world would benefit from the same education system
How virtual reality helps reshape the world
The hottest destinations for traveling at the moment
How fast does the ozone layer deplete?
Is it possible to predict natural disasters before they occur?
The effects of digital marketing on modern businesses
Physical learning vs. online learning
How related are Windows and Apple products?
Study cases of bullying in schools
The effect of stress on human behavior
Patient behavior and the influence of social processes

If you’re looking for the best way to choose some of the most suitable qualitative research paper topics for your college assignment, these 60 topics should help you get ahead of your task and write an engaging paper. All topics above are for your personal education and motivation. If you still need help with your assignment, our professional paper writing services are available 24/7.

Readers also enjoyed

WHY WAIT? PLACE AN ORDER RIGHT NOW!

Just fill out the form, press the button, and have no worries!

We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy.

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

Knowledge Base

Methodology

What Is Qualitative Research? | Methods & Examples

What Is Qualitative Research? | Methods & Examples

Published on June 19, 2020 by Pritha Bhandari . Revised on September 5, 2024.

Qualitative research involves collecting and analyzing non-numerical data (e.g., text, video, or audio) to understand concepts, opinions, or experiences. It can be used to gather in-depth insights into a problem or generate new ideas for research.

Qualitative research is the opposite of quantitative research , which involves collecting and analyzing numerical data for statistical analysis.

Qualitative research is commonly used in the humanities and social sciences, in subjects such as anthropology, sociology, education, health sciences, history, etc.

How does social media shape body image in teenagers?
How do children and adults interpret healthy eating in the UK?
What factors influence employee retention in a large organization?
How is anxiety experienced around the world?
How can teachers integrate social issues into science curriculums?

Approaches to qualitative research, qualitative research methods, qualitative data analysis, advantages of qualitative research, disadvantages of qualitative research, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about qualitative research.

Qualitative research is used to understand how people experience the world. While there are many approaches to qualitative research, they tend to be flexible and focus on retaining rich meaning when interpreting data.

Common approaches include grounded theory, ethnography , action research , phenomenological research, and narrative research. They share some similarities, but emphasize different aims and perspectives.

Qualitative research approaches
Approach	What does it involve?
Grounded theory	Researchers collect rich data on a topic of interest and develop theories .
	Researchers immerse themselves in groups or organizations to understand their cultures.
Action research	Researchers and participants collaboratively link theory to practice to drive social change.
Phenomenological research	Researchers investigate a phenomenon or event by describing and interpreting participants’ lived experiences.
Narrative research	Researchers examine how stories are told to understand how participants perceive and make sense of their experiences.

Note that qualitative research is at risk for certain research biases including the Hawthorne effect , observer bias , recall bias , and social desirability bias . While not always totally avoidable, awareness of potential biases as you collect and analyze your data can prevent them from impacting your work too much.

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting

Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

Academic style
Vague sentences
Style consistency

See an example

Each of the research approaches involve using one or more data collection methods . These are some of the most common qualitative methods:

Observations: recording what you have seen, heard, or encountered in detailed field notes.
Interviews: personally asking people questions in one-on-one conversations.
Focus groups: asking questions and generating discussion among a group of people.
Surveys : distributing questionnaires with open-ended questions.
Secondary research: collecting existing data in the form of texts, images, audio or video recordings, etc.
You take field notes with observations and reflect on your own experiences of the company culture.
You distribute open-ended surveys to employees across all the company’s offices by email to find out if the culture varies across locations.
You conduct in-depth interviews with employees in your office to learn about their experiences and perspectives in greater detail.

Qualitative researchers often consider themselves “instruments” in research because all observations, interpretations and analyses are filtered through their own personal lens.

For this reason, when writing up your methodology for qualitative research, it’s important to reflect on your approach and to thoroughly explain the choices you made in collecting and analyzing the data.

Qualitative data can take the form of texts, photos, videos and audio. For example, you might be working with interview transcripts, survey responses, fieldnotes, or recordings from natural settings.

Most types of qualitative data analysis share the same five steps:

Prepare and organize your data. This may mean transcribing interviews or typing up fieldnotes.
Review and explore your data. Examine the data for patterns or repeated ideas that emerge.
Develop a data coding system. Based on your initial ideas, establish a set of codes that you can apply to categorize your data.
Assign codes to the data. For example, in qualitative survey analysis, this may mean going through each participant’s responses and tagging them with codes in a spreadsheet. As you go through your data, you can create new codes to add to your system if necessary.
Identify recurring themes. Link codes together into cohesive, overarching themes.

There are several specific approaches to analyzing qualitative data. Although these methods share similar processes, they emphasize different concepts.

Qualitative data analysis
Approach	When to use	Example
	To describe and categorize common words, phrases, and ideas in qualitative data.	A market researcher could perform content analysis to find out what kind of language is used in descriptions of therapeutic apps.
	To identify and interpret patterns and themes in qualitative data.	A psychologist could apply thematic analysis to travel blogs to explore how tourism shapes self-identity.
	To examine the content, structure, and design of texts.	A media researcher could use textual analysis to understand how news coverage of celebrities has changed in the past decade.
	To study communication and how language is used to achieve effects in specific contexts.	A political scientist could use discourse analysis to study how politicians generate trust in election campaigns.

Qualitative research often tries to preserve the voice and perspective of participants and can be adjusted as new research questions arise. Qualitative research is good for:

Flexibility

The data collection and analysis process can be adapted as new ideas or patterns emerge. They are not rigidly decided beforehand.

Natural settings

Data collection occurs in real-world contexts or in naturalistic ways.

Meaningful insights

Detailed descriptions of people’s experiences, feelings and perceptions can be used in designing, testing or improving systems or products.

Generation of new ideas

Open-ended responses mean that researchers can uncover novel problems or opportunities that they wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Researchers must consider practical and theoretical limitations in analyzing and interpreting their data. Qualitative research suffers from:

Unreliability

The real-world setting often makes qualitative research unreliable because of uncontrolled factors that affect the data.

Subjectivity

Due to the researcher’s primary role in analyzing and interpreting data, qualitative research cannot be replicated . The researcher decides what is important and what is irrelevant in data analysis, so interpretations of the same data can vary greatly.

Limited generalizability

Small samples are often used to gather detailed data about specific contexts. Despite rigorous analysis procedures, it is difficult to draw generalizable conclusions because the data may be biased and unrepresentative of the wider population .

Labor-intensive

Although software can be used to manage and record large amounts of text, data analysis often has to be checked or performed manually.

If you want to know more about statistics , methodology , or research bias , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Chi square goodness of fit test
Degrees of freedom
Null hypothesis
Discourse analysis
Control groups
Mixed methods research
Non-probability sampling
Quantitative research
Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Research bias

Rosenthal effect
Implicit bias
Cognitive bias
Selection bias
Negativity bias
Status quo bias

Quantitative research deals with numbers and statistics, while qualitative research deals with words and meanings.

Quantitative methods allow you to systematically measure variables and test hypotheses . Qualitative methods allow you to explore concepts and experiences in more detail.

There are five common approaches to qualitative research :

Grounded theory involves collecting data in order to develop new theories.
Ethnography involves immersing yourself in a group or organization to understand its culture.
Narrative research involves interpreting stories to understand how people make sense of their experiences and perceptions.
Phenomenological research involves investigating phenomena through people’s lived experiences.
Action research links theory and practice in several cycles to drive innovative changes.

Data collection is the systematic process by which observations or measurements are gathered in research. It is used in many different contexts by academics, governments, businesses, and other organizations.

There are various approaches to qualitative data analysis , but they all share five steps in common:

Prepare and organize your data.
Review and explore your data.
Develop a data coding system.
Assign codes to the data.
Identify recurring themes.

The specifics of each step depend on the focus of the analysis. Some common approaches include textual analysis , thematic analysis , and discourse analysis .

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Bhandari, P. (2024, September 05). What Is Qualitative Research? | Methods & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved September 11, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/qualitative-research/

Is this article helpful?

Pritha Bhandari

Other students also liked, qualitative vs. quantitative research | differences, examples & methods, how to do thematic analysis | step-by-step guide & examples, what is your plagiarism score.

189+ Most Exciting Qualitative Research Topics For Students

Researchers conduct qualitative studies to gain a holistic understanding of the topic under investigation. Analyzing qualitative? Looking for the best qualitative research topics?

If yes, you are here at the right place. We are discussing here all the topics in every field. Basically, qualitative research is the most valuable approach within the fields of social sciences, humanities, and various other fields.

Qualitative research uses a wide array of methods such as interviews, focus groups, participant observation, content analysis, and case studies. Even among others, to gather and analyze non-numerical data.

In this blog, we will explore the diverse, most interesting qualitative research topics, highlighting their importance. Whether you are a student, a scholar, or a practitioner in your field, these best qualitative research ideas are most helpful for you.

Must Read: 21 Ways To Get Good Grades In College

What Is Qualitative Research?

Table of Contents

Qualitative research is a systematic and exploratory approach to research that focuses on understanding and interpreting the complexities of human experiences, behaviors, and phenomena. It aims to provide in-depth insights into the “how” and “why” of various issues by examining them in their natural settings and contexts. Unlike quantitative research, which primarily deals with numerical data and statistical analysis, qualitative research relies on non-numerical data such as interviews, observations, textual analysis, and participant narratives to uncover deeper meanings and patterns.

Key Characteristics of Qualitative Research

Purpose : Qualitative research is used to delve into new or less understood areas, aiming to generate new hypotheses and theories.
Example : Investigating the coping mechanisms of natural disaster survivors in regions where little prior research exists.
Purpose : It seeks to understand and interpret participants’ perspectives, emotions, and experiences.
Example : Examining how individuals with chronic pain perceive their condition and the medical care they receive.
Purpose : Highlights the importance of context and situational factors in shaping human behavior and experiences.
Example : Exploring how cultural backgrounds influence parenting styles in different communities.
Purpose : Employs adaptable and open-ended data collection methods that evolve as new insights are gained.
Example : Conducting semi-structured interviews where the researcher can ask follow-up questions based on participants’ answers.
Purpose : Generates detailed, narrative data that offer deep insights into the studied topic, capturing the complexity of human experiences.
Example : Collecting and analyzing detailed personal stories to understand career development and personal growth.

These characteristics enable qualitative research to provide a comprehensive, nuanced understanding of complex issues, often revealing insights that quantitative approaches might miss.

8 Great Tips On How To Choose Good Qualitative Research Topics

Here are some tips to help you select strong qualitative research topics:

1. Personal Interest and Passion: Start by considering what genuinely interests and excites you. Your enthusiasm for the topic will sustain your motivation throughout the research process.

2. Relevance: Ensure that your chosen topic is relevant to your field of study or the discipline you are working within. It should contribute to existing knowledge or address a meaningful research gap.

3. Research Gap Identification: Review relevant literature and research to identify gaps or areas where there is limited qualitative research. Look for unanswered questions or underexplored aspects of a particular subject.

4. Feasibility: Assess whether the topic is feasible within the scope of your research project. Consider factors like available time, resources, and access to potential participants or data sources.

5. Clarity and Specificity: Your research topic should be clear, specific, and well-defined. Avoid overly broad topics that are difficult to explore in depth. Narrow it down to a manageable focus.

6. Significance: Ask yourself why your research topic matters. Consider the potential implications and applications of your findings. How might your research contribute to understanding, policy, or practice?

7. Originality: Aim for a unique angle or perspective on the topic. While you can build on existing research, strive to offer a fresh viewpoint or new insights.

8. Researchable : Ensure that your topic is researchable using qualitative methods. It should allow you to collect relevant data and answer research questions effectively.

137+ Most Exciting Qualitative Research Topics For All Students

Qualitative research topics in health and medicine.

Experiences of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Perceptions of alternative medicine among cancer patients.
Coping mechanisms of individuals with chronic illnesses.
The impact of telemedicine on patient-doctor relationships.
Barriers to mental health treatment-seeking among minority populations.
Qualitative analysis of patient experiences with organ transplantation.
Decision-making processes of families regarding end-of-life care.

Qualitative Research Topics In Education

The role of parental involvement in student academic achievement.
Teacher perceptions of remote learning during a pandemic.
Peer influence on academic motivation and performance.
Exploring the experiences of homeschooling families.
The impact of technology on the classroom environment.
Factors influencing student dropout rates in higher education.

Qualitative Research Topics In Psychology and Mental Health

Understanding the stigma associated with seeking therapy.
Experiences of individuals living with anxiety disorders.
Perceptions of body image among adolescents.
Coping strategies of survivors of traumatic events.
The impact of social support on mental health recovery.
Narratives of individuals with eating disorders.

Qualitative Research Topics In Sociology and Culture

Experiences of immigrants in adapting to a new culture.
The role of social media in shaping cultural identities.
Perceptions of police-community relations in marginalized communities.
Gender dynamics in the workplace and career progression.
Qualitative analysis of online dating experiences.
Narratives of LGBTQ+ individuals coming out to their families.

Qualitative Research Topics In Technology and Society

User experiences with augmented reality applications.
Perceptions of online privacy and data security.
The impact of social media on political activism.
Ethical considerations in artificial intelligence development.
Qualitative analysis of online gaming communities.
Experiences of individuals participating in virtual reality environments.

Qualitative Research Topics In Environmental Studies

Public perceptions of climate change and environmental policies.
Experiences of individuals involved in sustainable living practices.
Qualitative analysis of environmental activism movements.
Community responses to natural disasters and climate change.
Perspectives on wildlife conservation efforts.

Qualitative Research Topics In Business and Economics

Qualitative analysis of consumer behavior and brand loyalty.
Entrepreneurial experiences of women in male-dominated industries.
Factors influencing small business success or failure.
Corporate social responsibility and its impact on consumer trust.
Experiences of employees in remote work settings.

Qualitative Research Topics In Politics and Governance

Perceptions of voter suppression and electoral integrity.
Experiences of political activists in grassroots movements.
The role of social media in shaping political discourse.
Narratives of individuals involved in civil rights movements.
Qualitative analysis of government responses to crises.

Qualitative Research Topics In Family and Relationships

Experiences of couples in long-distance relationships.
Parenting styles and their impact on child development.
Sibling dynamics and their influence on individual development.
Narratives of individuals in arranged marriages.
Experiences of single parents in raising their children.

Qualitative Research Topics In Art and Culture

Qualitative analysis of the impact of art therapy on mental health.
Experiences of artists in exploring social and political themes.
Perceptions of cultural appropriation in the arts.
Narratives of individuals involved in the hip-hop culture.
The role of art in preserving cultural heritage.

Qualitative Research Topics In Crime and Justice

Experiences of formerly incarcerated individuals reentering society.
Perceptions of racial profiling and police violence.
Qualitative analysis of restorative justice programs.
Narratives of victims of cyberbullying.
Perspectives on juvenile justice reform.

Qualitative Research Topics In Sports and Recreation

Experiences of athletes in overcoming career-threatening injuries.
The role of sports in building resilience among youth.
Perceptions of performance-enhancing drugs in professional sports.
Qualitative analysis of sports fandom and its impact on identity.
Narratives of individuals involved in adaptive sports.

Qualitative Research Topics In History and Heritage

Experiences of descendants of historical events or figures.
Perceptions of cultural preservation and heritage conservation.
Narratives of individuals connected to indigenous cultures.
The impact of oral history on preserving traditions.
Qualitative analysis of historical reenactment communities.

Qualitative Research Topics In Religion and Spirituality

Experiences of individuals who have undergone religious conversion.
Perceptions of spirituality and well-being.
The role of religion in shaping moral values and ethics.
Narratives of individuals who have left religious communities.
Qualitative analysis of interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

Qualitative Research Topics In Travel and Tourism

Experiences of solo travelers in foreign countries.
Perceptions of sustainable tourism practices.
Qualitative analysis of cultural immersion through travel.
Narratives of individuals on pilgrimages or spiritual journeys.
Experiences of individuals living in tourist destinations.

Qualitative Research Topics In Human Rights and Social Justice

Narratives of human rights activists in advocating for change.
Experiences of refugees and asylum seekers.
Perceptions of income inequality and wealth distribution.
Qualitative analysis of anti-discrimination campaigns.
Perspectives on global efforts to combat human trafficking.

Qualitative Research Topics In Aging and Gerontology

Experiences of individuals in assisted living facilities.
Perceptions of aging and quality of life in older adults.
Narratives of caregivers for elderly family members.
The impact of intergenerational relationships on well-being.
Qualitative analysis of end-of-life decisions and hospice care.

Qualitative Research Topics In Language and Communication

Experiences of individuals learning a second language.
Perceptions of non-verbal communication in cross-cultural interactions.
Narratives of people who communicate primarily through sign language.
The role of language in shaping identity and belonging.
Qualitative analysis of online communication in virtual communities.

Qualitative Research Topics In Media and Entertainment

Experiences of content creators in the digital media industry.
Perceptions of representation in the film and television industry.
The impact of music on emotional well-being and identity.
Narratives of individuals involved in fan communities.
Qualitative analysis of the effects of binge-watching on mental health.

Qualitative Research Topics In Ethics and Morality

Experiences of individuals faced with ethical dilemmas.
Perceptions of moral relativism and cultural differences.
Narratives of whistleblowers in exposing corporate misconduct.
The role of empathy in ethical decision-making.
Qualitative analysis of the ethics of artificial intelligence.

Qualitative Research Topics In Technology and Education

Experiences of teachers integrating technology in the classroom.
Perceptions of online learning and its effectiveness.
The impact of educational apps on student engagement.
Narratives of students with disabilities using assistive technology.
Qualitative analysis of the digital divide in education.

Qualitative Research Topics In Gender and Sexuality

Experiences of transgender individuals in transitioning.
Perceptions of gender roles and expectations.
Narratives of individuals in same-sex relationships.
The impact of intersectionality on experiences of gender and sexuality.
Qualitative analysis of gender-based violence and advocacy.

Qualitative Research Topics In Migration and Diaspora

Experiences of immigrants in maintaining cultural ties to their home country.
Perceptions of identity among second-generation immigrants.
Narratives of refugees resettling in new countries.
The role of diaspora communities in supporting homeland causes.
Qualitative analysis of immigration policies and their impact on families.

Qualitative Research Topics In Food and Nutrition

Experiences of individuals with specific dietary restrictions.
Perceptions of food sustainability and ethical consumption.
Narratives of people with eating disorders seeking recovery.
The role of food in cultural identity and traditions.
Qualitative analysis of food insecurity and hunger relief efforts.

Qualitative Research Topics In Urban Studies and Community Development

Experiences of residents in gentrifying neighborhoods.
Perceptions of community engagement and empowerment.
Narratives of individuals involved in urban farming initiatives.
The impact of housing policies on homelessness.
Qualitative analysis of neighborhood safety and crime prevention.

Qualitative Research Topics In Science and Technology Ethics

Experiences of scientists in navigating ethical dilemmas.
Perceptions of scientific responsibility in climate change research.
Narratives of whistleblowers in scientific misconduct cases.
The role of ethics in emerging technology development.
Qualitative analysis of the ethics of genetic engineering.

Qualitative Research Topics In Social Media and Online Communities

Experiences of individuals in online support groups.
Perceptions of social media’s influence on self-esteem.
Narratives of social media influencers and their impact.
The role of online communities in social and political movements.
Qualitative analysis of cyberbullying and online harassment.

Qualitative Research Topics in Daily Life

The Impact of Social Media on Personal Relationships and Well-being.
Exploring the Experience of Remote Work during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Perceptions of Sustainable Living Practices Among Urban Dwellers.
Qualitative Analysis of Food Choices and Eating Habits in a Fast-paced Society.
Understanding the Motivations and Barriers to Physical Activity Among Adults.

Qualitative Research Topics for Students

Student Perceptions of Online Learning: Challenges and Opportunities.
Peer Pressure and Decision-making Among Adolescents.
Exploring the Transition from High School to College: Student Experiences.
The Role of Extracurricular Activities in Student Development.
Motivations and Challenges of Student Entrepreneurs in Starting Their Businesses.

Qualitative Research Topics for STEM Students

Here are some original qualitative research topic ideas for STEM students:

Exploring the Ethical Implications of AI in Healthcare Decision-Making : Investigate healthcare professionals’ ethical perspectives and decision-making processes regarding the use of AI technologies in clinical settings.
Gender Dynamics in STEM Education and Career Aspirations : Analyze how gender influences students’ educational experiences and career choices in STEM fields at the university level.
Public Perception and Acceptance of Genome Editing Technologies : Conduct interviews and surveys to understand public attitudes and concerns about genome editing technologies such as CRISPR.
Effectiveness of Online Interactive Tools in Teaching Middle School Mathematics : Explore how digital tools impact student learning and engagement in middle school mathematics education.
Community Engagement and Impact of Renewable Energy Projects : Investigate community perceptions, concerns, and benefits related to local renewable energy initiatives like wind farms or solar installations.
Challenges and Opportunities in Adopting Blockchain Technology in Supply Chain Management : Interview industry professionals to identify barriers and opportunities for integrating blockchain into supply chain operations.
Decision-Making Processes in Software Development Methodologies : Explore how software engineers and development teams choose between different methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) and the factors influencing these decisions.
Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Space Exploration : Analyze interviews with stakeholders from different cultural backgrounds to understand diverse perspectives on space exploration missions and collaborations.
User Experience and Usability of Wearable Health Monitoring Devices : Conduct qualitative usability studies and interviews to evaluate user experiences with wearable health monitoring technologies.
Impact of Virtual Reality on Engineering Design Processes : Study how virtual reality tools influence the design process, collaboration among engineering teams, and project outcomes.

These research topics for stem students qualitative to explore a wide range of social, ethical, cultural, and practical dimensions within their fields of study, providing opportunities for meaningful qualitative research.

Qualitative Research Titles Examples

“Voices of Resilience: Narratives of Cancer Survivors.”
“Exploring Cultural Identity Among Immigrant Communities.”
“From Addiction to Recovery: Life Stories of Former Substance Abusers.”
“Inside the Classroom: Student and Teacher Perspectives on Inclusive Education.”
“Navigating Caregiving: Experiences of Family Members Caring for Alzheimer’s Patients.”

Qualitative Research Topics in Education

Teacher Beliefs and Practices in Culturally Responsive Pedagogy.
Qualitative Study of Bullying Incidents in Elementary Schools.
Homeschooling: Parent and Student Perspectives on Alternative Education.
Evaluating the Impact of Technology Integration in Classroom Learning.
Parental Involvement in Early Childhood Education: A Qualitative Analysis.

Qualitative Research Topics for Nursing Students

Patient Experiences of Chronic Illness Management.
The Role of Empathy in Nursing Practice: A Qualitative Study.
Qualitative Exploration of End-of-Life Care Decision-making.
Perceptions of Nurse-Patient Communication in Intensive Care Units.
Nursing Burnout: Causes, Consequences, and Coping Strategies.

Qualitative Research Topics for Human Studies

Understanding the Impact of Climate Change on Vulnerable Communities.
The Role of Social Support in Mental Health Recovery.
Experiences of First-time Homebuyers in the Real Estate Market.
Exploring the Motivations and Challenges of Volunteering.
Narratives of Trauma Survivors: Coping and Resilience.

Qualitative Research Topics 2023

Emerging Trends in Remote Work: Employee Perspectives.
The Influence of Social Media on Political Engagement in the Post-COVID-19 Era.
Qualitative Study of Mental Health Stigma Reduction Campaigns.
Sustainability Practices in Business: Stakeholder Perceptions and Implementation.
Narratives of Long COVID: The Lived Experience of Survivors.

Qualitative research methods such as interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and content analysis allow researchers to delve deeply into these topics, capturing rich and detailed data that can illuminate complexities, contradictions, and underlying meanings. These methods emphasize understanding context, exploring subjective experiences, and generating nuanced insights that can inform theory-building and contribute to addressing real-world challenges.

10 Major Differences Between Qualitative And Quantitative Research

Here are the 10 best differences between qualitative and quantitative research:


Focuses on understanding the meaning of people’s experiences	Focuses on measuring and quantifying data
Uses open-ended questions and interviews	Use closed-ended questions and surveys
Data is analyzed through interpretation and coding	Data is analyzed through statistical methods
Is more subjective	Is more objective
Is better suited for exploring new ideas and concepts	Is better suited for testing hypotheses and making predictions
Produces rich, detailed data	Produces more generalizable data
Is often used in the social sciences	Is often used in the natural sciences
Can be used to answer questions about why and how	Can be used to answer questions about who, what, when, and where
Is more time-consuming and labor-intensive	Is less time-consuming and labor-intensive
Is more expensive	Is less expensive

Consequently, the selection of qualitative research topics is a critical phase in the journey of any researcher or student pursuing qualitative inquiry. The process of choosing the right topic involves a delicate balance of personal passion, research significance, feasibility, and ethical considerations.

As we’ve discussed, it’s essential to choose a topic that not only resonates with your interests but also contributes to the broader academic or practical discourse. Qualitative research offers a unique lens through which to examine the complexities of human experiences, behaviors, and phenomena.

It provides the opportunity to delve deep into the “how” and “why” of various subjects, offering nuanced insights that quantitative methods may not capture. Whether you are investigating personal narratives, cultural dynamics, educational practices, or social phenomena, qualitative research allows you to uncover the rich tapestry of human existence.

What is a good topic for qualitative research?

Self-esteem among people from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The advantages of online learning over physical learning.

What are the five topics of qualitative research?

These are biography, ethnography, phenomenology, grounded theory, and case study.

What is the easiest type of qualitative research?

Content analysis is possibly the most common and straightforward QDA method. At the simplest level, content analysis.

What are the 4 R’s of qualitative research?

Qualitative social research, whether conducted as ethnography, participant observation, or in situ interviewing, fares poorly when examined by the criteria of representativeness, reactivity, reliability, and replicability.

13 Best Tips To Write An Assignment

Whenever the new semester starts, you will get a lot of assignment writing tasks. Now you enter the new academic…

How To Do Homework Fast – 11 Tips To Do Homework Fast

Homework is one of the most important parts that have to be done by students. It has been around for…

CMM 676 - Qualitative Research Methods: Books and E-Books

Understanding Source Types
Getting Results
Advanced Search Strategies
Books and E-Books
Evaluating Sources
Citation Help

Use these eBooks to gain a better understanding relevant topics

Ebooks - qualitative research.

eBooks - Communicating Change

Print Books (Drinko Library)

<< Previous: Advanced Search Strategies
Next: Evaluating Sources >>
Last Updated: Sep 10, 2024 2:36 PM
URL: https://libguides.marshall.edu/CMM676

Information

Author Services

Initiatives

You are accessing a machine-readable page. In order to be human-readable, please install an RSS reader.

All articles published by MDPI are made immediately available worldwide under an open access license. No special permission is required to reuse all or part of the article published by MDPI, including figures and tables. For articles published under an open access Creative Common CC BY license, any part of the article may be reused without permission provided that the original article is clearly cited. For more information, please refer to https://www.mdpi.com/openaccess .

Feature papers represent the most advanced research with significant potential for high impact in the field. A Feature Paper should be a substantial original Article that involves several techniques or approaches, provides an outlook for future research directions and describes possible research applications.

Feature papers are submitted upon individual invitation or recommendation by the scientific editors and must receive positive feedback from the reviewers.

Editor’s Choice articles are based on recommendations by the scientific editors of MDPI journals from around the world. Editors select a small number of articles recently published in the journal that they believe will be particularly interesting to readers, or important in the respective research area. The aim is to provide a snapshot of some of the most exciting work published in the various research areas of the journal.

Original Submission Date Received: .

Active Journals
Find a Journal
Proceedings Series
For Authors
For Reviewers
For Editors
For Librarians
For Publishers
For Societies
For Conference Organizers
Open Access Policy
Institutional Open Access Program
Special Issues Guidelines
Editorial Process
Research and Publication Ethics
Article Processing Charges
Testimonials
Preprints.org
SciProfiles
Encyclopedia

Article Menu

Subscribe SciFeed
Recommended Articles
Google Scholar
on Google Scholar
Table of Contents

Find support for a specific problem in the support section of our website.

Please let us know what you think of our products and services.

Visit our dedicated information section to learn more about MDPI.

JSmol Viewer

Computational fluid dynamics study on bottom-hole multiphase flow fields formed by polycrystalline diamond compact drill bits in foam drilling.

1. Introduction

2.1. theoretical basis of numerical model, 2.1.1. basic governing equations of fluids.

Mass Conservation Equation (Continuity Equation)
v is the velocity component of the velocity vector of a certain point in the y coordinate direction;
w is the velocity component of the velocity vector of a certain point in the z coordinate direction;
ρ is the fluid density.
u is velocity vector;
τ x x , τ x y , τ x z etc. are components of the stress tensor;
F x , F y and F z are body forces (such as gravity).
T is temperature;
k is heat transfer coefficient;
S T is the total heat source term, including kinetic energy conversion, viscous dissipation (energy converted to heat due to the viscous action of the fluid) and the work done by gravity on the fluid.
C ε 1 is turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate constant, C ε 1 = 1.44 ;
C ε 2 is turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate constant, C ε 2 = 1.92 ;
σ k is turbulent kinetic energy Prandtl constant, σ k = 1.0 ;
σ ε is dissipation rate Prandtl constant, σ ε = 1.3 ;
P k is turbulent kinetic energy caused by viscous forces;
P k b is the turbulent kinetic energy caused by the influence of buoyancy;
P ε b is the effect of buoyancy on the dissipation rate.
y + is a dimensionless parameter representing the distance;
k is Karman constant (typically valued at 0.41);
B is the logarithmic law constant (typically valued at 5.0).

2.1.2. Euler–Eulerian Multiphase Flow Model

ρ l and ρ g are the densities of the gas and liquid phases, respectively;
u g and u l are the velocities of the gas and liquid phases, respectively;
p is the fluid pressure;
g is the gravitational acceleration;
τ g and τ l are the stress tensors of the gas and liquid phases, respectively;
F g l and F l g are the interaction forces between the gas and liquid phases (such as drag force, virtual mass force, lift force, wall lubrication force, and turbulence dissipation force).

2.1.3. Lagrangian Particle Tracking Model

u p is the velocity of the particle;
F p is the total force acting on the particle, including the drag force, buoyancy due to gravity, and rotational force;
V P is the particle impact velocity;
f γ is a dimensionless function related to the impact angle.

2.2. Geometric Modeling and Mesh Generation

2.2.1. geometric model, 2.2.2. mesh generation and mesh-independent analysis, 2.2.3. boundary conditions.

Inlet conditions: set the foam drilling fluid displacement to 60 L/s, assuming that the air is ideal, the volume fraction is 0.9, and the volume fraction of water is 0.1. The cuttings are made of sandstone and have a density of 2300 kg/m 3 . It is assumed that the cuttings are incompressible spherical particles.
Wall conditions: the entire flow field rotates at 120 r/min, and the wall rotates in the opposite direction at the same speed. There is no penetration or slip between the fluid, wall, and rock debris, and the outer wall is smooth.
Conduct a transient analysis of the bottom-hole flow field, that is, an unsteady-state calculation, and the numerical simulation calculation takes 5 s.
Outlet conditions: use a pressure outlet; assume the simulated conditions are at a depth of 1800 m in the well. The outlet reference pressure is set to 18 MPa.
Use rock-breaking simulations to obtain the initial data for the rock cuttings generated by each cutting tooth during the drilling process, including the initial velocity, initial direction (X, Y, Z), and initial mass flow rate of the cuttings. These parameters are then incorporated into the corresponding cutting teeth when establishing the numerical calculation model, serving as one of the initial conditions for the numerical simulation. Due to space limitations, only the rock-breaking simulation results of the blade No. 1 are listed here, as shown in Table 2 . Table 3 shows the initial cuttings mass flow rate of each blade.

2.3. Hydraulic Structure Evaluation Method

2.3.1. cutting tooth cleaning and cooling efficiency evaluation method.

V j is the surface flow velocity of tooth j ;
V n o z z l e j is the tooth j corresponds to the center flow velocity of the nozzle outlet.
The distribution trends of the two broken lines should be basically the same.
Generally speaking, on the premise that tooth surface erosion does not occur, cutting teeth with a large cuttings mass flow rate requires a relatively high surface flow velocity to clean and cool the cutting teeth thoroughly. The surface velocity percentage of the main cutting teeth should be higher, while that of the inner bevel teeth with lower cuttings mass flow rate should be lower.

2.3.2. Flow Channel Cutting Matching Evaluation Method

B i is the ratio of the cuttings mass flow rate discharged by the i -th flow channel to the total cuttings discharged from all flow channels;
C i is the ratio of the cuttings mass flow rate generated by the i -th blade to the total cuttings generated by all blades.
If M i = 1, it signifies an ideal state where the amount of discharged cuttings matches precisely with the amount of generated cuttings, indicating a reasonable distribution of hydraulic energy. When the value of M i is closer to 1, it means that the cross-flow phenomenon of rock cuttings is less severe, the travelling distance of rock cuttings is shorter, and the possibility of accumulation is smaller, thus reducing the risk of balling in the drill bit.
If M i ≠ 1, it indicates that the hydraulic energy distribution is unreasonable, resulting in more or less cuttings discharged from some flow channels than the initial cuttings generated on the corresponding blade. This indicates that a certain extent of cuttings cross-flow phenomenon has occurred between the flow channels, and some cuttings have been moved to other flow channels by drilling fluid, which increases the movement time and movement path of cuttings at the bottom of the well, making it impossible for cuttings to be discharged from the bottom of the well in time. Therefore, when designing the hydraulic structure of the PDC drill bit, the cross-flow of cuttings between the flow channels should be minimized or avoided, and the hydraulic structure of the drill bit should be optimized by properly adjusting the position of the nozzle or the injection angle.

2.3.3. Drill Bit Body Erosion Evaluation Method

3.1. bottom-hole flow velocity, 3.2. cutting tooth ceaning and cooling efficiency results, 3.3. matching results of flow channel cutting removal volume, 3.4. blade surface erosion results.

Severe Erosion: The most severe erosion was observed on the No. 3 tooth of the No. 2 secondary blade, which exhibited the highest total erosion rate among all the cutting teeth. It may cause erosion damage to the cutting tooth surface and cutting tooth base in this area. Once an erosion pit is formed, the fluid will undergo a more violent vortex phenomenon, aggravating the erosion of the tooth surface and tooth base, which may eventually lead to tooth loss or tooth breakage.
Moderate Erosion: The cutting teeth’ surface at each blade’s crown has also been eroded, which may affect the rock-breaking efficiency of PDC cutting teeth. Moderate erosion was seen on the No. 3 and No. 4 teeth of the No. 5 main blade, the No. 3 tooth of the No. 1 blade, the No. 3 tooth of the No. 3 blade, the No. 3 tooth of the No. 4 blade, and the No. 3 tooth of the No. 6 blade.
Erosion Distribution: The erosion patterns suggest that certain cutting teeth are more susceptible to erosion. The distribution of erosion suggests a strong correlation with the flow dynamics and the placement of nozzles on the drill bit. High-velocity jets impacting specific cutting teeth likely contribute to the observed erosion patterns. The data highlights the need for optimized nozzle placement and angle and protective measures for more vulnerable teeth to enhance the durability of the PDC drill bit.

4. Discussion

5. conclusions, 6. future work recommendations, author contributions, data availability statement, conflicts of interest.

Hirasaki, G.J.; Lawson, J.B. Mechanisms of Foam Flow in Porous Media: Apparent Viscosity in Smooth Capillaries. Soc. Pet. Eng. J. 1985 , 25 , 176–190. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
Nguyen, Q.P.; Currie, P.K.; Zitha, P.L.J. Motion of Foam Films in Diverging–Converging Channels. J. Colloid Interface Sci. 2004 , 271 , 473–484. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
Wendorff, C.L.; Ainley, B.R. Massive Hydraulic Fracturing of High-Temperature Wells with Stable Frac Foams. In Proceedings of the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, San Antonio, TX, USA, 4–7 October 1981. [ Google Scholar ]
Li, Q.; Zhang, K.; Zhou, Q.; Ling, X.; Liu, B.; Wang, Y. Analysis of the Influence of Cutting Depth on the Ultra-High-Speed Rock Breaking Mechanism of PDC Cutters. Pet. Mach. 2022 , 50 , 1–8. [ Google Scholar ]
Wang, J.; Zou, D.; Yang, G.; He, R.; Chen, X. Interaction Model between PDC Cutting Teeth and Rocks. J. China Univ. Pet. (Ed. Nat. Sci.) 2014 , 38 , 104–109. [ Google Scholar ]
Xu, A. Analysis of the Rock-Breaking Load Law of PDC Drill Bit Cutting Teeth. Explor. Eng. (Rock Soil Drill. Eng.) 2006 , 7 , 59–61. [ Google Scholar ]
Luo, W. Analysis of Cuttings from PDC Drill Bits at Different Wear Stages under Different Drilling Parameters. China New Technol. New Prod. 2010 , 13 , 126. [ Google Scholar ]
Huang, Z.; Shan, D.; Li, Q.; Tan, J.; Yang, M.; Liu, S. Numerical Simulation Study on Bottom Hole Flow Field of Down-the-Hole Drill Bit. Pet. Mach. 2006 , 8 , 11–18. [ Google Scholar ]
Wells, M.; Marvel, T.; Beuershausen, C. Bit Balling Mitigation in PDC Bit Design. In Proceedings of the IADC/SPE Asia Pacific Drilling Technology Conference and Exhibition, Jakarta, Indonesia, 25–27 August 2008. [ Google Scholar ]
Moslemi, A.A.; Rahmani, R.; Graham, R.; Ivie, B. Hydraulic Design of Shale DrillBit Using an Integrated Numerical and Experimental Approach. In Proceedings of the SPE/IADC Drilling Conference and Exhibition, London, UK, 17–19 March 2015. [ Google Scholar ]
Gerbaud, L.; Menand, S.; Sellami, H. PDC Bits: All Comes from the Cutter/Rock Interaction. In Proceedings of the IADC/SPE Drilling Conference, Miami, FL, USA, 21–23 February 2006. [ Google Scholar ]
Rahmani, R.; Smith, J.R.; Taleghani, A.D. Analytical Modeling of PDC Single Cutter-Rock Interaction Under Confining Pressure. In Proceedings of the 46th U.S. Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium, Chicago, IL, USA, 24–27 June 2012. [ Google Scholar ]
Jiang, X.; Duan, L.; Liu, Z. Experimental Study on Erosion Wear of Mud on WC-Based Matrix Material of Drill Bit. Coal Geol. Explor. 2007 , 4 , 77–80. [ Google Scholar ]
Xing, X.; Xu, Y.; Yang, Y.; Wang, G. Study on Erosion Characteristics of Particle Impact Drilling Bit Internal Flow Channel. Pet. Mach. 2015 , 43 , 39–43. [ Google Scholar ]
Zhao, J.; Zhang, G.; Xu, Y.; Wang, R.; Zhou, W.; Yang, D. Experimental and Theoretical Evaluation of Solid Particle Erosion in an Internal Flow Passage within a Drilling Bit. J. Pet. Sci. Eng. 2018 , 160 , 582–596. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
Zhao, J.; Zhang, G.; Xu, Y.; Wang, R.; Zhou, W.; Han, L. Wear of WC-Based Matrix Material of Drill Bit Internal Flow Channel under Solid-Liquid Two-Phase Flow Particle Erosion. J. Cent. South Univ. (Nat. Sci. Ed.) 2018 , 49 , 1228–1236. [ Google Scholar ]
Wang, Y.; Zhang, S.; Wang, W.; Lv, L. Numerical Simulation and Simulation of PDC Drill Bit under Rotating Flow Field. Yunnan Chem. Ind. 2019 , 46 , 174–175. [ Google Scholar ]
Wu, Z.; Wang, Y.; Pan, Y.; Wang, W.; Lv, L. Comparative Study on Numerical Simulation of Rotating Flow Field and Non-Rotating Flow Field of PDC Drill Bit. Oilfield Mach. 2020 , 49 , 10–15. [ Google Scholar ]
Guo, B.; Miska, S.; Hareland, G. A Simple Approach to Determination of Bottom Hole Pressure in Directional Foam Drilling. ASME Drill. Technol. Symp. 2005 , 65 , 329–338. [ Google Scholar ]
Zhai, Y.; Wang, Z.; Zhang, T. Experimental study on the annular cuttings migration rules in the horizontal section of aerated underbalanced drilling. Sci. Technol. Technol. Eng. 2016 , 25 , 8–11. [ Google Scholar ]
Ming, Y.; Lan, Q.; Li, H.; Liu, Z.; Bu, F. Research and field testing of high temperature resistant foam drilling fluid in deep wells. Pet. Drill. Tech. 2018 , 46 , 47–53. [ Google Scholar ]
Guo, L. Two-Phase and Multiphase Flow Dynamics ; Xi’an Jiaotong University Press: Xi’an, China, 2002; pp. 23–26. [ Google Scholar ]
Li, J.; Bian, C.; Liu, Z.; Hou, H. Study on Flow Field Characteristics of Rotary Cutting PDC Bit Based on DPM Model. Pet. Mach. 2021 , 49 , 24–32. [ Google Scholar ]
Pu, G. ANSYS Workbench Basic Tutorials and Detailed Examples , 2nd ed.; China Water Conservancy and Hydropower Press: Shanghai, China, 2013; pp. 48–56. [ Google Scholar ]
Burns, A.D.; Frank, T.; Hamill, I.; Shi, J.M. The favre averaged drag model for turbulent dispersion in Eulerian multi-phase flows. J. Fluid Mech. 2004 , 392 , 67–93. [ Google Scholar ]
Wang, F. Principles and Applications of CFD Software for Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis ; Tsinghua University Press: Beijing, China, 2004; pp. 5–8. [ Google Scholar ]
Kalitzin, G.; Medic, G.; Iaccarino, G.; Durbin, P. Near-wall behavior of RANS turbulence models and implications for wall functions. J. Comput. Phys. 2005 , 204 , 265–291. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
Li, W.; Yang, H.; Liu, S. Simulation Study on Flow Field Characteristics of PDC Bit Rotating Nozzle. Oilfield Mach. 2023 , 52 , 26–32. [ Google Scholar ]
Chen, Z.; Wang, M.; Li, X.; Shi, H.; Fan, Y.; He, W. Numerical simulation research and field test of bottom hole flow field of PDC drill bit. Drill. Prod. Technol. 2023 , 46 , 85–93. [ Google Scholar ]
Bitter, J.G. A Study of Erosion Phenomena Part I. Wear 1963 , 6 , 5–21. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
Bitter, J.G. A Study of Erosion Phenomena Part II. Wear 1963 , 6 , 169–190. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
Liu, X. Numerical Simulation of Erosion Wear in Spiral Axial Flow Mixed Transportation Pump Inlet Pipeline ; China University of Petroleum (Beijing): Beijing, China, 2018. [ Google Scholar ]
Tilly, G. A Two-Stage Mechanism of Ductile Erosion. Wear 1973 , 23 , 87–96. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
Yang, Y.; Qin, C.; Kuang, Y. Numerical Simulation and Comparison of Static and Rotating Flow Fields of PDC Drill Bits. Drill. Prod. Technol. 2015 , 38 , 82–85. [ Google Scholar ]
Shen, Y.; Liu, J.; Cheng, X. Application of Foam Drilling Technology in Kenya OW904 Ultra-High-Temperature Geothermal Well. J. Chongqing Univ. Sci. Technol. (Nat. Sci. Ed.) 2009 , 11 , 16–32. [ Google Scholar ]

Click here to enlarge figure

Mesh Scheme	Minimum Mesh Size (mm)	Cutting Tooth Velocity (m/s)
Coarse Mesh	3	14.712
Medium Mesh	1.5	15.267
Fine Mesh	1	15.324

Cutting Parameters	Tooth No. 1	Tooth No. 2	Tooth No. 3	Tooth No. 4	Tooth No. 5	Tooth No. 6	Tooth No. 7
Cuttings Mass Flow Rate (kg/s)	0.004	0.014	0.025	0.024	0.028	0.018	0.001
initial velocity (m/s)	0.107	0.35	0.592	0.851	1.096	1.249	1.281
direction of movement (X)	0.016	0.005	0.038	−0.169	−0.609	−0.882	−0.902
direction of movement (Y)	0.326	0.344	0.365	0.241	0.004	−0.149	−0.086
direction of movement (Z)	−0.909	−0.901	−0.883	−0.904	−0.716	−0.287	0.002

Blade Number	Blade No. 1	Blade No. 2	Blade No. 3	Blade No. 4	Blade No. 5	Blade No. 6
Cuttings Mass Flow Rate (kg/s)	0.114	0.069	0.101	0.081	0.108	0.071

The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.

Share and Cite

Wei, L.; Honra, J. Computational Fluid Dynamics Study on Bottom-Hole Multiphase Flow Fields Formed by Polycrystalline Diamond Compact Drill Bits in Foam Drilling. Fluids 2024 , 9 , 211. https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids9090211

Wei L, Honra J. Computational Fluid Dynamics Study on Bottom-Hole Multiphase Flow Fields Formed by Polycrystalline Diamond Compact Drill Bits in Foam Drilling. Fluids . 2024; 9(9):211. https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids9090211

Wei, Lihong, and Jaime Honra. 2024. "Computational Fluid Dynamics Study on Bottom-Hole Multiphase Flow Fields Formed by Polycrystalline Diamond Compact Drill Bits in Foam Drilling" Fluids 9, no. 9: 211. https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids9090211

Article Metrics

Article access statistics, further information, mdpi initiatives, follow mdpi.

Subscribe to receive issue release notifications and newsletters from MDPI journals

IMAGES

Engineering Research Paper With Best Topics & Writing Help
Top 60 Examples of Qualitative Research Topics in 2021
Qualitative Research: Definition, Types, Methods and Examples
189+ Most Exciting Qualitative Research Topics For Students
151+ Brilliant Qualitative Research Topics for STEM Students
150+ Best Engineering Research Topics for Students To Consider

VIDEO

Research Topics On Environmental Engineering
Range of Topics in Qualitative Research
Difference Between Quantitative and Qualitative Research #quantitativeresearch #qualitativeresearch
Emerging Trends & Technologies in Electronics Engineering
Type of Research |Quantitative & Qualititative |Nursing Research
Qualitative Research||Methods, Types, advantages and disadvantages of qualitative research

COMMENTS

Excellent 110+ Engineering Research Topics
Mechanical Engineering Research Topics. Mechanical engineering deals with the design and manufacture of physical or automated systems. These systems include power and energy systems, engines, compressors, kinematic chains, robotics, etc. Here are some impressive mechanical engineering topics that double as mechanical engineering thesis topics too.
PDF Qualitative Research Basics: A Guide for Engineering Educators
NSF DUE-0341127, 2008. Introduction. It is our intention in this manual to provide an overview of the use of qualitative research methods in the engineering education context. Our assumption is that users of this guide will be fairly new to qualitative approaches—and perhaps new to educational research in general.
Top 70 Qualitative Research Topics for Stem Students
STEM fields excel in quantitative data, experiments, and mathematical models, but qualitative research adds a crucial human dimension. Here's how it benefits STEM students: Communication Skills: It improves clear expression of ideas, listening to diverse perspectives, and presenting research effectively. New Perspectives: Understand societal ...
500+ Qualitative Research Titles and Topics
Qualitative Research Topics. Qualitative Research Topics are as follows: Understanding the lived experiences of first-generation college students. Exploring the impact of social media on self-esteem among adolescents. Investigating the effects of mindfulness meditation on stress reduction. Analyzing the perceptions of employees regarding ...
Qualitative methods for engineering systems: Why we need them and how
This paper discusses the role that qualitative methods can and should play in engineering systems research and lays out the process of doing good qualitative research. As engineering research increasingly focuses on sociotechnical systems, in which human behavior and organizational context play important roles in system behavior, there is an ...
60+ Innovative Qualitative Research Topics for STEM Students
Understanding Qualitative Research in STEM. Qualitative research offers a unique perspective on the human aspects of STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), focusing on experiences and meanings rather than numbers. Here's a simplified breakdown: Characteristics. Methods: Uses interviews, focus groups, and observations.
(PDF) Qualitative Research Methods in Engineering
Qualitative Research is often about the local rather than the general, and usually involves. human actions and interactions. Such data is notoriously difficult to plan, collect, analyse, code and ...
Using Qualitative Research Methods in Engineering Design Research
Facilitating this understanding of engineering design requires research methodologies that can capture the nature of the design process from a diversity of aspects, i.e., cognitive, creative, social, organizational, and experiential. While a large majority of research in engineering design has focused on quantitative methodologies, there are ...
Qualitative methods for engineering systems: Why we need them and how
Abstract. This paper discusses the role that qualitative methods can and should play in engineering systems research and lays out the process of doing good qualitative research. As engineering ...
Have you ever wondered why? Qualitative research methods to investigate
This session will engage participants in how to apply multiple qualitative research methods to examine emerging issues in engineering education. The focus will be on using qualitative methods — grounded theory, thematic analysis, and content analysis — across multiple data collection methods (individual interviews, focus groups, key informant interviews, and policy/programmatic artifacts ...
Using qualitative research methods in engineering design research
In this paper we provide an overview of qualitative research methods, outline key opportunities where qualitative methods can be used to enhance engineering design research, and present a case example of a qualitative study on interdisciplinary interactions in complex system design. Keywords: Qualitative research, interdisciplinary interactions ...
PDF Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Research Methods in Engineering
SThe purpose of this paper is to open a dialog of methods in engi- neering education research. Our position is that no particular method (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed) is privileged over any other. Rather, the choice of method must be driven by the research questions (Creswell, 2002).
Qualitative Research Quality: A Collaborative Inquiry Across Multiple
Introduction. The engineering education research community is embracing a diverse range of qualitative methods of inquiry (Case & Light, 2011; Douglas, Koro-Ljungberg, & Borrego, 2010).With their focus on rich descriptions of lived experiences and perspectives, these approaches are inherently suited to addressing key areas of the expanding research agenda (Johri & Olds, 2014), such as ...
150+ Best Engineering Research Topics for Students To Consider
Engineering Research Paper Topic Selection Tips. When it comes to research in the field of engineering, identifying the best engineering research topic is the first step. So, during that process, in order to identify the right topic, consider the following tips. Choose a topic from the research area matching your interest.
PDF 170+ Qualitative Research Topics for STEM Students
Qualitative research in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is a dynamic and evolving field that seeks to delve into the intricacies of human experiences, perceptions, and behaviors within scientific inquiry and technological advancement. Stemming from a rich tradition of inquiry-based learning and interdisciplinary ...
Qualitative research in software engineering
For this reason, we solicited submissions for this Special Issue on the topic of "Qualitative Research in Software Engineering". This special issue was meant to overcome some of the methodological challenges by providing software engineering researchers with good examples of the state of the art in the application of qualitative research methods to software engineering problems.
Uncovering Epistemologies and Values of Our Qualitative Engineering
Background: In engineering education research, we have made great strides in both our advanced qualitative research methodologies and the acceptance of qualitative research within the broader field. This shift in our community likely marks a shift in our epistemologies and a shift in our values, but we are still feeling a pull towards positivist epistemologies from funding agencies, journals ...
Top 60 Examples of Qualitative Research Topics
Anthropology. Political science. Psychology. Business management. History. Social science. The main goal of qualitative research is to help you understand the topic of your assignment by identifying the most important aspects of your topic and gathering enough information to provide an in-depth analysis of the topic at hand and provide the ...
Planning Qualitative Research: Design and Decision Making for New
While many books and articles guide various qualitative research methods and analyses, there is currently no concise resource that explains and differentiates among the most common qualitative approaches. We believe novice qualitative researchers, students planning the design of a qualitative study or taking an introductory qualitative research course, and faculty teaching such courses can ...
Qualitative Research Methods in Engineering
In qualitative research the context is critical because of the myriad of interactions that occur in different applications and cultures. There is also a myriad of qualitative research methodologies that can be employed, including phenomenology, phenomenography, ethnography, case study research and narrative research.
What Is Qualitative Research?
Revised on September 5, 2024. Qualitative research involves collecting and analyzing non-numerical data (e.g., text, video, or audio) to understand concepts, opinions, or experiences. It can be used to gather in-depth insights into a problem or generate new ideas for research. Qualitative research is the opposite of quantitative research, which ...
189+ Most Exciting Qualitative Research Topics For Students
4. Feasibility: Assess whether the topic is feasible within the scope of your research project.Consider factors like available time, resources, and access to potential participants or data sources. 5. Clarity and Specificity: Your research topic should be clear, specific, and well-defined. Avoid overly broad topics that are difficult to explore in depth.
CMM 676
Qualitative Research: an introduction to methods and designs by Stephen D. Lapan (Editor); MaryLynn T. Quartaroli (Editor); Frances J. Riemer (Editor) The authors--noted scholars and researchers--provide an up-to-date guide to qualitative study design, data collection, analysis, and reporting. Step by step, the authors explain a range of methodologies and methods for conducting qualitative ...
Computational Fluid Dynamics Study on Bottom-Hole Multiphase Flow
High-temperature geothermal wells frequently employ foam drilling fluids and Polycrystalline Diamond Compact (PDC) drill bits. Understanding the bottom-hole flow field of PDC drill bits in foam drilling is essential for accurately analyzing their hydraulic structure design. Based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and multiphase flow theory, this paper establishes a numerical simulation ...

110 Engineering Research Topics For Engineering Students!

110 Engineering Topic Ideas in Different Areas

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Top 70 Qualitative Research Topics for Stem Students

Qualitative Research Topics for STEM Students PDF

Qualitative Research Topics for STEM Students

Engineering

Mathematics

Computer Science

Environmental Science

Qualitative Research Topics for STEM Based on Difficulty Level

Qualitative Research Topics for SETM Based on Grades

Choosing the Right Qualitative Research Topic for STEM

Fueling Your Passion

Balancing Feasibility

Seeking Guidance

Refining Your Topic

Conducting Qualitative Research for STEM

Choosing the Right Method

Ethical Research Practices

Data Collection and Analysis

Related Posts

50 Top Physical Science Research Topics for High School Students

Top 80 Civil Engineering Research Paper Topics for Students

500+ Qualitative Research Titles and Topics

Qualitative Research Titles

Health Science

Business and Management

Environmental Studies

Anthropology

Communication Studies

Information Technology

Tourism and Hospitality

Qualitative Research Topics

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

You may also like

500+ Psychology Research Topic Ideas

500+ History Research Paper Topics

500+ Criminal Justice Research Topics

500+ Sports Research Topics

500+ Music Research Topics

500+ Google Scholar Research Topics

Qualitative methods for engineering systems: Why we need them and how to use them

No full-text available

IEEE Account

Purchase Details

Profile Information

150+ Best Engineering Research Topics for Students To Consider

Engineering Research Paper Topic Selection Tips

List of the Best Engineering Research Topics

Mechanical Engineering Research Topics

Additional Research Paper Topics on Mechanical Engineering

Civil Engineering Research Topics

Environmental Engineering Research Paper Topics

Electrical Engineering Research Topics

Electronics and Communications Engineering Research Topics

Computer and Software Engineering Research Topics

Network and Cybersecurity Engineering Research Topics

Industrial Engineering Research Paper Topics

Biomedical Engineering Research Ideas

Chemical Engineering Research Topics

Miscellaneous Engineering Research Ideas

Related Post

110 Hard Words to Spell for Students and Adults

Learn How to Avoid Passive Voice in 3 Simple Steps

117 Best Greek Mythology Essay Topics For Students

Jacob Smith

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

140 Unique Geology Research Topics to Focus On

Qualitative research in software engineering

Cite this article

Author information

Corresponding author

Rights and permissions

About this article

Share this article

Studies in Engineering Education

Literature Reviews

Introduction