Question
Answered step-by-step
et9944
Qualitative Reporting: Case Scenario Counselors and school…
Qualitative Reporting: Case Scenario
Counselors and school counselors are concerned about the current trend in the use of
technology and how excessive use of technology can lead to an increase in mood disorders and
addiction. Research indicates this is particularly true for our youth. A complicating factor is that
many youth use technology everyday as a source of connection and socializing; therefore,
researchers determine it would be helpful to better understand the motivation for youth’s use of
technology and how their use influences their behaviors. First, the authors must identify a
theoretical framework for their qualitative study.
Exploring the experiences of youth who use technology can help counselors develop
adequate and proper interventions to treat those being negatively impacted by an overuse of
technology. The purpose of this study is to explore youth motivations for using technology and
how their use might impact their daily functioning. The research question is: What are youth’s
motivations for using technology and how does it impact their daily functioning?
The researchers designed a study using a convenience sample of 10 participants that
responded to an initial screening survey and who indicated they excessively use technology in
some manner. After obtaining parental consent, the participants were then interviewed to discuss
their use of technology and the impact their use of technology had on their daily function. The
transcripts of the interview were coded and then rigorously analyzed by all researchers and core
ideas were developed. The research team came to a consensus of the identified themes, patterns,
and relationships. The researcher then attempted to link the research findings to the research
question.
Some of the themes (and relevant participant quotes) that emerged from the data are:
Theme #1: Youth use technology as their main source of peer connection
Quotes:
Billy said: “I play video games with my friends each day when I get the chance.”
Melissa said: “I’m in school all day long and when I get home I want to be able
to talk to my friends.”
Mark said: “Most nights I stay up late so I can group chat with friends.”
Theme #2: Youth use technology when it is expected of them
Quotes:
Ruth said: “Even when I’m with my family I can’t help but look at my phone.
There is not a minute that I’m not getting a text or snapchat from my friends.”
Jeff said: “My friends always want me to text them or be online even when it is a
school night.”
Krista said: “I have over a thousand followers on Instagram so I have to post
everyday so they keep following me.”
Qualitative Reporting: Template Questions
· What was the research question?
· What type of study design is used? (i.e., Grounded Theory, Phenomenology, Consensual
Qualitative Research, or Participatory Action Research?) Please explain.
· What themes emerged from the interviews? How do the participant quotes inform the theme?
· How do these themes address the research question?
· What are the implications of the results for the study and the counseling field?
