Why Did You Choose Qualitative Research Method?
A qualitative research method was chosen in this study because it provided an in-depth understanding of the postulated topic rather than dwell on a shallow description of the sampled population. Through a thorough description of the elements, researchers can easily identify the pattern and structure that conforms to the topic under study. Since the research aimed to discover why people choose to pursue mentorship careers, understanding the resulting perceptions, feelings, and values could only be realized by adopting qualitative research techniques ( Flick, 2018) . Also, this research method was adopted because the study required the development of hypotheses that could be tested and used in the future. Even though qualitative research method does not provide a statistical validation, it is still a reliable platform through which better conclusions can be arrived at. Considering that people may harbor different reasons that attract them to explore mentorship, statistical conclusions cannot provide a deeper understanding of these factors. Therefore, with qualitative research methods, the information gleaned from different sources can be used to draw better conclusions on why people choose the mentorship programs. Lastly, this research method was chosen because it proved to be a better remedy for the financial constraints incurred in complex statistical evaluation approaches ( Flick, 2018) .
How did you determine the sample size to be sufficient?
In the drafted dissertation, the sample population of twelve participants was used. In analyzing how this sample size was arrived at, it is worth noting that there is no specific formula for calculating a sampled population in qualitative research. Based on Creswell’s recommendations, the chosen number of participants depended on the achievement of the vital traits of the participants, the quality of the required information and the skewness of the topic under study (Creswell & Creswell, 2017). Considering that the research was based on examining some of the factors that compel people to become mentors, the participants were expected to manifest qualities associated with different fields of mentorship. Although the sampling process was carried out randomly, the required population size was determined once the number of participants bearing different sets of information and specialization capacities was arrived at. Considering that the success of the research was based on the selection of the participants, it was prudent to determine the sample size that incorporates mentors plying their duties in different fields of the discipline. Also, the sample size was determined based on the amount of information that has to be gleaned from participants. Considering that qualitative research is based on the collection of vast and in-depth information, the process can be achieved by having a slightly small population sample. Based on this concept, a sample size of twelve participants was considered convenient since it proved to be effective in situations where follow up questions are required.
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Why is your study important? What, specifically, does your study do that cannot be found anywhere else? Why is this important?
This research is important since it helps people understand the whole mentoring process. However, this study is unique since it is geared toward examining some of the key factors that drive people to become mentors. For a long period, there has been limited research on the key reasons that make people become mentors. It is through this concern that this study is specifically unique. Even though the mentoring programs are focused on helping the society in general, it is worth exploring the key factors that drive individuals into the mentoring career. Through this discovery, mentors can understand the challenges that impede mentorship in general. With the rising urge of mentorship programs in the current world, understanding the main factors that motivate people to pursue the career can help to strategize on how the majority of individuals can be recruited into the program. Based on this concept, it is evident that this study will have a meaningful contribution to the mentorship practice on the globe. Considering that the success of mentorship programs stems from the motivation behind the mentor, understanding these reasons can have an immense impact on the future of the practice. Therefore, it is worth noting that the rising cases of drug abuse, poverty, truancy, and violence can only be mitigated through the effective implementation of mentorship programs. Nevertheless, these problems can only be alleviated by understanding the main factors that motivate individuals into mentorship programs.
Question 1
Even though the study successfully identified some of the factors that motivate individuals to venture into mentorship programs, there are still gaps that need to be investigated in the future. Identification of the key qualities of mentors is another key research area that needs to be explored. Although mentoring is essential in helping people realize their future dreams, it is worth noting that not all mentors have the traits that conform to what is required by their mentees. The exploration of this research area is important since people tend to be attracted by the qualities exhibited by the mentors. The success of the mentorship process depends on how the mentee can emulate and admire the mentor. Therefore, this research can prove to be vital in the revitalization of the mentoring exercises on the globe. With the knowledge gleaned from this research area, mentees can receive a proper understanding of the type of mentor they need to achieve their dreams in life.
Question 2
A business corporation and the society are the two important entities that can benefit from this research. In the current world, a business entity must adapt to changes in order to survive in a competitive environment ( Eller, Lev & Feurer, 2014). However, the concept of change in the business domain is described as the ability of an entity to embrace innovation and invention. Based on this concept, it is evident that for a business entity to successfully explore new technological concepts, there is a need to expose the organization staff into mentorship initiatives. Through this knowledge, it is no secret that the current business entities should integrate mentorship and coaching of its employees in their operations. However, this process can be successful if the selection of the mentors conforms to the concepts elicited in this research. As indicated in the dissertation, understanding the qualities and the motives behind every mentor can be vital in determining the success of the process to the respective mentees.
Also, the identification of the key motivations behind mentors can be used to improve the mentorship programs in society. When the needs of the mentees are addressed based on the qualities exhibited by the mentors, an immense behavioral change can be realized in the society. The improvement of the mentoring programs can help to nurture proper social conditions that conform to the needs of the youths. With this knowledge, the whole society can benefit from the reduction of social ills among other behavioral problems.
Question 3
Even though the Foster Care Mentoring Act was enacted in 2012, little rewards have been reaped from the policy ( Geiger & Schelbe, 2014). With the rising cases of school dropout children, there is a need to promote mentorship programs in the private sector. For the enacted policy to have better rewards, there is a need for the federal government to ensure that the programs are exercised in all sectors of the economy. Since the dissertation postulated that people pursue mentorship programs to have a positive impact on the society, funding such individuals can equally have an immense impact on the society. This is the main information that the public needs to be enlightened on. With this information, there can be a massive improvement in people’s living standards. For instance, the integration of this concept with the financial power of the private sector can serve to strengthen the community’s moral fabric.
How might your recommendations and conclusions be applied in the “real world”?
As indicated by the results of the study, people venture into mentorship programs to change the society. Based on this conclusion, it will be prudent if the mentorship programs are implemented in the local, state and national level for the betterment of the next generation. For a while, both the federal and local governments have been spearheading initiatives such as Grad nation project ( Strom & Strom, 2013). In order to effectively implement the conclusions elicited from the dissertation, it will be prudent for the respective government authorities to integrate the mentorship programs in the respective public projects. With the integration of mentoring in the nation bound initiatives, decision-making is likely to be improved among the associated leaders and the general public. It is through this strategy that cases such as obesity, poverty, and corruption can be mitigated in the society.
Which one was the most difficult research question for you to analyze or prove once data was collected? Why?
“How have these factors changed over time?” This was one of the secondary research questions that was hard to prove. Even though the research was able to discover some of the key factors that influence both mentees and mentors, there was still inadequate data in assessing how the variables have changed with time. Considering that these factors vary among different individuals, it is difficult to determine the change accurately. Also, despite the existence of data, there was still a huge variance in the responses gleaned from the various participants. With few common answers, estimating the change is impossible, and even if achieved, it may not be reliable based on the limited number of responses.
What have you learned about yourself as a researcher and new academic because of going through the dissertation process?
As a researcher, I have learned that the effectiveness of mentorship programs depends on how both the mentee and the mentor have mastered the system. However, it is worth noting that this conclusion was arrived at by diligently adhering to an in-depth process of reviewing the literature, designing the study and adopting proper data collection techniques. As much as most mentees are considered to be younger than their mentors, there must be respect between the two individuals. Based on this concept, I have learned that the impact of mentoring depends on the time required for both the mentee and the mentor to have a common understanding. Therefore, the availability of the mentors and how easy their respective mentees can approach them is instrumental in the effectiveness of mentorship programs. Also, I have learned that better results in such sensitive topics can be achieved by using qualitative research technologies. This approach provides a proper platform through which an in-depth coverage of the topic can be realized.
References
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approach . Sage publications.
Eller, L. S., Lev, E. L., & Feurer, A. (2014). Key components of an effective mentoring relationship: A qualitative study. Nurse education today , 34 (5), 815-820.
Flick, U. (2018). An introduction to qualitative research . Sage Publications Limited.
Geiger, J. M., & Schelbe, L. A. (2014). Stopping the cycle of child abuse and neglect: A call to action to focus on pregnant and parenting youth in and aging out of the foster care system. Journal of Public Child Welfare , 8 (1), 25-50.
Strom, P. S., & Strom, R. D. (2013). Collaboration and support for student success. Community College Journal of Research and Practice , 37 (8), 585-595.
