A number of scholars and researchers from the University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies were among the panelists and presenters at the 13th Annual Qualitative Review Conference held virtually January 19-21. The conference looked at the impact of qualitative research with a focus on how it was driving change and social impact. The conference was called “Research ‘For a Change’: Time to Evoke, Provoke and Invoke.”
University of Phoenix researchers addressed topics like vetting information bias to maintain civil discourse, supporting faculty during a pandemic, reshaping higher education institutions to serve adult learners during a pandemic and using observational data for qualitative research.
“The University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies has a keen focus on qualitative research,” said Hinrich Eylers, Ph.D., P.E., vice provost, College of Doctoral Studies at University of Phoenix, noting that the conference allowed students and faculty scholars to “share their findings as well as examine their research process and influences.”
What Is Qualitative Research?
Qualitative research is research that focuses on the why of social phenomena by using systems of inquiry and relies on a specific strategy for gathering textual information. In other words, qualitative research uses inductive approaches.
In quantitative research, there is an underlying number describing specific phenomena being researched. For instance, a researcher might ask what proportion of people with epilepsy stop taking their medication for three consecutive days in a six-month period. In qualitative research, the researcher would approach the information differently, and might instead ask how medication shapes the lives of people with epilepsy.
Through qualitative methods, which rely on interviews and observations in natural settings, researchers can arrive at a more holistic description of processes, mechanisms or environments. These methods also give greater weight to patient experiences and reactions.
University of Phoenix Scholars Highlighted at Qualitative Research Conference
The Qualitative Review Conference brought together scholars from around the world including a number of faculty and graduate students from the University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies who are thought leaders in this space. One speaker was Erik Bean, Ed.D., a faculty member who wrote the 2021 book Bias Is All Around You: A Handbook for Inspecting Social Media and News Stories, which provides insights into how people can curtail personal biases, vet information and contribute meaningfully to civil discourse.
Kimberly Underwood, Ph.D., M.B.A., chair of the Center for Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Research (CWDIR) at University of Phoenix presented on the topic of faculty support. Underwood has an extensive background in academia and government and leads workforce development initiatives at the University. The CWDIR brings together scholars from across the University and the alumni community who are researching diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in workplace and community settings.
Mansureh Kebritchi, Ph.D., chair of the Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research (CEITR) at University of Phoenix was also a featured presenter. Dr. Kebritchi studies ways to improve teaching and learning in K-12, higher education and corporate settings. The center she leads serves as a home for faculty and students across the University who are interested in developing high-quality teaching methods, understanding and evolving online learning and studying global trends in education.
The College of Doctoral Studies at University of Phoenix
The faculty and graduate students participating in the Qualitative Review Conference are part of the College of Doctoral Studies at University of Phoenix. The College has been undergoing changes that have led to increases in student retention rates and student satisfaction with their dissertation experience. Whether students are pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration, Doctor of Education, Doctor of Health Administration, Doctor of Management or Doctor of Nursing Practice, they are completing their degrees at higher rates under a new faculty model and changes to the dissertation model. Since the changes, retention rates have increased by about 10 percent, and there has been an over 50 percent positive response to the dissertation experience.
University of Phoenix’s Scholar-Practitioner-Leader℠ model prepares doctoral students for career success through a combination of rigorous inquiry, academic study and practical application in qualitative research and many other educational pursuits.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is continually innovating to help working adults enhance their careers in a rapidly changing world. The University offers a range of online options including associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs as well as professional certifications all designed to align with the career goals of adult learners. The University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies offers doctoral degrees in a number of high-growth career areas including healthcare, business and education. Through this program, students and researchers work with organizations to conduct research that can be applied in the workplace in real time. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, and the Career Services for Life® commitment to active students and graduates help them more effectively pursue career aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.
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