Complex Teams and Qualitative Research

Abstract

AbstractQualitative researchers are increasingly called on to take part in research teams with complex mixes of disciplinary, methodological, and global connections. Unfortunately, many are not well prepared to work in these circumstances. Moreover, the leaders of these teams often lack knowledge of the ways qualitative researchers could enrich team processes through the unique characteristics of qualitative research and the special skills those trained in this methodological approach could bring to the project. Social scientists have few curricular materials or instructional models to guide them in learning how to better integrate qualitative researchers on team research projects. This goal of this chapter is to bring attention to this issue and raise key concerns that will require attention to address this issue. The chapter provides an overview of the small body of research that has developed in regard to qualitative research and complex teams and then raises a set of four key issues that need attention: (a) making the best use of qualitative research on a team; (b) selecting digital tools; (c) attending to new developments in writing; and (d) addressing issues of social justice. Also included is a discussion of the curricular issues that must be considered as the field moves forward to consider the ways qualitative researchers can best enter this new world of complex teams.