Focus and Scope

FOCUS

Journal of Qualitative Research (JQR) focuses on the development, application, and advancement of qualitative research methodologies in the fields of education, social sciences, humanities, and health. The journal emphasizes deep explorations of human experiences, cultural and social phenomena, and meaning-making processes through diverse qualitative approaches such as phenomenology, ethnography, grounded theory, narrative inquiry, case study, and participatory action research.

JQR aims to promote methodological innovation and reflective practice in qualitative inquiry, supporting researchers, educators, and practitioners in understanding complex realities, improving professional practices, and contributing to theory-building across disciplines. The journal encourages submissions that explore epistemological foundations, methodological rigor, ethical considerations, and transformative impacts of qualitative research in both local and global contexts.

SCOPE

The scope of the journal includes, but is not limited to, the following areas:

Qualitative Research Methodology

Covers discussions on the development and refinement of qualitative approaches, including research design, sampling strategies, data collection (interviews, observations, focus groups, documents), data analysis techniques (thematic, content, discourse, or narrative analysis), and methodological innovation in digital and hybrid contexts.

Educational Qualitative Studies

Explores teaching, learning, and institutional practices through qualitative perspectives. Topics include classroom interaction, curriculum implementation, teacher identity, student learning experiences, and culturally responsive pedagogy in various educational settings.

Phenomenology and Lived Experience

Focuses on the study of lived experiences to uncover meaning and essence in human behavior and social interactions. Areas of interest include motivation, learning experience, leadership, well-being, professional identity, and emotional engagement.

Ethnography and Cultural Research

Examines cultural practices, social norms, and community dynamics through immersive and contextualized inquiry. Includes studies on indigenous knowledge, local wisdom, social justice, and intercultural education.

Narrative and Discourse Analysis

Investigates how stories, language, and communication shape identity, knowledge, and power relations. Topics include narrative identity, autoethnography, storytelling in education, discourse analysis, and linguistic representations in social and institutional contexts.

Grounded Theory and Theoretical Development

Addresses the generation of theory from data through grounded theory methodology. Focuses on conceptual modeling, coding processes, and the integration of emergent theory with practice in education, health, and organizational research.

Action Research and Participatory Inquiry

Highlights research that involves collaboration with participants to improve practice and foster empowerment. Includes classroom action research, community-based participatory research, and practitioner-led studies for social or institutional transformation.

Ethics, Reflexivity, and Researcher Positionality

Discusses ethical principles, researcher identity, and reflexive practice in conducting qualitative research. Includes considerations of bias, representation, confidentiality, and engagement with vulnerable or marginalized populations.

Interdisciplinary Qualitative Studies

Encourages cross-disciplinary approaches that connect qualitative inquiry in education, psychology, health, sociology, and communication studies. Focuses on how qualitative insights contribute to innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development.