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One of the main strengths of qualitative research is to focus on ideas, concepts and meanings involving individuals and groups of people in their own discourse. Instead of testing a narrow hypothesis or making a generalisation about a population on certain issues under investigation, qualitative research attempts to present different insights which can only be unearthed by direct and personal engagement with research participants (Brannen, 1992). This engagement should take place in a natural social context where real life takes place. However, conducting qualitative research in China can pose a huge challenge for both Chinese and international researchers. This paper examines some problems (ethics, linguistics, etc) of using qualitative research methods and tools such as interviews, participant observation, and Critical Discourse Analysis in China.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	qualitative research, social context, China.
Research Division:	Education
Research Group:	Specialist studies in education
Research Field:	Comparative and cross-cultural education
Objective Division:	Education and Training
Objective Group:	Schools and learning environments
Objective Field:	Equity and access to education
UTAS Author:	Yang, G (Ms Annie Yang)
UTAS Author:	Le, T (Dr Thao Le)
ID Code:	53981
Year Published:	2008
Deposited By:	Education
Deposited On:	2009-02-04
Last Modified:	2013-02-14
Downloads:	2 View Download Statistics