Processing the Process: One Research Team's Experience of a Collaborative Research Project

Abstract

Students and faculty frequently collaborate on research. This paper presents the processes of a research team that not only conducted a qualitative research study but also investigated interactions and group dynamics while engaged in the project. Although the postmodern paradigm places importance on all voices being heard, could faculty and students work through the hierarchical structure and genuinely collaborate? Transcripts from individual interviews and a research team focus group were analyzed using phenomenological techniques. Six core themes emerged, providing a description of the group processes. Suggestions for researchers considering a collaborative qualitative research project are offered.