Qualitative Research Design
The research for this study is conducted on the basis of a qualitative approach
rather than a quantitative or mixed methods framework. The pillars of this
naturalistic methodology were a combination of in-depth interviews and detailed
documentation analysis. There are two reasons for choosing this approach. First,
given the current relatively underdeveloped state of faculty research in Thailand, a
purely statistical analysis could be negatively affected by a lack of reliable statistical
content. Second, a qualitative strategy based on open-ended questions and specific
individual experience makes it easier to analyze Thai research in a larger, integrated
context. This broader perspective could include important factors such as faculty
motivation, the vagaries of higher education policy, and the impact of globalization,
among others.