Start writing early, revise, reconceptualize, and rewrite! When you get stuck
expressing an idea, bounce it off a colleague or a friend. Often by discussing a
difficult or challenging aspect of your research with someone else, you find new
ways to express yourself and can return to your computer later and put it in print.
Unlike a statistical report of numeric findings, a primary goal when writing a
qualitative report is to engage the reader in your study. You must bring alive your
findings through the voices and examples of the people who provided you with
your information. You must convey accurately, yet succinctly, the fine details, the
nuances and the exciting discoveries of your research.
Regardless of your audience (e.g. editor of journal or course professor),
research writing must be well-organized, use appropriate language, and include an
introduction, a body and a conclusion (refer to Chapter 7). You must also decide
if you should write an analytic or reflective report. Analytic reports use an objective
writing style where the researcher’s voice is subdued or silent (third person). This
is a traditional form of academic writing and still required in certain circles.
Reflective reports, in contrast, are characterized by the presence of the researcher’s
voice (first person) and more literary freedom of expression. Reflective reporting
is more common in qualitative research; however, it is not your personal
preference which guides the decision, it is the needs and requirements of your
reading audience.