Semi-structured in-depth interviewing and ethnography with Mexican college students in the Northeast : a comparative case

Author / Creator

Ballinas, Jorge, author

Available as

Online

Summary

In this article, I discuss some of the decisions and dilemmas behind selecting particular qualitative research methods for my dissertation research. Using semi-structured in-depth interviewing and ...

In this article, I discuss some of the decisions and dilemmas behind selecting particular qualitative research methods for my dissertation research. Using semi-structured in-depth interviewing and ethnography, I examined the factors assisting Mexican students' transition to college in New York and Pennsylvania. This population was selected given that they have among the lowest rate of high school completion and college enrollment among all racial and ethnic groups in the United States. This research question was selected because much immigration sociology research concentrates on Mexican students who fail while not focusing enough on those who succeed. These methods were selected to provide an account of the words, experiences, and triumphs of a select group of students. Useful discussion of the various steps in the research process, as well as practical lessons learned and conclusions when using semi-structured in-depth interviewing and ethnography, is also provided.

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