This study will use a qualitative multiple case study methodology. The qualitative method allows researchers to gain an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, motivations, and provides insights into a problem, answering the questions how and why of a particular phenomenon while investigating the experiences of others (Radloff & Capobianco, 2016). Methods for qualitative data collection include non-numerical, unstructured, or semi-structured techniques. For example, focus groups involving group discussions, individual interviews, and observations. The sample size is typically small, including six to ten participants (Yin, 2014). In addition, qualitative research is primarily exploratory and includes case studies, ethnographies, grounded …show more content…
The use of open-ended, in-depth interview questions allows for the generalization of findings and allows for studying an organization or entity in-depth within a limited timeframe (Yin, 2014; Dumez, 2015). The qualitative multiple-case study methodology will provide narrative illustrations accompanied by detailed descriptive stories and will uncover trends that will help respond to the study purpose (Lewis, 2016; Kienstra & Heijden, …show more content…
The qualitative method and multiple case study design have several advantages, which include applicability to real-life and studying phenomena that are unable to be separated from the setting of a participant (Wingo, Peters, Ivankova, & Gurley, 2016; Dumez, 2015). Online adjunct faculty members may perceive their work environment in unique ways based on some viewing themselves as facilitators, instead of the central focus in a course (Hamilton, 2015). Part of the challenge with understanding online adjunct faculty perceptions is that working with online courses may differ from working in a traditional learning environment (Hamilton, 2015). This research may provide administrators at institutions of higher learning with strategies for addressing online adjunct faculty perceived