The Supervisory Relationship in Qualitative Research
Hello Qualitative Mind,
When I was setting up Quali Q in 2019, I had to define my audience and who I wanted to serve day in and out. More than once I heard the question, “Are your ideal clients professors or graduate students?” Well, the answer was (and still is) both. I help professors (i.e., in various academic positions), graduate students and practitioners to conduct rigorous, impactful and ethical qualitative research.
However, I must say that sometimes I do feel like I’m trying to serve two masters who hold different goals, expectations and experiences. But then, I remember two things:
All supervisors were graduate students once upon a time, and the graduate students I’m helping now have the potential to be better qualitative researchers/students in the present and mentors in the future.
It’s never too late to realize your full potential as a qualitative researcher…whether you’re in the first two years or decades of your career. You can strive to be a better mentor by understanding your mentee and vice versa.
The more experience I gain through Quali Q’s programs and services, the more I understand that I need (and want) to continue serving both masters. I’ve come across academics who are still working on defining their supervisory style. And, I’ve come across graduate students who cannot rely on their graduate supervisors for qualitative mentorship.
It’s not within the scope of this blog post to discuss the possible root causes for poor supervisory relationships because, in my opinion, there are way too many across all levels (i.e., academic systems, cultural expectations, individual preferences and styles, etc.). However, I want to include here a couple of paragraphs – in letter style – directed at my two masters. I expect they’ll resonate with many of you, so here we go…
Dear Graduate Supervisor,
I believe you want to see your students thriving in their qualitative research, and they will with your guidance and leadership. When your graduate students start designing and implementing their qualitative research projects, make sure that you offer them your most precious asset: TIME. Invest it in knowing where they are at in their research process, how they are immersing themselves in the data, and what their next steps need to be. As their leader and mentor, you’re primed to guide their qualitative journey and be the sounding board they much need to conduct rigorous qualitative research. If you think their qualitative research methods are beyond your expertise, reach out to colleagues, communities of practice, and myself for additional support. Last but certainly not least, frequent communication – virtually or in-person – is likely going to make your students’ experiences more enriching, pleasant and smooth. It’s also likely to facilitate writing and publishing qualitative research findings that can advance both your careers.
Dear Graduate Student,
Not too long ago, I was one of you. I was extremely privileged because I was supervised by two incredible researchers and mentors. I know that my supervisory experience might feel very distant from yours. If you’re flying solo in your qualitative research, and making decisions that seem out of your league, you’re not alone. Many graduate students experience this, and it can trigger feelings of anxiety and isolation. First, know that this is not how qualitative research in supposed to be. Qualitative research is highly relational, and desiring supervisory support doesn’t make you a less competent or independent researcher. I encourage you to have an open conversation with your supervisor; one where you lay out your concerns about the research process and your needs as a budding qualitative researcher. It’s possible that your supervisor is trying to give you more space and opportunities to develop your research skills, and simply doesn’t know how much you’re struggling on your own. If you’re nodding as you read this and thinking, “I’ve tried that and it didn’t work,” your next step should be to seek support in other groups and communities of practice, too. The relationship between Maxi and Christine is a great example of what peers can mean to your qualitative journey. Lastly, don’t forget that Quali Q exists to support YOU, and you know where to find us.
Through Quali Q, I’ve worked with graduate students who overcame many challenges (some related to the pandemic and others inherent to graduate school). They found their path, and research voice, as they worked hard to complete their research programs and first academic papers. I’m really proud to say that the Quali Q Coach & Mentoring Program was one of the ways graduate students were able to access that support while they did the work needed to achieve their goals. When Stephanie Emmy Vd Westhuizen (a former graduate student who worked with me as a coaching client) left a comment inside the now archived Quali Q for Qualitative Minds Facebook™ group that said, “Your mentoring kickstarted my research! I’ll always be grateful for that support,” I knew that deciding to serve both professors and graduate students through Quali Q had been the right decision to make. With the right amount of support, graduate students will shine and become incredible professionals, researchers, and academics. I’m honoured to provide some of that support through Quali Q!
“Your mentoring kickstarted my research! I’ll always be grateful for that support. ”
Writing these two paragraphs felt like writing love letters to the diverse Quali Q community. I hope they were validating and encouraging. No matter where you are in your academic and qualitative journey, Quali Q is a community where you can build meaningful relationships that can help you achieve your career vision.
Quali Q’s coaching and mentoring program will be accepting new clients in the month of June, 2022. After that, coaching will be closed for 2022! If you would like to be supported in this way, you can find more information here or reach out to me at info@qualiq.ca and schedule a time to discuss whether the program is right for you or not!
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
Talk soon,
Maira
*This blog post was originally published on June 8, 2021. It was updated on May 16, 2022.