Head and spine injury, along with the long-term effects of concussion of football players, is a very controversial health issue.
As a result, the news has been covering this health issue, with many headlines involving famous NFL players. It has been assumed that this has made most Americans that follow football more aware of the risks involved in playing the game. However, we have not seen a decline in the number of young boys, ages 8-10, that are joining football leagues. For this age group to take part in playing football, these young boys need to have the permission of a parent or guardian to play, which demonstrates the adults support to their participation. Given the risks to these young boy’s health, we wonder why would parents allow or even encourage their children to play football?
Using what you know about qualitative research, briefly explain (one page):
1. How would you design a qualitative research study, with the goal of gaining an understanding of why parents allow their children to play football?
2. If you would use triangulation (and which type of triangulation), and if so why?
To undertake qualitative research requires a strong commitment to study a problem and its demands of time and resources. Qualitative research keeps good company with the most rigorous quantitative approaches, and it should not be viewed as an easy substitute for a “statistical” or quantitative study.
