The Quest for Motivation

Studies have shown Tabletop Role Playing Games (TRPGs) to be effective motivational learning tools that can be utilized in various subject matters. However, limited research has analyzed the elements within TRPGs that enable them to provide motivation to the users. As such, this study conducted an in-depth examination of the elements of TRPGs through the perception of players. Self-determination theory helped frame the study, while the Generic Qualitative Inquiry approach was used for the methodology. Semi structured interviews were conducted with six participants. Data revealed several themes that aligned with the motivational frame related to competency, relatedness, and autonomy. The findings indicate the importance of the roleplaying element and the connection between the player and their in-game character, as well as the effect choices within the game have on the players and other elements of TRPGs. Implications regarding design of TRPGs as learning tools are discussed.

Is it any Clearer? Generic Qualitative Inquiry and the VSAIEEDC Model of Data Analysis

This article was designed to assist the novice researcher in determining if a generic qualitative research approach is appropriate for their intended research or dissertation. The article is intended to offer clarification of the approach and builds upon Caelli, Ray, and Mill’s (2003) call for standardized generic qualitative inquiry guidelines. The article takes the researcher through a process of self-evaluation to determine alignment with the five qualitative traditions. While generic qualitative inquiry has been posited to be an easy route, no experience necessary, it’s reliance on the method and tools of traditional qualitative methodologies, quickly can lead the novice researcher to a muddied theoretical mess. This article offers a boilerplate generic analysis method to be used when the approach is generic qualitative inquiry, leaving a clear and concise stand-alone path for the novice researcher. The featured model is the VSAIEEDC method created by seminal author Dr. Roland Persson. The VSAIEEDC model is a cognition-based analysis method with seven steps: variation, specification, abstraction, internal verification, external verification, demonstration and conclusion. This article sought to contribute to the critical discussion of the foundation of generic qualitative inquiry and offers an analysis method in alignment with the fundamentals of a generic qualitative approach.

Generic Qualitative Research in Psychology

Some topics for qualitative research in psychology are unsuitable for or cannot be adapted to the traditional qualitative designs such as case study, ethnography, grounded theory, or phenomenology. This paper explores reasons for this, and proposes that psychological researchers can use a generic qualitative design in such situations. After discussing the types of topics most suitable for a generic qualitative design, the paper differentiates generic qualitative designs from the more traditional qualitative designs, with particular attention to how generic qualitative inquiry differs from phenomenological psychological research. Finally, appropriate procedures for data collection and for thematic data analysis in a generic model are discussed and described in detail.