Question: Using the CSU Online Library and other disciplinary resources, research how qualitative research is used in your field. Using this information, write an essay that describes how qualitative research tools can be used to aid in decision making within your field. Be sure your essay addresses the following questions/topics:

1. Describe specific qualitative methods and tools that could be used within your discipline to gather data. Include your rationale.

2. Evaluate their effectiveness with respect to certain areas within your discipline.

3. Include company or organizational examples within your essay, as relevant.

4. In your opinion, what is the future of qualitative research both within your discipline and in general?

Your APA-formatted response must be a minimum of three pages (not including the title page and the reference page) and must include an introduction, a thesis statement (concise summary of the main point of the paper), and a clear discussion of the questions/topics above. Your response must include a minimum of two credible references. All sources used must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying citations.

For step-by-step instructions for formatting a paper in APA style, please refer to the CSU Citation Guide. Instructions for formatting formal documents can be found on page 17.