Submission Types

Aims and Scope

The Qualitative Review is the flagship journal of the Society for Qualitative Research dedicated to advancing the understanding and appreciation of qualitative research methods by emerging researchers within the global scientific community. The mission of the journal is to provide a platform for high school and undergraduate students to contribute to the exploration and application of qualitative approaches in scientific inquiry. 

The Qualitative Review invites rolling submissions from high school and college students engaged in qualitative research across all disciplines, including sociology, anthropology, history, language studies, linguistics, psychology, education, social policy, international relations, political science, performance studies, visual art, art history and more. Topics may include, but are not limited to, cultural studies, community engagement, narrative exploration, and the analysis of social phenomena in society, economy, and philosophy.

We encourage submissions that not only present findings but also reflect on the research process, challenges encountered, and lessons learned. The journal is open to submissions in two types of formats (1) research articles and (2) review articles. 

Research Articles

Research articles present original research findings and offer new insights into qualitative research topics. These articles should include a clear research question, a detailed description of the methodology used, and a thorough analysis of the data collected. We are particularly interested in articles that:

✓ Explore new or underrepresented areas of qualitative research.

✓ Provide in-depth case studies or ethnographic accounts.

✓ Highlight innovative qualitative research methods or approaches.

✓ Discuss the implications of the findings for theory, practice, or further research.

Review Articles

Review articles provide a comprehensive overview of existing literature on a specific topic within qualitative research across the humanities and social sciences. These articles should summarize, analyze, and synthesize previous research findings, identifying trends, gaps, and areas for future investigation. We welcome review articles that:

✓ Offer critical evaluations of current qualitative research practices.

✓ Compare and contrast different qualitative methodologies.

✓ Address theoretical developments in qualitative research.

✓ Provide insights into the practical application of qualitative research findings

What Methods Are Qualitative?

For research articles, The Qualitative Review looks for in-depth research that utilizes one or more of the following methods.

  • Structured Interviews: predetermined set of questions. Semi-structured Interviews: flexible questions with room for follow-up. Unstructured Interviews: open-ended and conversational.

  • Group discussions guided by a facilitator to explore specific topics.

  • Researchers immerse themselves in the environment being studied to observe and engage with participants.

  • Detailed study of people and cultures through prolonged observation and participation.

  • In-depth exploration of a single case or multiple cases within their real-life context.

  • Collection and analysis of personal stories and experiences.

  • Study of individuals’ lived experiences and how they perceive those experiences.

  • Development of theories through systematic gathering and analysis of data.

  • Systematic examination of texts, media, and documents to identify patterns and themes.

  • Analysis of language use in texts and conversation to understand social and cultural contexts.

  • Study and interpretation of past events using documents, records, and other sources.

  • Collaborative approach where researchers work with participants to address a problem and implement solutions.

  • Use of photographs, videos, and other visual materials to gather and analyze data.

  • Collection of detailed personal histories and life stories to understand individual experiences.

  • Researcher’s self-reflection and writing to explore their personal experiences and connect them to wider cultural, social, and political meanings.