Friday, February 27, 2026
the qualitative research box
This is my research box. For one of my qualitative research projects!
I’m researching the social impact of spiritual practices again.
Again, because during 2025, I conducted qualitative action research. I gathered four groups in church foyers and homes. I offered shared spiritual practice. Three groups shared lectio divina for eight weeks. One group shared silence for four weeks.
I gained ethics consent through the University of Otago and gathered feedback on the experience. This involved four different data gathering tools, including my observation, a focus group and a survey at the start and end. Participants also kept a research diary, with weekly prompts to help them reflect on their experiences of the practice.
During Lent 2026, I’m back conducting qualitative action research. I’m working directly with a local congregation and indirectly and online with another congregation.
Which meant last night I packed up my qualitative action research box.
Candle and matches to encourage silence. Cheese and crackers for snacks to encourage connection. Research diaries to give to participants. Manila folders with consent and survey forms. Pen, highlighter and my own research diary to keep notes. Various items to encourage engagement, like a resource book to wave and take home handouts.
Having a research box is such fun.
But having a research list is even better. Thankfully when I opened my file from last year, I find my “to take” list that I made at the end of each week in 2025.
And so hi, ho. With box and list, a researching I will go. Gathering insight into how people experience spiritual practice. Listening to understand social impact.
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