About Us

Welcome to the website of the AERA Qualitative Research Special Interest Group (QRSIG).

QRSIG Mission

The Qualitative Research Special Interest Group, QRSIG, established in 1987, was created to provide a space within AERA for the discussion of philosophical, ethical, and methodological issues in Qualitative Research as well as to seek cutting edge approaches to qualitative research methods. The QRSIG strives to legitimize all nontraditional forms of research, and to support other SIG’s and Divisions with similar interests and goals, including an emphasis on ways that qualitative research may contribute to reducing inequality and injustice in schools and society

How to Join

It is easy to join the SIG at any time or at the time of renewal of your AERA membership. Go to the AERA site, www.aera.net and then proceed to the Membership column to follow the directions. All payment is made directly to AERA.

A Brief History of the QRSIG

The QRSIG officially began in 1987 after an organizational meeting hosted by Bob Donmoyer and Jim Pearsol was held the previous year. A large turnout at the organizational meeting and with founding members persistent in the goal to create the SIG, a home for alternative methodologies was established and is going strong to this very day. Alan Peshkin and Lou Smith agreed to co-chair the new SIG. The members of the SIG strongly supported transforming all of AERA, and making Qualitative Research a part of existing Divisions and SIGs. Methodological diversity was a major goal then and continues to be as we near our 25th anniversary in 2012.