Qualitative Reporting: Case Scenario

Counselors and school counselors are concerned about the current trend in the use of technology and how an excessive use of technology can lead to an increase in mood disorders and addiction. Research indicates this is particularly true for our youth. A complicating factor is that many youth use technology everyday as a source of connection and socializing; therefore, researchers determine it would be helpful to better understand the motivation for youth's use of technology and how their use influences their behaviors. First, the authors must identify a theoretical framework for their qualitative study. Social Learning Theory (SLT, Bandura, 1977) posits that people learn and behave only after first

observing others around them; the researchers use SLT as a theoretical paradigm to guide their investigation. As seen in SLT, it can be helpful to better understand the motivation in behavior as a way to implement effective change. In this case, exploring the experiences of youth who use technology can help counselors develop adequate and proper interventions to treat those being negatively impacted by an overuse of technology. The purpose of this study is to explore youth motivations for using technology and how their use might impact their daily functioning. The research question is: What are youth's motivations for using technology and how does it impact their daily functioning? The researchers designed a study using a convenience sample of 10 participants that responded to an initial screening survey and who indicated they excessively use technology in some manner. After obtaining parental consent, the participants were then interviewed to discuss their use of technology and the impact their use of technology had on their daily function. The transcripts of the interview were coded and then rigorously analyzed by all researchers and core ideas were developed. The research team came to a consensus

of the identified themes, patterns, and relationships. The researcher then attempted to link the research findings to the research question.

1. What are the implications of the results for the study and the counseling field?