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.

Some of the themes (and relevant participant quotes) that emerged from the data are:

Theme #1: Youth use technology as their main source of peer connection

Quotes:

}Billy said: "I play video games with my friends each day when I get the chance."

}Melissa said: "I'm in school all day long and when I get home I want to be able to talk to my friends."

}Mark said: "Most nights I stay up late so I can group chat with friends."

Theme #2: Youth use technology when it is expected of them

oQuotes:

}Ruth said: "Even when I'm with my family I can't help but look at my phone. There is not a minute that I'm not getting a text or snapchat from my friends."

}Jeff said: "My friends always want me to text them or be online even when it is a school night."

}Krista said: "I have over a thousand followers on Instagram so I have to post everyday so they keep following me."

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