Proactive Practice: Preparing Qualitative Researchers

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to describe doctoral student experiences in preparing to conduct qualitative interviews. The framework focused on Cognitive Apprenticeship theory, derived from social constructivism with Andragogy principles. Data were collected via 45 semi-structured interviews. Researchers used Claude Artificial Intelligence (AI) 3.5 Sonnet as a methodological tool to apply Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. Four themes emerged consisting of the art of human connection, craft of skilled inquiry, experiential learning bridge, and unexpected gift. Future research recommendations include integrating intentional opportunities for doctoral students to experience the interview preparation and participant process prior to practicing and engaging in the data collection process. The researchers acknowledge and document the use of both AI as a methodological tool and the researchers’ analytical evaluation skills in manually cross-referencing the data to support the thematic analysis process.