Integrating qualitative research requirements into professional psychology training programs in North America: rationale and curriculum model

At present, there is a paucity of required qualitative research training in graduate-level psychology programs throughout North America. This article presents a rationale and model for integrating qualitative research training in professional psychology. The current status of research training vis-à-vis quantitative and qualitative methods is reviewed, a multilevel rationale for enhanced qualitative training is presented, and specific guidelines for integrating qualitative methods competence into training programs are outlined. The article closes with a sample master's degree and doctoral degree curriculum model for research training in professional psychology.