Learning Activity 2:
Qualitative Data Analysis
Nature of the Data, Data Collection Principles
|
Overview
“With statistics, we can summarize large bodies of data, make predictions
about future trends, and determine when different experimental treatments
have led to significantly different outcomes. Thus, statistics are among the
most powerful tools in the researcher's toolbox. ”
- Leedy, P. & Ormrod, J. (2001).
Practical Research, (p. 252).
|
"Data for qualitative research studies come from a variety of sources: observations, verbal reports, interviews, documents, photographs, pictures, videotapes, diaries, artifacts, or any combination thereof." (Talbot, L. 1995, p. 472). Qualitative data comes from participants directly, usually using either observation or interviews of some form. In observation, the researcher becomes an involved "watcher" who participants in the interactions and milieu or setting but also observes the situation carefully in order to record and analyze what is occurring. This type of involved observation allows the researcher to appreciate the context of what he or she observes, and to collect data in a reality - focused environment.
Interviews are either informal or formal, and provide a rich source of qualitative data. Informal interviews are often coupled with participate observation to clarify what the researcher is observing, or to enable participants to vocalize their thoughts and feelings as they go about their routine activities - to explain what they are doing. Formal interviews are done with a distinct purpose in mind. They allow researchers to collect data about people's complex perceptions and feelings. The data that emerges from interviews is in the form of narratives or stories. The participants are the experts, the teacher while the researcher learns from them. Good interviews produce rich detailed data that reveals the participants' viewpoints and experiences.
Data logging is an important consideration in qualitative data collection. Researchers commonly use field notes, theoretical notes, methodological notes, as well as personal notes to record both observational and reflective data. These notes are often kept in a personal or methodological journal to bring together all of the data collected during the inquiry. An analytical log is also kept to summarize the theoretical notes, analytical memos and continuous conceptualizations processed throughout the data collection process.
Ends In View
This learning activity is intended to provide learners with the opportunity to:
1. Explore the nature of qualitative data.
2. Identify the common techniques of qualitative data collection.
3. Review the fundamental characteristics of qualitative data .
4. Participate in select qualitative data collection methods.
5. Apply the principles of credibility, auditability and fittingness during data collection.
6. Recognize the utility of computer-based programs for data collection in nursing research.
In Preparation
1.Read: Streubert Speziale, H. & Carpenter, D. (2006). Qualitative Research in Nursing: Advancing the Humanistic Perspective. 4th ed. New York: Lippincott, Chapters 3 & 4.
2.Reflect: on the following and consider what it means to you as a neophyte researcher:
"Although a clear distinction between data gathering and data analysis is commonly made in quantitative research, such a distinction is problematic for many qualitative researchers. For example, from a hermeneutic perspective it is assumed that the researcher's presuppositions affect the gathering of the data - the questions posed to informants largely determine what you are going to find out. The analysis affects the data and the data affect the analysis in significant ways. Therefore it is perhaps more accurate to speak of "modes of analysis" rather than "data analysis" in qualitative research. These modes of analysis are different approaches to gathering, analyzing and interpreting qualitative data . The common thread is that all qualitative modes of analysis are concerned primarily with textual analysis (whether verbal or written)," (Myers, 1999).
In Practice
1. Participate in class discussion related to the nature of qualitative data and common data collection methods.
2. For your first assignment, you will need to collect and analyze qualitative data. Begin to consider a cluster of people you wish to collaborate with to collect this data. Your group can consist of 2 to 6 members. Sign up on the group list provided in class to begin this process.
As a group, you will need to decide what type of interview you are going to conduct to gather your qualitative data. The actual data collection will be planned and occur as a group effort, but each member must be involved with the collection of the data. The data analysis phase will be done together using the QDA computer software program.
3.In pairs, complete Worksheet No. 1 paying attention to the differences and similarity of the types of data you are working with.
4. With the class, discuss the advantages and disadvantages in using electronic equipment for qualitative data collection and sorting.
In Lab - Introduction to QDA Software
1.Attend orientation lab to familiarize yourself with this software.
2. Read the QDA Manual .
In Reflection
1. What ethical and procedural principles will you need to keep in mind as you undertake the data collection aspect of assignment No. 1?
2.What sort of record will you use to keep track of the data you collect?
3. What do you still need to learn to be able to collect and prepare the qualitative data effectively?
References
Gillis, A. & Jackson, W. (2002). Research for Nurses: Methods and Interpretations. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis.
Leedy, P. & Ormrod, J. (2001). Practical research, 7th ed. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Merrill Prentice-Hall.
LoBiondo-Wood, G. & Haber, J. (2005). Nursing research in Canada: Methods, critical appraisal, & utilization. 1st ed. Toronto: Elsevier.
Myers, M. (1999). Qualitative research in information systems.
Polit, D. (1996). Data analysis & statistics. Stamford, CT: Appleton & Lange.
Streubert Speziale, H. & Carpenter, D. (2006) Qualitative research in nursing: Advancing the humanistic perspective. 4th ed. New York: Lippincott.
Talbot, L. (1995). Principles & practices of nursing research. Toronto:Mosby.
|
Welcome to NRSG 4120!
LA2 Powerpoint
Ethical Questions
Crossword Worksheet
Zipped QDA project
DATA RESOURCES
Qualitative Data
Analyzing Qualitative Data
What is Qualitative Data Analysis?
Trent Focus on Qualitative Data Analysis
Qualitative Data Collection
BC Ferries Exercise
VIDEOS
Qualitative data analysis
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS
The assignments include one Group Qualitative Analysis project and Five Quantitative Worksheets. Click on the link below for Assignment software and other resources.
ONLINE SOFTWARE & RESOURCES FOR ASSIGNMENTS
Downloading Files
Most files are in PDF, DOC, or RTF format. If you have trouble viewing them online,
try right-clicking on the link, and select "Save Target as". Remember which folder you saved the file in.
|
