Learning Activity 3:
Data analysis Methods
- Phenomenology
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Overview
“Phenomenology is predicated on the belief that each person has a
unique view of the world and each person's social reality is as valid
and true as any other view. It focuses on the everyday way in which
people make sense of their being in the world. ”
- Gillis, A. & Jackson, W. (2002).
Research for Nurses, (p. 188)
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Overview
Phenomenological research describes the meaning of lived experience from the perspective of the participants. Through this research design, researchers attempt to gain a deep understanding of the phenomenon being studied through rigorous, deep immersion in the data. They do this by describing the essences of the lived experiences. Essences are elements that convey the true meaning of the phenomenon under study - at least, for the participants involved. Researchers carefully use descriptive language to convey the essence or true meaning of the participants' experiences.
Phenomenological data is usually gathered using in-depth formal or informal interviews, written descriptions of specific experiences, and from observation. Often, researchers will conduct multiple interviews to ensure saturation of data and an accurate picture of the true meaning of the phenomenon to the participants. "Throughout the data collection process, the researcher suspends any preconceived notions or personal experiences that may unduly influence what the researcher "hears" the participants saying. Such suspension (sometimes called epochs or bracketing) can be extremely difficult for one who has experienced the phenomenon firsthand. Yet it is essential if the researcher is to gain an understanding of the typical experiences that people have had." (Leedy & Ormrod, 2001, p. 153).
Data collection and data analysis occur simultaneously which allows the researcher to become immersed in the data. A careful exhaustive process is undertaken to make sense of the data. Data is reduced to meaning units, themes and various categorizations during the analysis/collection phases. Once completed, researchers review the existing literature to place the study results within the context what is known about the phenomenon.
Ends In View
This learning activity is intended to provide learners with the opportunity to:
1. Explore the nature of phenomenological data.
2. Practice common techniques of phenomenological data collection.
3. Understand the process of phenomenological data analysis.
4. Practice phenomenological data entry with selected computer software programs.
5. Apply the principles of credibility, auditability and fittingness while working with phenomenological data collection and analysis.
6. Critique the data collection and analysis described in a select research study.
In Preparation
1.Read: Streubert Speziale, H. & Carpenter, D. (2006). Qualitative Research in Nursing: Advancing the Humanistic Perspective. 4th ed. New York: Lippincott, Chapters 5 & 6.
2.Assignment 1: Participate with the small group you joined last week to create phenomenological questions for data collection. By now, you should have your data collection scheduled or completed. You will need this data to input into the QDA program during computer lab time. (see assignment No. 1 guidelines for procedure and timeline to follow).
In Practice
1. Participate in class discussion related to the process of phenomenological data collection and analysis (review Figure 1 linked in right column).
2. 1.In your small group, share the questions you have collaborated on and update the class with your progress with data collection. The actual data collection should have been planned and hopefully completed by this week so that you can each begin inputting your data into the QDA program during lab time.
3. In pairs, complete Worksheet No. 2 paying attention to the process involved in phenomenological data analysis.
4. With the class, critique the data collection and analysis used in the assigned study by Butcher, Holkup & Coen Buckwalter in Streubert Speziale & Carpenter, "The Experience of Caring for a Family Member with Alzheimer's Disease". (in Streubert Speziale reading).
In Lab - Introduction to QDA Software
1.Attend orientation lab to familiarize yourself with this software.
2. Read the QDA Manual .
3. Input data collected during your small group session, as directed during lab session.
In Reflection
1. What ethical and procedural principles will you need to keep in mind as you undertake the data analysis aspect of assignment No. 1?
Have you established a system to record personal data and memos as you collect and process your data?
What do you still need to learn to be able to work confidently with this data effectively?
References
Fenton, A. (2006). QDA Manual
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.
QDA Software
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.
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Welcome to NRSG 4120!
Figure 1: Phenomenology
LA#3: Worksheet
BC FERRIES DATA COLLECTION
PHENOMENOLOGY RESOURCES
Identifying Themes in Data
Analyzing and Interpreting Qualitative Data (PPT)
Analyzing Qualitative Data
Analyzing Phenomenological Data
Trent Focus on Qualitative Data Analysis
Four Qualitative Designs
Cut and Paste
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
You are encouraged to begin to think about the type of Phenomological Data you wish to collect and analyze and who you wish to work with as a group of 4 - 5 members.
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.
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