Strategies

Strategies

1. Data Analysis Strategies

   • Identifying Themes
     • List themes identifying patterns, key phrases and survey responses.
     • Coding Surveys, Interviews, and Questionnaires.
       • Referencing units of text with codes and labels as a way to indicate patterns and meaning of behavior.
       • Asking Key Questions.
         • Used to extend the understanding of the problems and context.
         • Doing an Organizational Review
           • Extend the understanding of the organization and aspects of its operation providing insight into the data.
           • Developing a concept Map
             • It is used to visualize the major influences that have affected the study.
             • Analyzing Antecedents and Consequences
               • It is helpful to map the causes and effects that have emerged throughout the study.
               • Displaying Findings
                 • It uses matrixes, charts, concept maps, graphs, and figures to encapsulate the findings of a study
                 • Stating What’s Missing
                   • It is used to reflect and to identify any questions for which answers have not been provided.

2. Data Interpretation Strategies

   • Its aim is to find meaning in the data
     • considering
       • common aspects
       • connections
       • links among the data
   • Techniques for data interpretation
     • Extend the analysis
       • by raising questions about the study for pointing the way for leading the way.
       • Connect findings with personal experience.
         • means personalize interpretations to show understanding of the research.
         • Seek the advice of critical friends
           • Contextualize findings in the literature.
             • means provide support for the findings with external sources.
             • Turn to theory
               • Know when to say “when
                 • define the important themes in the data, not necessarily every theme.
               • theory can provide a rationale or sense of meaning to the work
           • means relying on colleagues to offer insights that are missed.

3. ENSURING CREDIBILITY

   • Qualitative researchers ask themselves how they can check the credibility
     • There are six useful questions
       • Are the data based on one’s own observation or on hearsay?
       • Are observations corroborated by others?
       • In what circumstances was an observation made or reported?
       • How reliable are those providing the data?
       • What motivations may have influenced a participant’s report?
       • What biases may have influenced how an observation was made or reported?