Qualitative data
Qualitative data has been described as voluminous and sometimes overwhelming to the researcher. Discuss two strategies that would help a researcher manage and organize the data.
Researchers could use various ways to manage and organize qualitative data. Two of the methods include the theming process and the coding process. The coding process refers to the process that involves the identification of the various issues and topics revealed through the research process. It also consists of identifying the similarities and differences revealed by the participants through the research process and how the researcher interprets the information provided by the participants. The coding process facilitates the understanding of the research from the perspective of the participant. The coding process can be done in various ways, including by making notes on the research document or highlighting or naming sections in the document. It can also be done by using qualitative research software such as NVivo, QSR International Pty Ltd to help in the transcription process. The coding process allows the researchers to keep detailed and specific records that facilitate tracking themes and subjects throughout the qualitative research process.
The theming method refers to grouping codes from single or various transcripts to facilitate the coherent representation of the qualitative research findings in an elaborate and meaningful way. In qualitative research, the participants’ responses can be grouped according to their similarities to form themes for the qualitative research process. The theming process effectively enables researchers to identify similar topics that emerge in a way that enables the audience to understand the research better. The method of theming could be effectively achieved by creating various copies to allow the researchers to effectively manage the information as they edit it for publication.
Topic 2 DQ 2
The three types of qualitative research are phenomenological, grounded theory, and ethnographic research. Compare the differences and similarities between two of the three types of qualitative studies and give each example.
The phenomenology research process is used to study people by examining their lived experiences. The approach uses interviewing as the data collection process. The strategy focuses on the analysis of words rather than numbers. The research approach is effective in enabling the researcher to understand the lived experiences of the study population. The research approach facilitates the generation of a more intense understanding of the critical life phenomena. The data collection is conducted through extensive interviews and conversations with the study populations. The study methodology involves the use of a small sample population. An example of the phenomenology research investigation is “who was your mental health affected in the aftermath of the terrorist attack?”
The grounded research approach focuses on the collection and analysis of data through interviews and observations. The grounded theory is mainly used in healthcare research to facilitate the understanding, development, and utilization of real-world knowledge relating to health issues. The grounded theory facilitates the determination of health patterns in groups and various populations to facilitate the practice prediction of health concerns in nursing. The research facilitates the understanding of actions taken in an area by the individuals involved in performing the actions. It facilitates the development of many middle ranges or narrower practice-related nursing theories. An example of a grounded theory question could be, “how does immunization facilitate the control of disease outbreaks in the area?”
The ethnography approach focuses on the understanding of the particular behaviors related to specific cultures. It differs from the grounded theory in respect to the sample selection process. The research is conducted by examining the population in their cultural setting to produce a narrative account of the particular culture when examined according to the theoretical background. It focuses on the way that the population interacts in their social setting and their cultural environment. An example of an ethnography research question is “what is the communities attitude towards western medication?”