Discuss Data Analysis Techniques

Agostinho, S. (2004). Naturalistic inquiry in e-learning research.International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 4(1), Article 2. Retrieved Dec. 16, 2005, from
http://www.ualberta.ca/~iiqm/backissues/4_1/pdf/agostinho.pdf

Read the article and respond to the following:

1. Critique the process of data analysis that was conducted in the original research, as described in the journal article.

1. In the original research upon which this article is based, the researcher indicated that dominant themes were identified, and the themes were clustered into categories. Critique the underlying inductive logic utilized to analyze the data.

1. Discuss the researcher’s rationale, as described in the journal article, of adopting a naturalistic inquiry paradigm with regard to the process of data collection and analysis.

Submit your 2 pages response as a Microsoft Word document By Wednesday, November 25, All written assignments and responses should follow APA rules for attributing sources.

 

Assignment B: Data Analysis Techniques

 

Utilizing the field study notes from M5: Assignment 2, begin an analysis of the core content by identifying patterns and themes. Take an initial “first cut” at organizing the data into topics and categories. Look at what is there and give it a name. This is called “coding.” Codes are used to assign meaning. Look for “convergence,” i.e., what things fit together. Coding is a process, not an event. Immerse yourself into your field notes. Continue your analysis by further differentiating codes, clustering codes, or even renaming codes if this would help clarify the meaning of the code.

Look for recurring regularities in the data that may reveal patterns that can be sorted into categories. Categories can be illuminated with regard to “two criteria: internal homogeneity and external heterogeneity” (Patton, 2002, p. 465).

Include the following:

1. Identify a classification system (codes, colors, categories, etc.) of themes or patterns based upon what appears to be most illuminative. What themes or patterns emerged from your notes?
2. What are your main interpretations of the patterns of interaction that you have observed and identified?
3. Develop a synopsis of your interpretations, and any organizing principles of interaction that you observed.
4. Identify your reactions while analyzing the data.

Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative research & evaluation methods (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Submit your 3 pages response as a Microsoft Word document by Thursday, November 26,
All written assignments and responses should follow APA rules for attributing sources.

 

Assignment C: Discussion Question

 

By Monday, November 23, post a response to the discussion question. Be sure to use vocabulary that is relevant to the topic.

 

Discussion Question:

 

Summarize the process of coding, classifying, categorizing, and labeling primary patterns as it pertains to qualitative data analysis. Describe how data collection and data analysis can be overlapping activities in qualitative research.