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Qualitative data collection
Acquiring high quality data involves careful consideration of many issues.
QuERI is happy to help you work through the decisions that are involved
in data collection activities. Furthermore, if you would like QuERI to
implement any data collection activities for you, we would be happy to
do so. Some examples of these activities are provided below.
Type: Data may be gathered through individual
interviews, focus groups, written surveys, journals, archives, photographs,
and field notes, just to name a few. Because of this diversity, it is
important to collect the type of data that will most effectively speak
to your research questions.
Sample: Determining the source of your
data is equally important as determining the type of collection. We are
available to manage any of your sampling activities such as recommending
the scope of the sample, identifying advantages and disadvantages of prospective
samples, selecting participants, providing appropriate incentives, developing
strategies for gaining entrée, and estimating attrition.
Protocol: Securing top-notch data requires
consistent attention to data collection protocol. This includes the honorable
handling of participants via strategies such as informed consent and protection
of confidentiality. It also requires a careful crafting of tools such
as surveys, so respondents are appropriately engaged in a reasonable period
of time. A good protocol respects the timing of events in a given setting
such as religious holidays and academic cycles.
Coordination: Many of the administrative
tasks involved in data collection can be handled in ways that facilitate
an efficient process. Tracking participant schedules, maintaining accurate
contact information for stakeholders, coordinating multiple interview
locations, and securing the best recording equipment are vital elements
of the collection effort.
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Qualitative data analysis/reporting
Individuals engaging in qualitative research range from those with no
formal training to those with years of experience. QuERI is pleased to
work with this broad range of individuals, as we can adapt our approach
based on your level of experience. Whether you simply know the difference
between qualitative and quantitative research, or whether you know the
intricacies of qualitative approaches such as phenomenology, ethnomethodology,
symbolic interactionism, critical theory and grounded theory, QuERI is
available to assist you. Below is a brief discussion of some of the analysis
and reporting activities with which we can provide assistance:
Data management: Different data sets or
theoretical approaches necessitate unique storage and retrieval processes.
For instance, the management of field notes versus transcribed interviews
requires a different set of steps and tracking measures. As data moves
through the stages of analysis, it is important to know who has been involved
with the data, where the data was located, and when it was moved to another
stage. Clear data management processes help ensure the integrity of the
data.
Coding: The coding process will also be
customized, depending on the nature of the study. For example, a grounded
theory approach will not begin with a predetermined set of codes, while
a hypothesis testing approach is likely to start with at least a core
set of codes. Coding involves the identification of patterns and themes,
clustering, observing connections and contrasts, and returning to the
data for additional coding iterations.
Analysis: Although the analysis usually
begins as soon as data is collected, the process is not complete until
the coding has been thoroughly examined for relationships and patterns.
This includes an understanding of codes that are mutually exclusive, overlapping,
and co-occurring (to name a few). The analysis also often entails a triangulation
of qualitative and quantitative data, such that each approach provides
an informative lens on the other.
Reporting: While it is usually assumed
that the analysis will result in some type of report, this final stage
of the research process often lacks the careful planning that it deserves.
An information dissemination plan should be crafted early in the research
process in order to guarantee that different audiences will have the most
appropriate access to the research information. Formats could include
a traditional narrative, summary charts, audio/video presentations, or
even an interactive computer interface to engage the audience.
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Qualitative software training in N6, NVivo and NVivo Merge
Some individuals prefer to host a training at their location, some prefer
to travel to one of our training sites and others work with us through
telephone consultation. Many learners benefit from a focus on their own
particular research project, while others are not yet ready to work on
their own data, but still want to learn the basics. We have several training
options to meet these various needs, and can easily customize a training
for you at no extra cost.
Telephone Consultation: Telephone consultation
has several advantages. This mode of learning will allow you to proceed
at your own pace and to use as little or as much assistance as you need.
Many clients, especially Ph. D. students working on their dissertations,
find this to be the most cost effective way of learning a software program
while embarking on the coding and analysis of their own research. A copy
of your project can be sent directly to us, under strict confidentiality,
allowing us to explore your data with you. In this manner we are able
to provide specific suggestions/options about your coding and analysis.
Individual Training: For an intensive,
focused journey through your data, you may choose to visit one of our
training sites in the USA. Some individuals attend a two-day training
with at least three hours of work on their own data (or a data set we
will provide). Others come to our main location in Denver for a week or
more. Many of our visitors plan an extended visit with a few hours of
training each day. Between these training sessions, individuals may work
on their own data, therefore making significant progress in just a week
or two. Many individuals obtain a good "jump start" with individualized
coaching, and then follow-up this step with ongoing telephone consultation
as needed.
Private Group Training: When a group of
individuals (4-15) require assistance, the most cost effective method
is to have one of our coaches travel to a local computer lab and hold
a training that may last anywhere from 1-5 days. This training can be
provided for up to 6 hours each day, or for just a few hours each day,
depending on the needs of the group. We would be happy to chat with you
to determine how to best meet your needs.
Open Training: Many
training dates are available each year for individuals who prefer this
traditional mode of computer training. These trainings areadded throughout
the year and occur across the USA (Colorado, Florida,Nevada, Washington
DC, Washington state, and Wisconsin).
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