Discussion Forum on Challenges involved in qualitative and qualitative data analysis

Introduction

The goal of qualitative data analysis is to transform raw data by seeking, assessing, identifying,

coding, mapping, investigating, and documenting patterns, trends, themes, and categories in

order to comprehend and give their underlying meanings (Mezmir, 2020).

Statistical techniques are used to analyse quantitative data. These might range from summarizing

data using tables, graphs, and charts to creating statistical correlations between research variables

and advanced statistical models (Saunders et al., 2015).

Challenges involved in qualitative data analysis

1. Difficulty in understanding the data

The problem of qualitative analysis comes in making meaning of enormous volumes of data,

reducing raw data, determining what is relevant, and developing a framework for articulating the

core of what the data reveal (Bloomberg and Volpe, 2008).

2. Poor accuracy and difficulty to deliver consistent results

Because samples in qualitative research are frequently tiny and non-probabilistic, the ability to

claim a representative sample is often decreased, and statistical generalisation is impossible.

When opposed to quantitative data analysis, qualitative data analysis has frequently been

chastised for its lack of rigour and failure to deliver dependable results (Holloway and Todres,

2007).

3. It takes a long time and is also expensive.

takes time (Guest et al., 2013).

4. There is often so much information available that it is feasible to draw practically any

conclusion based on the available facts. As a result, rather than being guided by data,

people hunt for evidence to support pre-defined views and attitudes.

5. A vast amount of qualitative material must be synthesised and simplified while

undertaking theme analysis. This can lead to oversimplified analysis that loses much of

the original data's complexity and depth.

6. Unlike quantitative analysis, there are several possible regions of bias in qualitative

analysis. Other sources of bias include sampling bias and biases resulting from how

interviews or observations are done (e.g. asking leading questions or not fully recording

answers). They have an impact on data trustworthiness (“Chapter 13 Qualitative Analysis

| Research Methods for the Social Sciences,” 2023).

Challenges involved in quantitative data analysis

1. Lack of Detail

Many quantitative research methods use questionnaires as a means of finding out percentages of

the population that possess certain characteristics. For example, suppose a questionnaire asked

respondents whether they wanted to vote for NRM or FDC in Uganda's upcoming presidential

election. Someone answering this question may want to vote for the NRM party, but do not have

the option available to state that(LEE, 2023).

2. Omitted variables
In statistics, omitted-variable bias occurs when a statistical model leaves out one or more

relevant variables. Omitting a variable might lead to an overestimation (upward bias) or

underestimation (downward bias) of the coefficient of your independent variable(s). Since the

coefficient becomes unreliable, the regression model also becomes unreliable(Nikolopoulou,

2022).

3. Missing Variable

In statistics, omitted-variable bias occurs if a statistical model leaves out one or more essential

variables. Omitting a variable may result in an exaggeration (upward bias) or underestimation

(downward bias) of the independent variable's coefficient. The regression model gets

problematic as the coefficient becomes inaccurate (ARASH, 2023; LEE, 2023).

4. Difficulty in data analysis

Many statistical analyses are necessary for the quantitative investigation, which might be

challenging for researchers without statistical training (Chetty, 2016).

5. Limited outcomes in a quantitative research

A systematic questionnaire with closed-ended questions is used in quantitative research. It

produces restricted outcomes that do not always accurately represent the real occurrence in a

generalized form (Chetty, 2016).

References

ARASH, F., 2023. The Difference Between Quantitative Research Methodology & Qualitative

Research Methodology | Synonym [WWW Document]. URL

qualitative-research-methodology-4167.html (accessed 3.7.23).

Bloomberg, L.D., Volpe, M., 2008. Presenting methodology and research approach. Completing

your qualitative dissertation: A roadmap from beginning to end 65–93.

Chapter 13 Qualitative Analysis | Research Methods for the Social Sciences [WWW Document],

2023. URL https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-hccc-research-methods/chapter/

chapter-13-qualitative-analysis/ (accessed 3.7.23).

Chetty, P., 2016. Limitations and weakness of quantitative research methods [WWW

Document]. Knowledge Tank. URL https://www.projectguru.in/limitations-quantitative-

research/ (accessed 3.7.23).

Guest, G., Namey, E.E., Mitchell, M.L., 2013. Collecting Qualitative Data: A Field Manual for

Applied Research. SAGE Publications, Ltd, 1 Oliver’s Yard, 55 City

Road London EC1Y 1SP. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781506374680

Holloway, I., Todres, L., 2007. Thinking differently: Challenges in qualitative research.

International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being 2, 12–18.

LEE, J., 2023. Problems in Research: Quantitative & Qualitative Methods | Synonym [WWW

Document]. URL https://classroom.synonym.com/problems-research-quantitative-

qualitative-methods-4418.html (accessed 3.7.23).

Mezmir, E.A., 2020. Qualitative data analysis: An overview of data reduction, data display, and

interpretation. Research on humanities and social sciences 10, 15–27.

Nikolopoulou, K., 2022. What Is Omitted Variable Bias? | Definition & Examples [WWW

Document]. Scribbr. URL https://www.scribbr.com/research-bias/omitted-variable-bias/

(accessed 3.7.23).
Saunders, M.N., Lewis, P., Thornhill, A., Bristow, A., 2015. Understanding research philosophy

and approaches to theory development.