RM 15
RM 15
The process of data analysis includes dealing with the data, breaking it down into
manageable components, coding it, and discovering patterns and themes. Interpretation,
on the other hand, is creating thoughts about the results, connecting them to existing
literature, bigger concepts, and theories, and explaining the relevance of the findings.
These following are an explanation of the data analysis process.
1. Data Collection
2. Data Organization
3. Coding
4. Computer-Assisted Analysis
To conduct good data analysis and interpretation, researchers must immerse themselves
in the data, code and analyses continuously, and repeatedly compare and contrast data to
find emergent themes and patterns. The researcher must aware throughout the process,
recognizing biases and preconceptions that may impact data interpretation. Also,
researchers should consider the environment in which the data were acquired and how it
may influence the interpretation of findings.
The following are steps that can help to make analysis and interpretation an ongoing
part of data collection.
1. In qualitative research, forcing yourself to make decisions that narrow the study
is essential to focus your efforts and ensure that your data collection aligns with
your research goals. The data collection may seem boundless and exciting, but
making decisions early on is crucial to avoid collecting data that is too diffuse or
irrelevant for your study. Through setting limits and disciplining yourself not to
pursue everything, you can guide your research towards a specific direction,
making the final analysis more manageable and productive.
2. Develop the analytic questions in qualitative research is essential as they provide
focus to data collection and help organize the study as it progresses. To
formulate effective analytic questions, researchers must first have a clear
understanding of their research goals and objectives. By defining what they aim
to explore and achieve through the study, researchers can tailor their questions to
align with these objectives. These questions are closely linked to the type of
study being conducted and guide the research towards specific goals and
outcomes. Analytic questions should be formulated shortly after entering the
field to assess their relevance and direct the research work.
3. The writing of observer comments and memos in field research to capture
observations and ideas effectively. These comments serve as a valuable tool for
reflecting on emerging themes, ideas, and potential areas for further
investigation. Engaging in dialogue with key informants can provide valuable
insights and help advance the analysis process.