Discussion Post: Qualitative Data
Researchers conducting qualitative research use various methods to collect data. According to Grand Canyon University (2018), data collection for qualitative research may be gathered by different methods, for example, journals, diaries, conversation transcripts, and recordings of field logs from daily notes. Depending upon the kind of research being collected, may dictate the type of collection device that is used. It is critical for researchers to ensure that data is managed and organized well, this can present challenging as there may be a surplus of data that is collected. Qualitative research studies may continue with interviews until saturation of data has been achieved, and in these cases this may be many months of data collection.
There are different methods that researchers can use to help with managing and organizing data. According to Yakut (2017), Yakut Cayir & Saritas (2017), significant benefit can be achieved with organizing data with use of computer software, for example Atlas ti software. For example, using a computer-assisted data analysis for qualitative data, can help researchers organize and better manage data. Other methods exist for management and organization of qualitative data as well. According to Pokorny et al. (2018), network graphs which use graph theory and network analysis, allowing analysis and representation of relationships between codes. Codes are often applied from data collection from interviews for example, these themes and concepts are labeled in this way. Researchers are responsible for tallying the number of times the codes will occur, and these network graphs can be useful for this process.
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.
The response should include a reference list. Using one-inch margins, Times New Roman 12 pnt font, double-space and APA style of writing and citations.