Coding of Qualitative Data assignment

Analyzing qualitative data after it has been collected begins with a process known as coding. This involves reviewing the data that was collected and identifying important passages and information. The researcher can then group those passages according to their respective topics and develop specific themes about those topics that are supported by the data. This process involves careful thought and a great deal of discipline. It is easy for researchers to manipulate passages and themes to support their hypotheses and expectations. This is problematic for several reasons: It promotes biased results, it limits the scope and depth of the analysis, and it makes the discussion and defense of the researcher’s techniques rather difficult.

This Discussion allows you to experience the processes of coding and analyzing qualitative data. In doing so, you should gain a deeper understanding of these techniques and their challenges.

To prepare:

Select at least five of your classmates’ Introduction posts from the Class Café to code and analyze (See attached file).
Using the strategies presented in the Smith and Firth article (see attached file), code your five selected postings by removing identifying information, coding the information, and identifying specific themes.
As you begin the process, keep in mind that there is no right or wrong way of coding; however, your categories and associated data should—without heavy explanation—make sense to someone unfamiliar with your research.
When you have completed coding the data, reflect on your experience of analyzing this type of data. Ask yourself: How can qualitative research methods promote evidence-based practice?

By tomorrow Thursday November 2, 2017 write an essay of minimum of 550 words in APA format with at least 3 references. Include the level one headings as numbered below:

Post a cohesive response that addresses the following:

1) Identify the overall themes you selected from coding the posts. Justify why you chose these particular themes. Try to be as scholarly as possible and remember that researchers try to refrain from directly identifying the subjects of their qualitative studies.

2) Formulate a brief analysis and conclusion about your classmates’ Introduction posts based on the themes you identified.

3) Discuss what you gained from your experiences with coding and analyzing qualitative data and how qualitative research can promote evidence-based practice.

Required Media

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2011). Research methods for evidence-based practice: Qualitative research. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 9 minutes.

In this week’s video, the presenter discusses the purpose of qualitative research and explains how it differs from, yet complements, quantitative research.

Required Readings

Gray, J.R., Grove, S.K., & Sutherland, S. (2017). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (8th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier.

Chapter 12, “Qualitative Research Methods” (pp. 251-274)

This section of Chapter 12 details key qualitative research data collection and analysis methods.

Bradley, E. H., Curry, L. A., & Devers, K. J. (2007). Qualitative data analysis for health services research: Developing taxonomy, themes, and theory. Health Services Research, 42(4), 1758–1772. doi:10.1111/j.1475-6773.2006.00684.x

This article outlines practical approaches to qualitative data with a specific emphasis on methods useful for generating taxonomy, themes, and theory with regard to the health care field.

Smith, J., & Firth, J. (2011). Qualitative data analysis: The framework approach. Nurse Researcher, 18(2), 52–62. (See attached file).

This article outlines the framework approach to qualitative data, in which researchers follow detailed objectives and goals to collect and manage data. This approach is in direct contrast to inductive approaches, including grounded theory, which allows for a more fluid qualitative research process governed by the nature of the data.

Optional Resources

Lockwood, C. (2008). Cochrane qualitative research methods group. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (4). http://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=chh&AN=CE000142&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Nicholls, D. (2009). Qualitative research: Part three—Methods. International Journal of Therapy & Rehabilitation, 16(12), 638–647.

Taylor-Powell, E., & Renner, M. (2003). Analyzing qualitative data. University of Wisconsin-Extension, Cooperative Extension. Retrieved from http://learningstore.uwex.edu/assets/pdfs/g3658-12.pdf

Vander Putten, J., & Nolen, A. (2010). Comparing results from constant comparative and computer software methods: A reflection about qualitative data analysis. Journal of Ethnographic & Qualitative Research, 5(2), 99–112.

Walden University. (n.d.). Collecting qualitative data. Retrieved August 1, 2011, from http://streaming.waldenu.edu/hdp/researchtutorials/educ8106_player/educ8106_collecting_qualitative_data.html

Walden University. (n.d.). Analyzing and interpreting qualitative data. Retrieved August 1, 2011, from http://streaming.waldenu.edu/hdp/researchtutorials/educ8106_player/educ8106_analyzing_and_interpreting_qualitative_data.html