Research Methods

Copious amounts of data present a challenge for the qualitative researcher because of the nature of this research method. Since the analysis of the data begins as it is collected, the data set may continue to grow while the collection of data may beget more data from more sources and research could spiral out of control without some focusing strategies. These include data reduction, identifying evidence-based practice, coding, identifying themes, and reflection. Each of these approaches is aimed at controlling data and providing for a more effective qualitative study. 

In part, qualitative methods draw from quantitative methods regarding data management. Quantitative methods are more focused on excluding data that may dilute or hinder gathering new knowledge on the scope of the study. Qualitative methods must use a balanced approach to ensure that only relevant data is analyzed. Therefore, there must be a process for accounting for a rationale to include or exclude data. How data was chosen must be accounted for in the paper. A substantive part of how to decide to exclude data comes from an element of reflection on behalf of the researcher.  

Reflexive thought includes the personal feelings of the researcher to the study. After scouring numerous pieces of nursing literature, and “During data analysis, a dynamic interaction occurs between the researcher and his or her experience of the data...Thus, an important part of writing a report of a qualitative study is a description of the analysis process of the researcher” (Burns & Grove, 2011). Not accounting for the personal feelings of the researcher toward the data may hinder data analysis and the validity of the study. 

A properly ordered study should narrow the scope for the study and the data collected. If the quantity of data becomes overwhelming, the parameters of the data should be narrowed or augmented to focus the data toward the research question. Other tools including identifying themes, and looking for trends in data that may make the collection or research more efficient. The most important thing is that the data used is relevant to the research question and the integrity of the study is maintained during data analysis. Relief for the overwhelmed comes in focusing on the research question.  

References

Burns, N., Grove, S. K., & Gray, J. (2011). Understanding nursing research: building an evidence-based practice (5th ed.). Maryland Heights, MO: Elsevier/Saunders.

Creswell, J. W. (2003). Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method approaches (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage Publication