Qualitative Experts only. PHD. Serious proofreading necessary.

Week 10 Assignment 2: Four Part Assignment

Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis

Walden University

Tiffany Kirkland

February 1, 2019

Coding Experience and QDA Software

There are many advantages and disadvantages when it comes to coding; this includes the utilization of QDA software and manual coding. The role of the researcher is to collect data, takes notes, and to decipher what topics to record. In my experience, it is very difficult to group information in attempts to transcribe field notes, visual data, and any other supporting documents. However, researcher has to perform his/her own self-evaluation in order to decide what kind of transcribing will take place. It is important get clarification when it comes to any misunderstanding when it comes to the functionality of the software. Additionally, it is important to work through any obstacles that may hinder the researcher from performing the data analysis.

There are many important components when it comes to data analysis. The interpretation of data and the analysis in regard to the meaning of the data is a very important part of the process. The phenomenological approach must capture the essence of the lived experience in the midst of the theory or descriptive summary. The data analysis requires an interative approach and it comes from the researcher’s own role in looking at the data and it comes from the researcher’s own analysis. After the initial coding, it is essential to go back and change codes. Also, it is important to take in consideration various aspects of the data reduction phase. Codes are can be a potentially complex tasks; the reduction of data encompasses information dealing with codes, subcodes, and metacodes. It is important to note that with the help of software, the researcher can better prepare the data to be analyzed and a general sense of just managing the data. Furthermore, it is important to understand themes when it comes to utilizing software or performing the task manually (Moser & Korstjens, 2017)

In my person process regarding my analysis, I utilized the inductive approach to completing my project. I enjoyed using my own analysis in regard to breaking down codes. However, it is important to consider human error. Also, I do not feel that I have enough qualitative experience in order to provide expert work. In my coding experience, it was very difficult to organize the information in way that grouped the information accordingly. I feel as if my manually coding experience was inexperienced and amateurish. I feel that when I gain more experience in qualitative research, I will be able to construct the information in a way that entails more organization and better coding methods.

There are many advantages when it comes to the utilization of QDA Software. The usage of the software actually frees the researcher from complex and tedious tasks, saving time and increases flexibility. Furthermore, the usage of the software improves validity. Researchers have an increased pressure when it comes to accumulating large amounts of data, instead of focusing on the meaning of the data. It is imperative for researchers to stay focused on the actual meaning of the data, capturing the core of the research itself. It is important for the research itself to enhance the critical thinking process of the researcher. There have been many concerns from the public regarding the usage of QDA software may take away from the integrity of the analysis from the researchers own skills and abilities. However, the benefits seem to outweigh the negative attributes. The software supports the facilitation of group work and provides a better avenue in terms of retrieval of data. Furthermore, the software can lead to a better development in terms of cognitive aspects and theory building (Johnson & St. John, 2004). In my opinion, I believe that when using the software, it may enhance my own critical thinking skills as well as uncovering and enhancing my own ability to categorize and group information in relation to its context. Furthermore, I feel that using the software will be more beneficial when it comes to time constraints as well as the deliverance of information.

QDA Software is an essential asset and enhances the researcher’s ability to manage data. Additionally, it also aids the researcher when it comes to organizing data, builds upon theories, and explores different possibilities when it comes to data analysis and interpretation. It is important to understand that the software is structured to create as well as to share large sets of accumulated data. Furthermore, it is important for the software to facilitate group projects; It also calls for a secondary analysis as well. The Atlas.ti is a very effective software that performs complex functions and integrates an exceptional version of qualitative analysis. Additionally, it is highly representative of incorporating memos and utilizing an array of fonts as well as the ability to highlight information in color. Based on previous researcher, it is appropriate to conclude that it is important to evaluate the functionality before coming to a conclusion of choosing the software that best fits the needs of the researcher. Some researchers have change software due to the changing needs of the research; this is sometimes not discovered until after perceived data saturation has been reached (Hwang, 2007). In my opinion, I believe that the Atlas.ti would be a very beneficial and effective way to successful complete the qualitative analysis in efforts to carry out the intended purposes of the project. Therefore, I prefer to utilize the QDA software opposed to my own personal coding.

In conclusion, it is important for the researcher to understand what best fits the need of the study instead of jumping to conclusions that software will be the best beneficial in terms of research. In my opinion, I think making a decision is comprised of the researcher’s own viewpoints of using software as well as making the decision if the researcher wants to be “tied down” with clerical tasks and time constraints. I used my own coding experience as well as my research regarding QDA Software in order to determine what fits my own personal viewpoints and needs.

References

Hwang, S. (2007). Utilizing Qualitative Data Analysis. A Review of Atlas.ti. Social Science

Computer Review, 26 (4), 519-527.

Johnson P., & St. John, W. (2004). The Pros and Cons of Data Analysis Software for Qualitative

Research. The Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 32(4), 393-397.

Moser, A., & Korstjens, I. (2017). Series: Practical Guidance to Qualitative Research. Part 3:

Sampling, Data Collection and Analysis. The European Journal of General Practice, 24(1), 9- 18.

A Summary of Codes and Categories

It is important to understand the concept when performing qualitative research. Qualitative codes are an important process of the analysis it is captured by the regularity in pattern and is similar in category, essentially leading to patterns in order to facilitate the development of categories. Codes are determined during the data analysis phase and are derived from relevant data (Noble & Smith, 2014). The inductive approach is utilized to establish clear links regarding the research findings and the summary of the findings. Additionally, other important concepts include data reduction, data display, and drawing pertinent conclusions. A very important aspect of the inductive approach is utilized to clarify the data when it comes to the reduction process in order to create a meaning out of the data (Thomas, 2006).

My research question reflects the information of legal professional describes their experiences with misinterpreted eye witness testimony. The codes that conceptualized the data was the issues regarding memory recall and confidence level; these were two categories that stayed consistent throughout the course of the interview. Additionally, the data featured that the inconsistencies that were dispensed through the interview and it was concluded that the inconsistencies were usually captured during the cross-examination process. In my experience, this represented patterns when it comes to capturing inconsistencies. Additionally, patterns emerged in accordance with the legal professionals own personal strengths and weaknesses. In my experience, my study is compromised of a theme that is captured in the course of the interview.

References

Noble, H., & Smith, J. (2014). Qualitative Data Analysis: A Practical Example. Evidence-Based

Nursing, 17 (1), 1-5.

Thomas, D. (2006). A General Inductive Approach for Analyzing Qualitative Evaluation Data.

American Journal of Evaluation, 27 (2), 237-242.

A Data Analysis Plan

Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis

Walden University

Tiffany Kirkland

February 1, 2019

Introduction

RQ: How do legal professionals describe their experiences with misinterpreted eye witness testimony?

An overview of the qualitative analysis is performed in accordance with an interview conducted regarding how legal professionals describe their experiences regarding the misinterpretation of eye witness testimony. After implementing the criteria for the study, the interview was conducted via audio recording with available transcripts. After conducting the interview, it was established that there were codes, categories, and themes that were apart of the study. The type of data analysis utilized was the inductive approach in order to recognize relevant patterns.

Research Design

Phenomenological approach is the chosen approach of choice.  The Phenomenological approach captures the subjective experience. Additionally, it important to emotionality, perceptions, and judgments.  Also, the phenomenological approach does not rely on traditional data and is imperative to understand the trial and error effect. It is important to conduct a study that entails participants who meets certain purposive criteria (Englander, 2016). The Phenomenological Approach was implemented in order to capture the subjective experience by the participants. The Phenomenological Design is constructed to allow the readers to understand the perspective of people is the central analysis. The Phenomenological Approach is more of a derivative of the social sciences instead of the scientific standpoint (Aspers, 2009).

Data Collection & Sampling

During the data collection process, the interviews were conducted as well as surveys. The interviews question consisted of semi-structured questions and open-ended questions. However, the questions offered the participant flexibility. The categories "reasons for participation" and "external criteria" were less central and served the purpose of collection additional information that could help interpreting the information. It is vital for any study to implement a sampling plan that is consistent with the information. Purposive Sampling is sampling method that involves important specified criteria that fits in accordance with the study.  In order to have a good sampling plan, it is important to understand the recommended requirements for each study. Additionally, it is important to explore the effectiveness of the sampling method the researcher is considering. Additionally, it is important to incorporate observations and the emergence of theories. It is imperative to consider the psychological underpinnings of the study as well coupled with the sampling plan (Thomas, 2003). I have established that the purposive sampling is an effective type of sampling method due to the nature of the study. It is important to understand that this study consists of legal professionals and their experiences in how their world is interpreted. The criteria for this particular study included is legal professionals that had previous experience with problems associated with eye witness testimony in order to evaluate the situation for professional and preventive services. The criteria of the sample involves a male or female that has been involved in the legal professional for a least one year.

Data Analysis

Data analysis is a very important part of the study conducted. It is essential to establish notes of an analytical standpoint as well as interviews that are constructed in accordance with the phenomenological approach. Additionally, the interviews are semi-structured and structured. Additionally, it is essential to capture the core of the phenomena of interest.  Furthermore, the interview should be presented in a professional manner and be conducted in a way that incorporates objectivity (Hasanvand, Ashktorab, Seyedfatemi, & Salmani, 2015). Additionally, it is important to have the proper code method. It is important to summarize the data into themes. It is important to note similarities and differences in accordance with the study that is being conducted. Furthermore, studies can have predetermined codes as well.  However, developing themes should be grounded into the original data. It is very important to capture the subjective point of view and interpret the phenomena of interest and to have consistency that is deemed logical and effective. Inductive coding has been deemed effective when it comes to how people interpret their world. It is important to note the insights of the participant as well as conveying meaning of the data; However, the collection of data can be a very challenging and enduring process (Fereday, 2006). 

My study that I conducted consisted of an inductive approach. During the inductive approach, the research findings enables significant themes to emerge raw data.  Key themes are often obscured because of some of the preconceptions when it comes to data collection and data analysis. The strategical method of encompassing categories that is crucial to the study conducted. Additionally, it is important to conduct interviews that challenge interpretations.  Upon conducting the coding method, it is essential to illustrate meanings. The inductive approach encompasses and in depth understanding. Also, the phenomenological approach develops patterns, meanings, and relationships (Thomas, 2003)

The first interview conducted was transcribed manually; a transcription service was not utilized. Memo notes were also conducted. Due to the fact that the interview was a phone interview, the observations of body language and nonverbal cues were not documented. However, occurrences throughout the interview was conducted in the notes; this includes information on word usage, pauses during the interview, etc.  The transcribing process was ensured for accuracy and was validated by a third party. During this interview, the weaknesses and strengths were thoroughly examined. Also, the potential for error was also conducted. According to Davidson (2009), transcription is a selective process in efforts to conquer goals, including theoretical goals. The lack of adequate transcription often is associated with the lack of documented empirical accounts.  It is imperative to address the data collected in terms of analytical standpoint.

References

Englander, M. (2016). The Phenomenological Method in Qualitative Psychology and Psychiatry.

International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being, 11, e30682.

Aspers. P. (2009). Empirical Phenomenology: A Qualitative Research Approach. Indo-Pacific

Journal, 49 (2), 1-12.

Davidson, C. (2009). Transcription: Imperatives for Qualitative Research. International Journal

of Qualitative Methods, 8 (2), 35-52.

Elliot, R., & Tumulak, L. (2005). Descriptive and Interpretative Approaches to Qualitative

Research. Research Methods for Health and Clinical Psychology, 3 (1), 444-447. 

Fereday, J. (2006). Demonstrating Rigor Using Thematic Analysis: A Hybrid Approach of

Inductive and Deductive Coding and Theme Development. International Journal of

Qualitative Method, 5 (1), 8-35.

Hasanvand, S., Ashktorab, T., Seyedfatemi, N., & Salmani, N. (2015). The Analysis of

Phenomenological Experiences Based on Giorgi Method. Advanced in Nursing and

Midwifery, 25 (89). 35-45.

Thomas, D. (2003). A General Inductive Approach for Qualitative Data Analysis. Population

Health, 2 (3), 35-45.

Final Analysis Plan

Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis

Walden University

Tiffany Kirkland

February 1, 2019

Final Plan Analysis

My future analysis plan is to implement validity, transferability, reliability, and credibility into the final project. Additionally, I am going to include information that encompasses trustworthiness. I plan to refine the data analysis plan and project more intense details of a descriptive nature and to further break down the process.

Peer Feedback

What aspects of the interview were well done (e.g., creating rapport, staying neutral staying on purpose, asking follow up and probing questions)? 

Although the interview was done via phone and I have not heard the audio, the interviewer’s language remained both professional and neutral which seems to have enhanced the depth of data and rapport developed with the interviewee. It seems that the questions developed were very probing and maintained that quality informant was exchanged regarding the topic of interest. Very impressive; the manual transcription must have been time-consuming and laborious but it seems to be accurate and beautifully done. 

Which questions “worked,” and which “fell flat”? In other words, were there questions the participant was not able to understand or to which he or she could not respond?

The quality of the questions was sufficient in gathering information as well as communicating the meaning of the questions being asked to the intended population. The only critique I would have is to have maybe asked more probing questions if an interviewee would reply with “ I have had many enjoyable moments. I love being a part of the legal team and working with clients from all walks of life. It is interesting to see people from different cultures and the way that their perspectives” I was confused on what was meant by “and the way that their perspectives.” This could mean, the way that cultures impact perspectives, or really anything could have been interpreted/misinterpreted. Also, it would have been beneficial to know more specifics on how working with different cultures added to specific enjoyable moments (perhaps a probing question on an example from personal experience to illustrate what the interviewee was meaning more specifically). Other than that, one critique, I was very impressed with the interview and the information obtained. 

Did your partner focus on examples and experiences of the phenomenon of interest? Did the participant generate rich, thick descriptions?

Yes, very much so! The amount of information was almost overwhelming. The interviewer would follow up with asking about situations, understanding, etc. The questions were well developed. 

What would you suggest to improve the quality of the interview?

Not much, I only had the one critique. Maybe in the future, try to conduct an interviewee in person to see how the experience might be different and offer other pieces of data. However, I feel that the phone was more than sufficient for this study. Great job!

Warm Regards,

Amy Jozan