DATA COLLECTION METHODS
Discussion 2: Comparing Data Collection Methods
By now, you have experienced and studied a variety of data collection methods from interviews and focus groups to transcripts and ancillary documents. As Ravitch and Carl (2016) explain, “qualitative data collection should be intentional, rigorous, and systematic” (p. 145). But in no way should be bound by rules and procedures as much as related to the lived experiences of the participants.
For this Discussion, you will explore different data collection methods and draw comparisons. You also will examine strengths, weaknesses, and the challenges they may present.
To prepare for this Discussion:
Post a response to the following:
Be sure to support your main post and response post with reference to the week’s Learning Resources and other scholarly evidence in APA style.
Required Readings
Saldaña, J. (2016). The coding manual for qualitative researchers (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Ravitch, S. M., & Carl, N. M. (2016). Qualitative research: Bridging the conceptual, theoretical, and methodological. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Rubin, H. J., & Rubin, I. S. (2012). Qualitative interviewing: The art of hearing data (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Document: Excel Video Coding Document Template (Excel spreadsheet)
Review this Excel template as you view this week’s media program related to coding. Also, you will use this template for reorganizing and reanalyzing data.
Required Media
Laureate Education (Producer). (2016). Second cycle coding [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 6 minutes.
In this media program, Dr. Susan Marcus, Core Research Faculty with the School of Psychology at Walden University, introduces second cycle coding. She discusses the purpose of reorganizing and reanalyzing data from first cycle coding. She will also demonstrate using this method.