Chapter 4 Notes PDF

The Formulation of the Summary of Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendation A. Drawing the line a. Data Analysis is the actual measurement and observation, while interpretation is an attempt to identify or explain what is measured and observed with its validity depending on how...

The Formulation of the Summary of Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendation A. Drawing the line a. Data Analysis is the actual measurement and observation, while interpretation is an attempt to identify or explain what is measured and observed with its validity depending on how well it accommodates the available data, for interpretations may change as the database changes – such as interplay between data and interpretation is what makes science successful and progressive (Kennedy, 2003). Although data analysis can be misinterpreted as manipulating data to achieve the desired results, you are truthfully looking for ideas, concepts, and attitudes. b. The analysis which can then pass the burden of explanation beyond the data called interpretation is when the researchers attempt to explain the patterns and trends uncovered through analysis, bringing all of their background knowledge, experience, and skills to bear on the question and relating their data to existing scientific ideas. The most important thing to give research a focus in the construction of social reality of a particular phenomenon being studied. B. Flow of Summary of Findings and the Interpretation a. Getting to know the data This is done by reading and rereading the text. Taped recordings should be played and listened to several times; thus, a transcription of the interview is an important tool to prepare. Impressions should be written down on the margins of the transcripts accordingly. b. Focusing the analysis a. Focus by question or topic, time period, or event. This is done in open-ended questions. This can be done by: 1. looking at how all individuals or groups responded to each question or topic, or for a given time period or event 2. organizing the data by question to look across all respondents and their answers to identify consistencies and differences 3. consolidating all data from questions 4. applying the same approach to particular topics, time period, events of interest; and 5. exploring the connections and relationships between questions. b. Focus by case, individual, or group. 1. A case can be a single family 2. An individual can be a first-timer or teen participant 3. A group can be categorized by ages c. Annotating This is a process used for analyzing an article or a text. In research, it is largely used to react to the transcripts of the interview. It is done by writing symbols and notes on the transcript, especially on its margins, while reading and rereading the transcribed text. d. Coding a. Predefined codes refer to codes that are formulated by the researcher based on his/her knowledge of the reviewed literature. b. Emergent codes refer to codes that become apparent as one reviews the data. In order to recognize patterns, know that patterns can be characterized by the following (Saldana, 2013) a. Similarity – things happen the same way b. Difference – they happen in predictably different ways c. Frequency – they happen often or seldom d. Sequence – they happen in a certain order e. Correspondence – they happen in relation to other activities or events f. Causation – one appears to cause another e. Entering and Organizing the Data This can be done manually by using a piece of paper or through computers. However, using a word processing program such as MS Word will make data encoding easier to accomplish. f. Cleaning the data This is the process of checking data for errors. The ‘dirty’ data when not eliminated, can negatively influence the results of the study. Three common ways to cleaning qualitative data (Washington County, 1996): a. Spot-checking Comparing raw data to the electronically entered data to check for data entry and coding errors. b. Eye-balling This technique involves reviewing the data for errors that may have resulted from a data entry or coding oversight. c. Logic check This technique involves a careful review of the electronically raw data to make sure that the answers to the different questions makes sense. g. Identifying meaningful patterns and themes Two ways: a. Content Analysis This is carried out by coding the data for certain words or content by going through all the text and label words, phrases, and sections of the text; or devising a matrix to group for categories of the texts when listening to a recorded interview; identifying their patterns (ideas, concepts, behaviors, interactions, incidents, terminologies, or phrases used); and interpreting their meanings. b. Thematic Analysis This is a process of analyzing the data by grouping them according to themes. These themes either evolve directly from the research questions or preset, or naturally emerge from the resulting data.  h. Interpreting the data After identifying and analyzing, coding and organizing a presentation, and identifying the themes and patterns, the next step is to interpret the results. In this process, the results are synthesized into a coherent whole. Meaning and significance are attached to the analysis of data. The themes and patterns serve to explain the findings. The implications of the study are highlighted in this section as a preface for the final parts of the research paper. a. Points or important findings should be listed. b. The lessons learned and new things should be noted. c. Quotes or descriptive examples given by the participants should be included. d. The newfound knowledge from other settings, programs, or reviewed literature should be applied. i. Four levels of interpretation as considered in organizing the discussion of the results according to Ducut and Pangilinan, 2006: 1. Level 1 Data collected are compared and contrasted and any unexpected results may be included. Comments on certain shortcomings of the study may be made but they should not overly emphasized the flaws 2. Level 2 The internal validity of the results, as well as their consistency or reliability is explained. The causes or factors that may have influenced the results are described. 3. Level 3 The external validity of the results, that is, their generality or applicability of external conditions is explained. 4. Level 4 The data are related to theoretical research or with related literature. C. Guide Questions in analyzing data a. What patterns or common themes emerged around specific items in the data? b. How do these patterns help shed light on the broader study question/s? c. Is there any deviation from these patterns? If there is, what factors could explain these atypical responses? d. What interesting stories emerged from the data? How can these stories help shed light on the broader study question? e. Do any of the patterns or common themes suggest that additional data needs to be collected? Do any of the study questions need to be revised? f. Do the patterns support the findings of other corresponding qualitative analyses that have been conducted?  D. Suggested templates for results and discussion Based on the data you have collected and analyzed, what have you learned about your chosen topic? Present, explain source, and defend. ○ WRITING TIP: Write this as if it is a persuasive essay. Every finding/theory you present and discuss, you must immediately defend it. Aim to persuade your readers to agree with you. Version 1 RESULTS a. Introductory paragraph b. Results for research question/ objective 1 c. Results for research question/ objective 2 d. Results for research question/ objective 3 DISCUSSION a. Introductory paragraph b. Discussion of results for research question/objective 1 i. Link results to related literature and studies ii. Link results to existing theories iii. Provide alternative explanation, if there is any c. Discussion of results for research question/objective 2 i. Link results to related literature and studies ii. Link results to existing theories iii. Provide alternative explanation, if there is any d. Discussion of results for research question/objective 3 i. Link results to related literature and studies ii. Link results to existing theories iii. Provide alternative explanation, if there is any e. Discussion of overall results i. Link results to related literature and studies ii. Link results to existing theories iii. Provide alternative explanation, if there is any Version 2 RESULTS and DISCUSSION a. Introductory paragraph b. Research question/objective 1 i. Results ii. Discussion 1. Link results to related literature and studies 2. Link results to existing theories 3. Provide alternative explanation, if there is any c. Research question/objective 2 i. Results ii. Discussion 1. Link results to related literature and studies 2. Link results to existing theories 3. Provide alternative explanation, if there is any d. Research question/objective 3 i. Results ii. Discussion 1. Link results to related literature and studies 2. Link results to existing theories 3. Provide alternative explanation, if there is any