Data Analysis

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You are asked to do several things to analyze this data. Before you begin, note that the interpretive nature of qualitative data analysis suggests that your analysis might be different from the analysis feedback presented. First, scan the data to get a “feel” for it as a whole. Then complete each of the following activities using the files provided.

This activity contains 4 questions.

Now that you've scanned the data, segment the data. A segment is a word, group of words, or sentence that is comprehensive by itself. That is, it contains one idea or piece of information relevant to the study. To segment the data, you can copy and paste the data as it is provided on the site into a word processor, or you can download the provided ASCII file and open it up in your word processor (see the Data screen for both options). Once you have the data in your word processor, copy and paste the segments you have selected into the essay box provided, numbering each segment according to the teacher number from which you've taken it, and separating each with a semicolon.

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

Now that you've segmented the data, it's time to label each segment with a descriptive name for the subject matter (not the meaning) of the segment. These labels are called topics. In the essay box provided, copy and paste the segments you entered for step 1 and at the end of each segment, insert a topic label in parentheses. See the hint for examples.

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

Now that you have topic labels assigned to your segments, you'll need to group together any topics you feel are similar in nature, and then you'll need to label these groupings with a term that conceptually describes the topics within it. These labels are called categories. Copy and paste your response to step 2 into your word processor. Group all of the topics/segments into six or seven categories (an "other" category is acceptable). Once you have your categories designated, list each of them in the essay box provided, making sure to include the topics and segments for each category.

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

Finally, try to ascertain any patterns you feel represent the major issues that should be reported to the program developer in response to the focus group question. Write a short, concise paragraph describing your analysis, findings, and conclusions.

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

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