Deck 13: Data Analysis and Qualitative Research

Question 1

Sampling and data collection in a qualitative study is best characterized as a(n)

A) emergent and flexible, but disciplined, process.
B) highly scientific and exacting research process.
C) rule-driven process with straightforward tests.

Answer 1

emergent and flexible, but disciplined, process.

Question 2

When does a qualitative researcher develop his/her emergent design?

A) As data are collected and analyzed in the field.
B) Before going into the field.
C) Once the literature review is completed.

Answer 2

As data are collected and analyzed in the field.

Question 3

Transferability in a qualitative study is analogous to what issue in quantitative research?

A) Generalizability.
B) Reliability.
C) Validity.

Answer 3

Generalizability.

Question 4

A qualitative research report should be sufficiently detailed to allow a second researcher, using the original data and decision trail, to arrive at conclusions similar to those of the original researcher. Studies with this level of detail are said to have

A) auditability.
B) transferability.
C) triangulation.

Question 5

Qualitative researchers begin to reflect on the content and meaning of the information they are gathering while they are in the field. "Field notes" become

A) a temporary memo and are not used to inform the data analysis process.
B) detailed subjective observations, thoughts, and insights.
C) objective observations about the information-gathering session.

Question 6

The core activity in qualitative data analysis is

A) data familiarization.
B) data preparation.
C) search for themes and patterns.

Question 7

When a qualitative researcher discusses emerging findings and interpretations with study participants, this is referred to as

A) member checks.
B) peer debriefing.
C) theory triangulation.

Question 8

The final stage of the qualitative data analysis process entails

A) weaving discrete themes together into meaningful conceptual patterns.
B) b. an immersion experience as the researcher focuses on answering the question, "What is going on here?"
C) theorizing as the researcher develops tentative explanations for variations.

Question 9

Which of the following is most important for the integrity of a qualitative study and its findings?

A) Matching the analysis approach to the specific qualitative approach.
B) Naming themes carefully in an attempt to create a vivid word picture.
C) Searching for and identifying themes that are embodied in narrative content.

Question 10

Which of the following are particularly powerful as labels for themes in a qualitative study because they provide a strong image with feeling tone?

A) Indigenous concepts.
B) Metaphors.
C) Sensitizing concepts.

Question 11

Establishing reliability of a category scheme can best be done by

A) clearly defining inclusion and exclusion criteria.
B) intra-rater reliability processes.
C) systematically linking data to a category.

Question 12

Which of the following questions would help researchers uncover patterns?

A) Are the materials in the coding set done at two points in time?
B) Do the words or phrases fit with a predetermined category?
C) Under what conditions does the variation occur?

Question 13

The quality indicators for qualitative research (confirmability, dependability, and credibility) consider both

A) evaluation of research findings and analysis of other evidence to develop guidelines.
B) quality of the data collected and the researcher's interpretation of those data.
C) statistical techniques to numerically manipulate observations and explain study outcomes.

Question 14

A critical evaluation of qualitative research findings involves which of the following?

A) Considering integrity of the sampling and data collection processes.
B) Identifying distinctively labeled data analysis procedures.
C) Personal involvement with emotion-laden titles for themes and compelling excerpts.