Chapter 6: Finding Answers Through Data Collection and Analyzing the Meaning of Qualitative Data

Lesson 1: Collecting Data Trough Observation, Interview and Other Methods

Basic and common methods of data collection used in qualitative research are:
• Observations
• Interviews
• Document reviews
• Audio and visual materials

1. OBSERVATION IN RESEARCH
Observation
- is a preferred tool for collecting data where the use of interviews and questionnaires are not possible, such
as when the study participants are very young children, and those with disabilities.
• It involves observing behavior and recording the results of your observations using the following systematic
guidelines:

1. Observations should be certain and carefully planned. Pre-planned research questions serves as guide
throughout the process.

2. An observation checklist should be prepared prior to the observation process. A video recording may also
be used when observing behavioral data that you want to measure or collect.
3. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods may be used for data analysis.

2. INTERVIEW

• is a personal conversation between two or more people which constitute the target population for the
purpose of collecting information for a research project.
•
FORMS OF INTERVIEW
Structured interview
• the researcher uses an interview schedule (set of prepared questions that are asked from one respondent to
another).
2. Semi-structured interview
• Interviewer has a pre-determined set of questions or schedule
• Respondent is free to answer the questions
• Additional questions are asked by the interviewer for additional information needed
3. Unstructured interview
• Very informal form of interview.
• Interview schedule is not necessary
• Usually uses open-ended questions, giving opportunity to the researcher to ask questions for clarification &
deeper understanding.
• Time consuming & you have to employ a different type of analysis.

INTERVIEWING INDIVIDUALS FOR A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

In-depth interview
• When interviewing an individual to obtain detailed information or perceptions about a program/issue.
• Used if respondents are not comfortable discussing in a group.

Simple checklist or guide in conducting in-depth interviews

1. Planning Stage
• Identify the participants in the study first by groups.
• Have a listing of the respondents to be interviewed.

2. Development of Instrument
• Develop the interview guide
• List the questions to be asked during the interview
• An ideal number of not more than 15 questions may guide you in the interview

INTERVIEWING GROUPS OF PEOPLE FOR RESEARCH (Focus Group Discussion)

Focus groups are used when your research interest is on the cultural norms of a group of people.

When interviewing groups of people called focus groups, use the following guide:
1. Employ purposive sampling in choosing the group of respondents.
2. Invite the group of respondents in advance.
3. Send the information sheet and consent form to the respondents.
4. Set the time & venue of the interview
5. Set up the technical support (video recording, camera, projector, etc.)
6. Provide refreshments for the participants and offer them traveling expenses; if needed.
7. Provide the proper orientation about the interview to the participants.
8. Explain the objective/purpose of the research study and the interview process.
9. Develop and use the interview guide with open-ended questions.
10. In focus group interviews, you may ask further questions, clarify issues or unclear responses.
 DOCUMENTS REVIEW

• Includes deriving relevant information from existing documents such as annual reports, proceedings of
seminars, statistical data, bulletins, newspaper, brochures, proposals, data files, and various public records.

DOCUMENTS REVIEW AS A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHOD

• Research studies that use mixed research methods, combining quantitative and qualitative research
techniques, sometimes include document analysis.

AUDIO-VISUAL DATA AND MATERIALS

These are sounds and images such as videotapes and films that researchers collect to assist in understanding
the research problem at hand.

Inferring and Explaining Patterns and Themes from Data

The identification of meaningful patterns and themes is the core of qualitative data analysis. There are two
primary ways of doing the analysis, namely:

• Content analysis

• Thematic analysis

CONTENT ANALYSIS

This technique could be used when qualitative data had been collected through interviews, focus groups,
observations and documentary analyses.

THEMATIC ANALYSIS

This is a form of pattern recognition within the data. It provides a simple interpretation and concise
description of themes and patterns in the data set.

Patterns and Themes from Data

Conclusions in qualitative research are based on patterns and themes. Patterns and themes are words or
phrases that characterize the experience of the participants and these words and phrases appear on several
occasions and are mentioned by different participants. These words or phrases will manifest in the interview
transcript and researchers, during analysis, should be able to identify and locate them.

Coding is the process of analyzing the data and searching for essential information that answers the research
questions. They are considered essential if they occur of have been mentioned several times by the
informants. In other words, it is a process of filtering the data (Farber 2006).

There are two types of codes in qualitative research: emergent and preset (Taylor-Powell and Renner 2003).

Emergent codes are those that show up during analysis while preset are codes that have been identified
prior to analysis.

Example of Preset Codes/Categories*