Question 1

Regarding data analysis conducted via computer, your text suggests that
A) computer analysis is more valid than doing the analysis by hand.
B) computer software should be used only to code your data.
C) computer software can be used to assist with data analysis.
D) computer analysis is more reliable than doing the analysis by hand.

Accepted Answer

The text suggests that computer software can be used to assist with data analysis, indicating that it is a helpful tool in the analysis process. However, it does not imply that computer analysis is inherently more valid or reliable than doing the analysis by hand. Additionally, the text does not suggest that computer software should be used only to code data, as other analysis functions such as statistical tests can also be performed using software. Therefore, the best choice is C.

Question 2

Of the following, which is a qualitative data interpretation strategy discussed in your text?
A) Connect findings with personal experience.
B) Use a frequency analysis to examine the data.
C) Report a description of all themes.
D) Present the findings that confirm your beliefs.

Accepted Answer

Connecting findings with personal experience is a qualitative data interpretation strategy discussed in the text. It involves using the researcher's own experiences to make sense of the data and draw conclusions. The other options (B, C, and D) are also strategies for interpreting qualitative data, but they are not the one specifically discussed in the prompt. Option B involves examining the frequency of themes, option C involves reporting all themes, and option D involves presenting findings that confirm pre-existing beliefs, which is not considered good practice in qualitative research.

Question 3

Of the following, which is a question qualitative researchers might ask themselves when conducint data analysis during data collection?
A) Do I have enough data? 
B) Does the evidence proof my position?
C) Are my data objective enough for validity? 
D) Is my research question still answerable?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative researchers often reflect on whether their research question remains answerable as they gather and analyze data, ensuring the study remains relevant and feasible.

Question 4

Marcus is a qualitative researcher who studies the communication of frustration among colleagues. He has collected his data and is currently trying to find patterns and meaning in the data. He is using a strategy where he records on index cards to allow for future sorting. Which of the following data analysis strategies is Marcus most directly conducting?
A) Coding
B) Answering key questions
C) Organizational overview
D) Displaying findings

Accepted Answer

Marcus is using the strategy of recording on index cards to allow for future sorting, which suggests that he is conducting a form of coding as a data analysis strategy.

Question 5

Qualitative data analysis is a process of
A) deduction.
B) induction.
C) generalizability.
D) objectivity.

Accepted Answer

Qualitative data analysis involves making inferences and developing theories based on observations of specific instances or cases, which is an inductive process. Deduction involves using theories or general principles to make specific predictions, which is not the main goal of qualitative analysis. Generalizability is not a key concern in qualitative research, and objectivity may be difficult to achieve in interpreting and analyzing subjective data.

Question 6

Both Marianne and Bill examined the same set of qualitative data collected from couples in a study designed to understand relationship stress. Interestingly, the themes that emerged from the data were not consistent across the two researchers. Of the following, which is the most likely reason for the discrepancy?
A) The data were not valid.
B) The data were not reliable.
C) Qualitative analysis is interpretive.
D) Qualitative analysis is deductive.

Accepted Answer

Qualitative analysis is interpretive, meaning that different researchers can interpret the same data in different ways. Therefore, it is not surprising that Marianne and Bill found different themes in the data. Option A (invalid data) and Option D (deductive analysis) are not relevant to the discrepancy between researchers, and Option B (unreliable data) is less likely than the interpretive nature of qualitative analysis to cause different results.

Question 7

Sally is a physical therapist who is conducting a narrative research study of people's rehabilitation stories. She has organized her data and is becoming familiar with her data and is identifying potential themes. Sally is engaged in which of the following qualitative data analysis steps?
A) Memoing
B) Classifying
C) Describing
D) Examining

Accepted Answer

Memoing is the process of writing notes to oneself about the data, which can help to identify potential themes.

Question 8

Of the following which is a popular qualitative data analysis software package?
A) MYSTAT
B) SPSS
C) NVivo
D) SAS end user

Accepted Answer

NVivo is a popular software package specifically designed for qualitative data analysis. The other options (MYSTAT, SPSS, and SAS end user) are primarily used for quantitative data analysis.

Question 9

The data analysis strategy that specifically consists of a visual representation of causal relationships is specifically referred to as
A) developing concept maps.
B) analyzing antecedents and consequences.
C) stating what is missing.
D) relating the findings to theory.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The data analysis strategy that specifically consists...

Question 10

Although with revisiting data during data analysis the steps of data analysis may change, the initial sequence of data analysis concludes with _____________.
A) classifying.
B) reading.
C) memoing.
D) describing.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Although with revisiting data during data analysis...

Question 11

When conducting data analysis during data collection one suggestion for qualitative researchers is to
A) seek evidence to support your initial thoughts.
B) assure you have enough data for an objective analysis.
C) reflect on what you are attending to and leaving out.
D) finish data collection as quickly as possible.

Accepted Answer

Reflecting on what you are attending to and leaving out is an important step in qualitative data analysis as it helps researchers to ensure that they are capturing relevant data and not overlooking important information. Seeking evidence to support initial thoughts may lead to confirmation bias and overlooking conflicting evidence. Assuring enough data for objective analysis is important, but it is not a suggestion for data analysis during data collection. Finishing data collection as quickly as possible may lead to missing important data.

Question 12

Of the following, which is an important question for data interpretation?
A) Why did I collect this much data?
B) What is important in these data?
C) How can I classify these data?
D) How can I manage these data?

Accepted Answer

Understanding what is important in the data is crucial for accurate interpretation and decision-making. A is more focused on the data collection process, while C and D are more about organization and categorization of the data rather than interpretation.

Question 13

The stage of qualitative data analysis that addresses detailed analysis of the setting is the _____________ stage.
A) classifying.
B) justifying.
C) organizing.
D) describing.

Accepted Answer

The stage of detailed analysis of the setting is best captured by the describing stage. During this stage, researchers thoroughly examine the context and environment in which the data was collected to gain a deeper understanding of the data. This involves looking at the physical setting, social dynamics, and cultural factors that may have influenced the data. Classifying involves grouping data into categories, organizing involves structuring the data in a specific way, and justifying involves providing evidence or rationale for the analysis.

Question 14

Karen is an instructional researcher interested in the interactions among learners in discussion groups. Not only does Karen have observational notes, and interview notes, she also has verbatim discourse of students' discussions. According to your text, of the following, which is the most appropriate first step for Karen to take in order to analyze her data?
A) Code her field notes.
B) Code her discussion data
C) Classify her observational data.
D) Sequence all notes with labels.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Karen is an instructional researcher interested in...

Question 15

Your text indicates that the first step in analyzing data in any qualitative study is ___________ the data.
A) interpreting
B) coding
C) organizing
D) classifying

Accepted Answer

The first step in analyzing data in a qualitative study is organizing the data to make it manageable and ready for further analysis.

Question 16

Of the following, according to your text and other cited sources, which is a question that a qualitative researcher might pose to guide data analysis and interpretation?
A) Have I quantified my variables?
B) Have I tied my research question to existing theory?
C) Have I collected the data I wanted?
D) Have I controlled for external validity concerns?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative researchers aim to understand the meaning and experiences of individuals or groups, and they often collect data through interviews, observations, or document analysis. The question "Have I collected the data I wanted?" is relevant to qualitative research because it helps the researcher assess whether they have gathered sufficient and appropriate data to answer their research question.

Question 17

In qualitative data analysis, the identification of potential themes occurs during which processes?
A) describing and classifying.
B) classifying and justifying.
C) memoing and reading.
D) describing and reading.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In qualitative data analysis, the identification of...

Question 18

Which of the following is one of the iterative steps of qualitative data analysis as presented in your text?
A) Justifying
B) Critiquing
C) Describing
D) Examining

Accepted Answer

One of the iterative steps of qualitative data analysis as presented in the text is describing, which involves organizing and summarizing the data through coding and categorizing. The other choices (justifying, critiquing, examining) are not mentioned as specific iterative steps in the text.

Question 19

When a researcher categorizes and codes pieces of her data and groups them into themes, she is said to be
A) memoing the data.
B) classifying the data.
C) describing the data.
D) reading the data.

Accepted Answer

Classifying the data involves categorizing and coding pieces of the data and grouping them into themes. Memoing refers to taking notes and reflecting on the data. Describing the data is simply providing a summary or overview of it. Reading the data is the initial step in analyzing it, but it does not involve categorizing or coding.

Question 20

Regarding data organization, which of the following is NOT a suggestion provided in the text?
A) Make photocopies of your data
B) Make back-up files of your data
C) Have other researchers code your data
D) Note themes and patterns that emerge

Accepted Answer

The text does not suggest having other researchers code your data. Instead, it recommends coding the data yourself and documenting the coding process. The other options (A, B, and D) are all suggestions provided in the text for organizing data.

Quiz 20: Qualitative Data Analysis and Interpretation

Regarding data analysis conducted via computer, your text suggests that

Of the following, which is a qualitative data interpretation strategy discussed in your text?

Of the following, which is a question qualitative researchers might ask themselves when conducint data analysis during data collection?

Qualitative data analysis is a process of

Sally is a physical therapist who is conducting a narrative research study of people's rehabilitation stories. She has organized her data and is becoming familiar with her data and is identifying potential themes. Sally is engaged in which of the following qualitative data analysis steps?

Of the following which is a popular qualitative data analysis software package?

The data analysis strategy that specifically consists of a visual representation of causal relationships is specifically referred to as

Although with revisiting data during data analysis the steps of data analysis may change, the initial sequence of data analysis concludes with _____________.

When conducting data analysis during data collection one suggestion for qualitative researchers is to

Of the following, which is an important question for data interpretation?

The stage of qualitative data analysis that addresses detailed analysis of the setting is the _____________ stage.

Your text indicates that the first step in analyzing data in any qualitative study is ___________ the data.

Of the following, according to your text and other cited sources, which is a question that a qualitative researcher might pose to guide data analysis and interpretation?

In qualitative data analysis, the identification of potential themes occurs during which processes?

Which of the following is one of the iterative steps of qualitative data analysis as presented in your text?

When a researcher categorizes and codes pieces of her data and groups them into themes, she is said to be

Regarding data organization, which of the following is NOT a suggestion provided in the text?