Topic Discussion

Topic Discussion 

1. What three key ideas were most significant from the readings;
2. Two analytic techniques that you would like to explore or discuss further; and
3. One element/issue/concept that you found difficult in your understanding or application of case study data analysis.

In your responses to other students, focus on questions 2 and 3.

This assignment is a discussion, so remember to join the conversation early in the module. Remember to cite sources—particularly in your initial post. Finally, respond to several of your classmates.

Qualitative research results

The following readings are required. Optional readings can be found at the end of each section and while not required, may help you understand the material better and be useful to you if you choose to conduct a case study research method for your doctoral study. All readings can be accessed in the Trident Online library, unless linked to another source.

The importance of records

We have presented in previous modules methods of qualitative data collection including interviews, focus groups, surveys, documentary analysis, and observations. Each of these methods produce results in the form of records. Such records include transcripts of recorded interviews or focus groups, open-ended survey data, and field notes of observations. In the case of documentary analysis—the records previously exist—but they are organized and cataloged for analysis by the researcher. Qualitative researchers typically file all records in electronic folders or databases. Analysis is then conducted using either common productivity software such as Microsoft Office (or similar open-source package such as Open Office or Google Docs), or software designed specifically for qualitative data analysis such as nVivo or Atlas Ti.