By Chris Castro

Well the importance of correctly collecting and coding data is of upmost importance in any informative research or study, without the an ability to properly analyze and collect data your research is not sound or credible and cannot be used in any format without being dismissed. Information must be credible and both qualitative and quantitative

Qualitative

Quantitative

Deals with descriptions. Data can be observed but not measured. Colors, textures, smells, tastes, appearance, beauty, etc. Qualitative Quality

Deals with numbers. Data which can be measured. Length, height, area, volume, weight, speed, time, temperature, humidity, sound levels, cost, members, ages, etc. Quantitative Quantity

This is a major step in analyzing data properly the function of coding. It is here that you carefully read your transcribed data, line by line, and divide the data into meaningful analytical units (i.e., segmenting the data). When you locate meaningful segments, you code them. Coding is defined as marking the segments of data with symbols, descriptive words, or category names.

Reminder: whenever you find a meaningful segment of text in a transcript, you assign a code or category name to signify that particular segment. You continue this process until you have segmented all of your data and have completed the initial coding. During this process During coding, you must keep a master list or a list of all the codes that are developed and used in the research study

Qualitative researchers usually transcribe their data; that is, they type the text (from interviews, observational notes, memos, etc.) into word processing documents. It is these transcriptions that are later analyzed, typically using one of the qualitative data analysis computer programs which can include; NUD-IST (short for Non-numerical Unstructured Data Indexing Searching and Theorizing) , ATLAS-ti, and Ethnograph software are all some examples of software that can be used.

Data analysis tends to be an ongoing and iterative (nonlinear) process in qualitative research for this reason we call the cyclical process of collecting and analyzing data during a single research study interim analysis. Interim analysis continues until the process or topic the researcher is interested in is understood (or until you run out of time and resources!).

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This is a very important step to understanding your findings, interpretation of your results will icorporate you drawing conclusions, interperting what they mean and assess their implications. This can be done with the following questions in mind; What patterns or themes emerged? Are there any deviations from these patterns? Do the results make sense? Are they significant results from a clinical or statistical standpoint? Do any interesting stories emerge? Do the results suggest any recommendations for improving the program? Do the results lead to any additional questions about the program?

The process for collecting an analyzing data is extensive and needs to be carefully planned and executed. If this process is not achieved correctly the results of your research will be dismissed as it has no credibility. Following these stes is essential in any research or case study

The End

-Chris Castro