Data Analysis Techniques

Data Analysis Technique

Assignment B SAMPLE

Introduction

The purpose of this paper is to practice using field notes to code the observations that were made at Heritage Park in Euless, Texas.  According to Creswell(2007), “data analysis in qualitative research consists of preparing and organizing the data for analysis, then reducing the data into themes through a process of coding and condensing the codes, and finally representing the data in figures, tables, or a discussion” (p.148). 

Field Note Coding

Observation coding as seen in Appendix A includes field notes taken on November 19.  Themes were created to describe the setting and interactions observed.  Those themes are sounds, smells, and interactions.  The observations were only to be of nature; therefore the interactions were limited to that of a dog with nature. 

Theme Identification and Coding

“During this process of describing, classifying and interpreting, qualitative researchers develop codes or categories and to sort text or visual images into categories” (Creswell, p. 152).  Themes were created as categories for tracking and coding purposes.  Gough & Scott stated, “Many analyses of qualitative data begin with the identification of key themes and patterns” (p. 339). 

Synopsis of Interaction Interpretations

No human interactions were recorded, since this observation was strictly a nature observation.  The only interactions that were recorded were the movements of a stray/lost dog in the park.  Interactions can be presumed since the researcher heard the whistles of football coaches, however those were not recorded. 

Reactions Experienced During Data Analysis

The researcher realizes that more detailed observation notes are needed in order to have enough information to create themes, categories and codes.   Creswell (2009) stated “there are challenges as well with the mechanics of observing, such as remembering to take field notes, recording quotes accurately for inclusion in field notes, determining the best timing for moving from a nonparticipant to a participant (if this role change is desired), and keeping from being overwhelmed at the site with information, and learning how to funnel the observations from the broad picture to a narrower one in time” (p.141). 

Conclusion

This assignment showed the researcher what adjustments need to be made in order to successfully document the observation with enough detail to create themes and codes.  Like Creswell stated, it can be challenging to observe participants or in this case nature.  Detailed notes are going to give the current researcher and future researcher a better “picture” of what was going on and allow other researchers to duplicate the study if desired. 

Appendix A:  Observation Type of setting Heritage Park, Euless, TX Date and time of your observations November 19, 2013; 6:30PM Why I chose the setting This observation was completed while relaxing at my son’s football practice.  This park is centrally located in town.  Description of the setting There are 2 baseball fields, playground, water fountain for drinking, and 2 soccer/football fields.  The temperature is 75 degrees Fahrenheit and the sun has already set so it is dark outside.  Observations of the interactions that took place There was a loose dog that was running around sniffing the fence and trashcans. No one was following the dog and it just wandered around. There was the noise of cars from the highway and there were occasional honks of a horn from a car. There were cars entering the park and parking in the parking lot. The wind was strong and trash blew out of the trashcan and started to tumble down the field. The trashed got stopped by the fence and stuck there. The street lights came on. I could hear birds although I could not see them because of the darkness in the trees. The dog is chewing on a piece of trash that was stuck to the fence. Although I cannot see them because of the distance I can hear whistles being blown at a football practice. The sirens of a fire truck scream as the fire truck rushes down the main street in front of the park.

Comments Suburban Fall season Night Fair weather windy Noisy background Headlights Windy Litter Birds Whistles Sirens

References

University. (2011). Methods & Analysis of Qualitative Research R7035. Lecture notes. Retrieved from https://mycampus.argosy.edu/

Creswell, John. (2007). Qualitative Inquiry & research design choosing among five approaches. Sage. Thousand Oaks, California.

Gough, S., & Scott, W. (2000). Exploring the purposes of qualitative data coding in educational enquiry: Insights from recent research. Educational Studies, 26(3), 339-354.