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Block 4 Unit 4 Reporting and Evaluating in Qualitative Research

1. Describe the concept and meaning of evaluating, interpreting and reporting the data in qualitative research?

Concept and Meaning of Evaluating, Interpreting, and Reporting Data in Qualitative Research

• Evaluating Data: In qualitative research, evaluation refers to understanding how well the collected information answers the research questions or goals. It helps researchers find reasons, explanations or predictions about the behaviours, events, or practices they are studying. It involves systematically organising the data to minimise bias and provide a clear understanding.
• Interpreting Data: Interpretation involves summarising the findings from the data analysis to provide useful information related to the research goals. It involves forming a viewpoint, comparing findings to initial expectations, or simply explaining achievements. It ensures that the findings are summarised to support future research in similar fields.
• Reporting Data: Reporting is the ultimate discussion of the interpretations and findings, backed by relevant literature and the reasons behind the results. A research report is not only a summary of the findings, but it also serves as a guide for future research.

2. Explain the steps of evaluating or analysing of data as well as preparing report in qualitative research?

Steps of Evaluating or Analysing Data in Qualitative Research

• Reading the overall collected data: The researcher reviews all the data collected from various sources, such as interviews, videos, audio, and observations. This step aims to gather all the necessary information about the variables being studied.
• Categorising the collected data: Relevant data, both directly and indirectly related to the behaviours, events or practices under study, are sorted. Similar information is then grouped together.
• Naming or labelling the categories: The sorted categories are labelled with names that are reflective of the themes, such as 'propositions' for suggestions.
• Identification of causal relationships: Patterns, associations, and causal relationships are identified amongst the categories. This step helps the researcher understand the flow of information based on the experiences of the sample and the researcher during the study.
• Recording or filing the data: The analysed patterns and relationships are recorded and filed for future reference. These records act as a guide for future studies on similar topics.

Steps of Preparing a Report in Qualitative Research

• Preparation of the content of the report: The researcher formulates the findings according to the needs of those for whom the report is intended, such as funders, employees or the public. The researcher must decide on the scope and content of the research based on who will use the report.
• Review and discussion of the report: The researcher reviews and discusses the interpretations and results with the people on whom the research was conducted.
• Preparation of the executive summary: A concise summary of the conclusions and recommendations is prepared, potentially including the details of the questionnaires or interview guides.
• Scope of future research: Areas for future study are identified based on the overall research, acting as a plan for similar studies in the future.

3. Illustrate the strategies of data interpretation in qualitative research?

Strategies of Data Interpretation in Qualitative Research

• Making a final list: The researcher summarises and codes the labelled categories and prepares a final list of findings.
• Elaborate narratives: The researcher elaborates on the findings from data collected through interviews, recordings, and discussions.
• Use of matrices: Data is organised and compared using charts, cross-tables, or other visual aids. For example, a matrix could display the introduction of a cosmetic product among students of different ages.
• Flow charts: A flow chart is a diagrammatic representation of a process or flow of information. For example a flow chart could show the process of introducing a cosmetic product among students of different ages.

By adhering to these guidelines, researchers can improve the quality and reliability of their qualitative data analysis and reporting.

4. What are the basic requirements that are needed to be included as well as avoided while processing the data ?

Basic Requirements to Include and Avoid While Processing Data

Do's (Include)

• The analyst should be clear and specific about the sample populations being studied.
• The analyst should code the data to facilitate processing.
• Diagrams, flow charts, and matrices should be used frequently to summarise and explain the data.
• Conclusions should be drawn based on the current study and other related research.
• Policies should be developed to further evaluate or confirm the data to prove its validity, as required.

Don'ts (Avoid)

• The analyst should not make pre-judgements or be biased in processing the data.
• The analyst should not focus solely on successes, but consider the entire scope of the research.
• The analyst should not avoid using visual tools such as diagrams, flow charts, or matrices.

1. Interpretation requires more conceptual and integrative thinking than data analysis
2. The nature of qualitative data interpretation is Integrative
3. The researcher needs to prepare a summary of the conclusions and recommendations for the report.
4. A flow chart is a diagrammatic representation of a process or a flow of information.
5. Reporting of data refers to the ultimate discussion of the interpretations and findings.
6. A matrix is a type of chart which contains words and it looks like a cross table
7. The analyst should be clear, specific and describe the sample populations.
8. The analyst should interview about the successes as well as failures.
9. Results are concluded on basis of interpretations.
10. The analyst should make use of diagrams, flow charts or matrices.