Post on 18-Dec-2015
Data analysis in the research process
Observed events and objects
Constructs,variables
Concepts
Method
Theories
Epistemology
Values, world view
Records
Findings
Results
Interpretationsexplanations
Knowledge claims
Value claims
Research review
Research design
Datacollection
Dataanalysis
Discussion
Internal validity
External validity
Investi-gativelens
Episte-mologicallens
Researchquestion
2
Data collection
Modality• Interviews• Focus groups• Observations• Meetings• Training
Tools• Tape recording
– Transcribing
• Interview reports– Interview guide
• Diary• Field notes• Taking pictutures
– Documenting– Remembering– Illustrating
Interview design
• Planning • Recruit according to what you want to find out
– Stakeholders– Snowballing
• Interview guide– You get answers as you ask them– Open and closed questions– Probing
Conducting interviews
Structured interviews
• Ensuring comparability
Semi-structured interviews
• In-depth interviews
• Buddy – interviews
• Focus group discussions
Informal interviews
• Explorative• Ad hoc
The venue is important
Documenting interviews
Tape recording and filming
• Allows word for word transcription
• Allows to concentrate on what is said
• May be considered intrusive
• May draw attention away from the interview
Taking notes during interview
• Less accurate• May disturb the flow• Less intrusive• Team: one
interviewer and one note taker
Transcribing tapes and notes
• Is word for word necessary?
• From notes: transcribe as soon as possible
• Describe context of the interview
Sharing and validation
• Can fieldnotes be shared?– Context is needed– Sharing in a team
• Fieldnotes versus empirical descriptions– Context, structure and interpretation
• Validation of data produced by participant observation? – Rich descriptions– Be clear about the context(s) of data production– Be clear about your role and be present in the text
Letter on terms and conditions for the distributed SIM’s
Note that in this letter ANM is provided with150 rupees per month in contrary to what is communicated to the ANMs today(100 rupees).
Participant observation
• Balancing distance and closeness– Participating and observing– Paying attention to what is taken for granted– The time aspect
• Interaction data– How people interact gives information about social structures
and values – Enable us to study what cannot be articulated by the informants
• What people say vs. what they do– A gap between what people say and do often points to
something important
The role of the researcher
• Producing data together with the informants– Mutual influence
• The researcher’s status and personality influence– gender, civil status, class, conduct – Dressing
• Which role to take? – Ethics
• Learning from your mistakes• Use informants to discuss interpretations• Participant observation in one’s own culture
– How much is shared? – Active distancing – try to see things with fresh eyes
Writing fieldnotes
Scratch notes• Notes taken ”in action”• Taking a break to take notes• Pen and paper• Recorder/mobile• Cool quickly!
Field notes • Notes ”after action”• Write ”everything” – you never
know what may turn out important
• Remember the context • Remember yourself• Include reflections and
interpretations, but keep them separate from the observations
References • Ellen, R.F. 1984: Ch.8: Producing Data” in Ellen, R.F. Ethnographic
Research. Academia Press• Hume, L. and Mulcock, J. 2004: Anthropologists in the field. Cases
in Participant Observation. Columbia University Press• Narayan, K. 1993: ”How Native is a Native Anthropologist?” in
American Anthropologist: Journal of the American Anthropological Association, nr. 5 1993
• Sanjek, R. 1990: ”A vocabulary for Fieldnotes” in Sanjek, R. (ed): Fieldnotes. The Makings of Anthropology. Cornell University Press
• Spradley, J. P. 1980: Participant observation. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich College Publishers