Comparing Data Collection Methods

By now, you have experienced and studied a variety of data collection methods from interviews and focus groups to transcripts and ancillary documents. As Ravitch and Carl (2016) explain, “qualitative data collection should be intentional, rigorous, and systematic” (p. 145). But in no way should be bound by rules and procedures as much as related to the lived experiences of the participants.

For this Discussion, you will explore different data collection methods and draw comparisons. You also will examine strengths, weaknesses, and the challenges they may present.

To prepare for this Discussion:

• Review this week’s Learning Resources related to codes and coding.
• Consider the similarities and differences in the data collected from your interview and from the transcripts of the Scholars of Change videos.
• Consider the other data collection methods you studied (focus groups, reviews of documents and social media; and your own memos and notes).
• Review your Major Assignment 1, paying attention to the alignment between your research question and considerations for data collection.

01/20/2021

Post a response to the following:

• From the data you collected and other data collection methods you studied, compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of at least two data collection methods. Include an explanation of your experience using these different data collection methods. Also, include an explanation of what you found difficult or challenging and why.
• Explain how you as the researcher can ensure that your choices for data collection align with your research questions. Use your experience from Major Assignment 1 as an example.

Learning Resources

Required Readings

Saldaña, J. (2016). The coding manual for qualitative researchers (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Chapter 1, “An Introduction to Codes and Coding (pp. 1–42) (previously read in Weeks 5, 6, and 7)
Chapter 2, “Writing Analytic Memos About Narrative and Visual Data” (pp. 43–65) (previously read in Weeks 5, 6, and 7)

Ravitch, S. M., & Carl, N. M. (2016). Qualitative research: Bridging the conceptual, theoretical, and methodological. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Chapter 5, “Methods of Data Collection” (pp. 145–183) (previously read in Week 7)
Chapter 7, “An Integrative Approach to Data Analysis” (pp. 215–236) (previously read in Weeks 5, 6, and 7)
Chapter 8, “Methods and Processes of Data Analysis” (pp. 237–270) (previously read in Weeks 5, 6, and 7)

Rubin, H. J., & Rubin, I. S. (2012). Qualitative interviewing: The art of hearing data (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Chapter 12, “Data Analysis in the Responsive Interviewing Model” (pp. 189–211) (previously read in Weeks 5, 6, and 7)
Chapter 14, “Personal Reflections on Responsive Interviewing”