Discussion Board – Unit 8
In this unit, you will submit to your instructor the 1) Begin Gathering Data Section (begin Unit 6 and due Unit 8) and 2) Begin Gathering Analysis and Interpretation section (begin Unit 6 and due Unit 8). The goal of this Discussion Board is to talk about relevant topics and ideas which will be helpful to not only you, but also the class as the Action Research Case Project is completed.
Discussion Board Topic:
In thinking about this unit, what are your thoughts on the following below:
- Any issues you need help with in regard to the Gathering Data and Gathering Analysis and Interpretation sections? How has your experience been thus far in completing this part of the project in THIS unit specifically?
There will also be an “optional thread” where you can ask questions about other aspects of the experience as necessary. Please ask questions of a personal nature via email but if the whole class can benefit please use the discussion board thread.
Excerpts from the Action Research Case Project directions below for your review if necessary:
Part 5: Gathering Data (2 pages minimum)
In this fifth section of the report, discuss how the data was gathered. Please consider discussing the following ways that information was gathered:
-What questioning techniques were used? Grand Tour questions used? Mini-Tour questions used? Prompt questions? Guided Tour Questions? Task-related questions?
-How was trust established in the interview process? What about participant observation methods that were used?
-How was the data recorded? Field notes, transcripts, audio/video?
-Were focus groups used? Were focus questions used? Were any surveys used? Any other methods?
Part 6: Data analysis and interpretation (2 pages minimum)
The sixth section of your report should discuss the data analysis process and how it was interpreted. It is important to “think” (Look-Think-Act model) about the information that was gathered during the action research study. The intent of this process is to reveal concepts, ideas, meanings, and interpretations through which stakeholders have made sense of their experiences related to the event(s) calling for intervention. The process of data analysis requires the researcher to “sift through” accumulated data to achieve greater insight, understanding, and clarity about events of interest. You are required to pick EITHER the 1st or 2nd approach to data analysis in action research and discuss it in detail. Please see below and identify which approach you plan to use:
1st approach to data analysis: What epiphanic moments emerged? Illuminating or significant experiences? Primary units of analysis? Any direct quotes (The Verbatim Principle) that are useful? Were focus groups used?
-Specifically address the following: 1) select stakeholder(s), 2) review the data, 3) identify epiphanies, 4) identify major features associated with each feature, 5) formulate a framework of concepts/ideas based on key features, 6) make connections (similarities/differences), and 7) use frameworks to construct accounts for the report
2nd approach to data analysis: What categories emerged? What was the system of concepts (schemas or themes) that emerged from the data? What direct quotes support the themes identified (The Verbatim Principle)? Were focus groups used?
-Specifically address the following: 1) review the interview data for each stakeholding group, 2) unitize the data, 3) formulate categories, subcategories, and themes, 4) organize them into category systems, 5) incorporate information from non-interview data, and 6) use the category system to provide a framework for accounts and reports.
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