Finding a method to analyse qualitative data: using a study of conceptual learning
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Date
2009
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
American Association of Dental Schools
Abstract
There is increasing awareness in the health sciences of the potential of qualitative research to address questions that quantitative research cannot satisfactorily answer. While a growing number of studies in health sciences and health sciences education
discuss the value of such research or describe the methodology and data collection processes, few detail how analysis was carried out. Reliability and validity of findings from qualitative research depend on the quality of data management, retrieval, and interpretation or identification of meaning. The robustness of data analysis is therefore an important factor in the rigor of qualitative
research. This article uses a study of dental students’ conceptual learning to illustrate strategies that ensure rigor in qualitative analysis. Factors that informed the decisions regarding analysis are discussed in detail. The use of both grounded theory and literature
is discussed. The role that deductive and inductive reasoning played in the analysis is outlined. A brief section illustrates the kinds of conclusions that can be made about conceptual learning when qualitative data are rigorously analyzed. Finally, potential shortcomings in the study and alternatives or additional mechanisms for ensuring validity and reliability of analysis are discussed.
Description
Keywords
Qualitative research, Data analysis, Dental education, Learning
Citation
McMillan, W. (2009) Finding a method to analyse qualitative data: using a study of conceptual learning. Journal of Dental Education, 73(1):53 - 64