Analysis_of_quaitative_datappt.ppt

Analyses of qualitative data GRASSMATE seminar 19. September 2002 Stein Dankert Kolst? Main ideas to be dealt with 1. Theory guides analyses 2. Important to focus 3. Coding starts with “topicalisation” 4. Coding and interpretation proceeds with reading “behind the lines” All analysis involves theory! Because your prior ideas guides your eyes Because “pure observations”, neutral and objective, not guided by your “prejustice”, is not possible according to constructivistic epistemologies Quantitative inquiry Theory guides the development of instruments If not: theory is still embedded in the instrument An analysis of the instruments might reveal the underlying theory Knowledge of the instrument’s theory-base is necessary to interpret findings in adequate terms Qualitative inquiry Theory guides the foci for the study Theory guides the research questions Theory guides the collection of data Theory guides the analysis of data What is theory then? The ideas which guides your research Concepts, network of concepts Your own ‘personal’ theory Your unconscious theory in the back of your head Theory or concepts taken from the literature My own ongoing inquiry Research question: What criteria do students use when assessing information with a science dimension? Data: Students’ written assessments of WebPages on socio-scientific issues Theory 1. Phenomenological analysis involving four main strategies 2. Constructivist view of production of scientific knowledge Elaos’ project Research question Is there a relationship between an A level Chemistry teacher’s epistemological beliefs and the type of laboratory instruction employed by the teacher? Data: Classroom observations, questionnaires and interviews with teachers Theory which will guide his analysis: Theories about the nature of science Theory definitions about school science practical work The 1000s question ”How can I find a method to analyse the 1,000 pages of interviews transcripts I have collected? ”Have” - The question