Discuss how researchers analyse data obtained in observational research

Question 1

What are field notes? (1+4) (1+2)

Answer 1

A diary where a description of everything is entered:

• -physical context (buildings, environment)
• -people (role, behaviour, clothes)
• -dialogue
• -special events
• can contain:
• -reflective/analytic comments
• -reflections on ones own life experiences (reflexivity)

Question 2

How do you do ICA on field notes? (1+6) (1+1)

Answer 2

CODING

• read/re-read
• data coded: organised into themes (could include video)
• graphical representation of categories and their connections is created
• analysis is summarised in “memos” so independent readers can follow analysis (justification)
• high/low order categorisation
• interpret data based on summary table

PRODUCTION
- coherent description of phenomenon under investigation

Question 3

Discuss how researchers analyse data obtained in observational research (3)

Answer 3

• by analysing the field notes through ICA
• the field notes are…
• how do you do an ICA on field notes?