Data Analysis Procedures

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2.4 Data Analysis Procedures

Data analysis is the process of bringing order, structure and meaning to the mass of collected data. It is described as messy, ambiguous, time-consuming, creative, and fascinating process but does not proceed in a linear fashion (Marshall and Rossman 1989, p. 112).

Data in this study will be analysed using a qualitative content analysis procedure. Hsieh and Shannon (2005, p. 1278) defined qualitative content analysis as a research method for subjective interpretation of the content of text data through systematic classification process of coding and identifying themes or patterns. Based on the procedure suggested by Zhang and Wildemuth (2009), the first step is to prepare the data by transforming the narratives of union leaders and activists involved into written text for analysis. The narratives are transcribed literally with audible behaviours would also be transcribed. Individual themes would act as the unit of analysis. Individual theme could be a single word, a phrase, a sentence, a paragraph or the entire document. Next, the researcher develops categories and a coding scheme for the categories that were developed. Categories can be derived from reading of the literature, theories or the data itself. For instance, the researcher can develop categories for the data that fall under “collective interest” and coded it as “COI” or data that fall under “attribution” and coded it as “ATTRI”. A consistency check of the coding scheme is then conducted by testing it on a sample of the data. When sufficient consistency is achieved, the researcher will then code the entire text. A recheck of the consistency of coding is again conducted. Finally, based on the coded data and themes, the researcher can dr...

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...in the form of a monthly stipend, food allowance, accommodation allowance, transportation allowance, and return flight ticket. Some obvious and hidden costs that will arise over the course of the study are materials, services and personal sacrifices.

3. Conclusion

In this paper, the author has outlined the design of a qualitative research study. The study was based on different assumptions than that of quantitative designs. It is an ethnographic research design where the researcher is the research instrument. Approaches to data collection are participation observation, interviews and written documents. In addition data analysis will be using qualitative content analysis. Issues of validity and reliability are addressed in the proposed research design. Finally, constraints such as time and budget are also recognized in the designing of the research project.

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