On Tuesday, we
listened the presentation of Dr. Lochmiller about using Nvivo in the
qualitative research. He introduced some features of the Nvivo, and provided
examples how he used Nvivo during the coding process. In addition to Dr.
Lochmiller, in the small group discussion, Rhonda shared her experiences and
showed us how she codes the interview transcripts using Nvivo. Then, we discussed
to what extent the theoretical framework influence the data analysis process,
in particular coding.
In quantitative
research, researchers are testing their hypothesis, in similar way in
qualitative research researchers are testing the theory, and make statements
about whether their current study support the selected theory. In this sense,
theoretical framework has a great influence on the way we use for coding. For
instance, in my own study, I initially coded the interview data based on the
theoretical framework. In the second step, I created new codes regarding the
new themes occurred in the study which were not part of the theory. In sum, the
theories such as the identity construction theory provide an initial map
including main coding categories for researchers to analyze their data. Nvivo might help researchers to realize the place
of main themes and subthemes in the transcript. In this way, researchers can
easily apply codes to data including transcript from an interview or a video.
Also both from Dr. Lochmiller and Rhonda’s experiences, I made a sense that
Nvivo works really well if the research study is conducted by co-researchers.
Naime, you raised some really interesting points around theoretical frameworks here. Indeed, some qualitative researchers aim to make sense of a theory of understanding; however, I see this as being slightly different then 'testing' a theory as 'true' or 'not true.' Rather, they often engage in theoretical exploration making sense of how theoretical ideas are actualized in everyday life or not. Yet, at the same time, many qualitative researchers do not employ an overarching theoretical frame and orient to lived life as theory in and of itself, taking up, for instance, a feminist epistemology perhaps. Lots of variety indeed!
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