Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Chapter 4: Results - Qualitative and Mixed Methods


Today we will examine the results section of chapter 4 for qualitative and mixed methods. You have two options for organizing this section, either by research question or patterns or themes. The most common way I have seen is through the research questions. 

For each research question / theme, present the data to support each finding, using participant quotes. It is a good idea to identify each person through a pseudonym, number or letter- so the reader can track each person's responses through the research questions/ themes. You may also want to include other important identifying variables, such as age and marital status (these will vary based upon your study). Thus, after each quote you would have something like: (Mary, age 87, widow). 

Next, you would discuss any discrepant cases or non-confirming data. Indicate how the data differ from the rest of the participants' data and any rationale as to why you think this is the case. 

Finally, you may wish to clarify your results with tables and figures, include those as specified in APA manual. There is very specific formatting for these- so check it out in the manual. 

Next time we will complete Chapter 4 – Summary and move on to Chapter 5- Introduction. Do you have an issue or a question that you would like me to discuss in a future post? Would you like to be a guest writer? Send me your ideas! leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu

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