|
|
Making Sense
of the Data: The Process of Analysis
Research
using qualitative methods requires ongoing analysis. The results represent
what is sometimes called grounded theory because the goal is not to test a
hypothesis, but to find new ways of understanding a phenomenon. Some
analysis occurs while collecting data, such as decisions on what questions to
ask next or who to contact for more information. This is called emergent
design. Further analysis takes place as we read and reread the interview
transcripts and field notes. In addition to the qualitative analysis, for
this project we decided to include a quantitative component using the interview
protocol as a survey instrument. The results of this component were
analyzed separately (See Appendix C).
The following section introduces the major themes to emerge from the study as
told through stories compiled from interview transcripts. These themes include
generational differences, gender differences, the influence of local economies
on job availability, and challenges to traditional assumptions about
undereducated adults. Each of these themes is examined in greater depth
and further illustrated by examples from additional respondents later in the
report, but these initial stories illustrate many of the issues that affect
educational decision-making among study participants.
|
|
|
