EDAPT EVALUATING QUALITATIVE DATA - EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE
Qualitative data is different than quantitative data, where the data is presented in a non-numeric form. The
nurse researcher gathers information from participants through a variety of methods, including focus groups,
open-ended interviews or questionnaires, or observations. Qualitative data relies on the nurse researcher’s
ability to interpret data to find meaning. Qualitative data analysis is an active and interactive process the
researcher conducts to ensure the outcomes are trustworthy to the reader. Qualitative analysis is likely to
change and adapt as the study evolves and data emerges (CDC, 2018).
In qualitative research, the researcher follows an approach that allows them to flow back and forth
between which of the following steps in the research process? Select all that apply.
Data preparation
Data reduction
Meaning interpretation
Conducting the analysis
Data preparation, conducting the analysis, data reduction, and interpreting the meaning of the data are all
tactics that the researcher completes and flows back and forth through when conducting qualitative analysis.
Reporting of the data is completed after the elements of the study are finalized.
Comprehension, synthesizing, theorizing, and contextualizing are COGNITIVE processes used by the researcher
when conducting qualitative research to evaluate unfolding patterns and themes.
The nurse reviewing a QUALITATIVE analysis understands that coding and recoding procedures should be
identifiable by the researcher in the literature.
Qualitative data analysis can be complex and vast. The goal of the researcher is to reduce the data into
meaningful elements that can be defined, interpreted, and conveyed in an understandable way. However,
these simple steps can be challenging for the researcher. The researcher must ensure the findings are reliable
to draw qualitative inferences that enhance the evidence for a holistic view of nursing practice (Houser, 2023).
When conducting qualitative research, the researcher must follow specific actions during the qualitative
analysis process. Those actions are characterized in the image and it is important to remember that the
researcher flows back and forth between actions as data starts coming in, unlike quantitative analysis that is
completed when all data is collected.
In qualitative research, data collection can be obtained by various methods such as focus group notes and
recordings, open-ended interviews, questionnaire responses, and observations (CDC, 2018).
 A standout characteristic of qualitative research, compared to quantitative research, is the process of
constant comparison of new findings to existing findings to support or reject prior conclusions.
 Another standout characteristic in qualitative analysis is theoretical sampling, which is the recruitment
of additional sample members by the researcher to loosen the inclusion criteria and to ensure differing
options are heard. This is a requirement of grounded theory development (Houser, 2023).