Much of qualitative research revolves around verbal (auditory) and written (notes, transcripts) sources. An initial first step is the necessity of a good recording device. If you do not have access to a high-quality audio-visual (AV) device, you will need to obtain one. It is not absolutely necessary to have an audio-visual recording device (good old fashion note taking can be used) but there is a rich amount of information that can be captured using an AV device that is difficult to capture without one. For example, facial expressions, outward displays of emotion, and the tone of voice of subject are not easily conveyed in writing. These sources of data can be converted into valuable pieces of information that can provide further insight on the phenomenon or issue being researched.
Get comfortable with the reality that you will be doing quite a bit of writing and I do not mean typing. During interviews you will be taking notes, writing follow up probing questions, jotting down potential reasons for respondent statements, and writing down your own thoughts about the encounter (e.g., did everything go according to plan, did you get the information you were hoping for, did new information surface that you did not anticipate, or are there things that need to be changed for the next data collection session).
Regardless of the type of data you are generating, you will need access to a computer to facilitate warehousing your data. A laptop is ideal for field work, but you should also have a desktop. You should ALWAYS have a central location where all the data is stored, and you should backup that data on a regular basis, preferably in more than one location.
To Recap:
The primary sources of qualitative and quantitative data come from:
| QUALITATIVE | QUANTITATIVE |
| 1. In-depth interviews | 1. Questionnaires |
| 2. Focus group discussions | 2. Surveys |
| 3. Direct observation | 3. Polls |
| 4. Written documents | 4. Experiments |
| 5. Videos | |
Once you begin conducting research and collecting your data, there are some steps you need to take in relation to organizing and storing it.
Steps for Organizing and Storing Data
- Develop a data tracking system
- Develop and follow a clear folder and file naming system
- Establish document coding, transcription, and translation procedures
- Establish quality control procedures
- Establish a realistic timeline
- Keeping Your Data Safe and Secure