Elaine Browne.pdf - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

Data collection and analysis
Data collection and analysis refer to the storing, retrieving and documenting of data (De Vos
1998, 335). In qualitative research, data collection normally takes the form of transcribed
interviews, in other words, written narratives. Field notes, in other words written descriptions
and reflections of observations by the researcher’s assistant, can also contribute to the
collection process (De Vos 1998, 335).
As mentioned before, in this study, the data was collected by means of six focus group
interviews. All the interviews were recorded on a tape recorder. These recordings were then
transcribed verbatim in order to prevent omission of any part of the interview (De Vos 1998,
344). The transcriptions presented the actual raw data, which were eventually coded.
Coding refers to the process whereby raw data are transformed, conceptualised and
reconstructed in new ways (De Vos 1998, 271). By means of coding, a researcher aims to build
theories derived from the data. Various coding methods can be implemented, for example open
coding, axial coding or selective coding. In this study, the open coding method was used to
analyse the data. When implementing this method, the researcher examines the data closely
and follows the following procedures: label the phenomena, discover theories, name themes,
develop themes in terms of their properties and dimensions, and decide upon code names (De
Vos 1998, 272). In this study, three coders analysed the data independently, each applying
Tesch’s eight coding steps (1990, cited in De Vos, 1998, 343). The coding process unfolded as
follows:
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