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Qualitative Data Analysis Pitfalls

Thematic analysis poses certain pitfalls that researchers should be aware of, such as bias, interpretation errors, and oversimplification of themes. Understanding these challenges is crucial for conducting rigorous and reliable qualitative data analysis.

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1

What is one common pitfall in qualitative data analysis related to field notes?

When you read field notes, you must remember the setting and why things happened. Other options are incorrect because Some think that qualitative work...

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2

In qualitative data analysis, why is the credibility and trustworthiness of field notes essential for ensuring accurate interpretations of the data?

Field notes record the exact setting, people, and subtle details that happen while data is collected. Other options are incorrect because Some think f...

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3

Which of the following best describes a pitfall related to coding techniques that can threaten the validity of qualitative research?

When only one person codes the data, that coder’s own ideas can shape the results. Other options are incorrect because Using several coding methods is...

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4

In qualitative research, what is a potential pitfall that can occur if researchers do not achieve data saturation, particularly affecting the validity of their data interpretation?

When researchers stop collecting data before all ideas are found, they may think they have seen everything. Other options are incorrect because Some t...

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5

In qualitative research, which of the following scenarios best illustrates a pitfall related to data saturation when relying solely on field notes compared to a mixed-methods approach?

When researchers look only at field notes, they may think they have seen all the important ideas and stop collecting more data. Other options are inco...

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6

In a thematic analysis, which of the following practices best mitigates the risk of bias when interpreting qualitative data?

Collaborating with a diverse team for data coding helps reduce bias by adding many viewpoints. Other options are incorrect because Relying solely on p...

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7

A qualitative researcher is analyzing interviews about experiences of remote work during the pandemic. They notice a recurring theme of 'isolation' among participants. However, they decide to only focus on this theme and ignore other nuanced feelings such as 'adaptability' and 'community'. What potential pitfall of thematic analysis is the researcher likely falling into?

When a researcher only looks at one theme, they miss other important ideas. Other options are incorrect because Misconception: thinking the researcher...

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8

Arrange the following steps in the thematic analysis process to avoid common pitfalls: A) Identify themes B) Collect qualitative data C) Review and refine themes D) Analyze the data

First you collect qualitative data (B). Other options are incorrect because This order starts with identifying themes before any data is gathered, whi...

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9

A researcher analyzes interview transcripts and identifies a theme of 'stress management' but fails to consider how cultural backgrounds might influence participants' experiences of stress. Which pitfall of qualitative data analysis is the researcher exemplifying?

The researcher treated all stress experiences as the same, ignoring how culture changes how people feel and cope. Other options are incorrect because ...

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10

What is a common pitfall in qualitative thematic analysis that can lead to misinterpretation of data?

When researchers ignore the setting around a theme, they miss clues that explain why it appears. Other options are incorrect because Some think that a...

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11

In thematic analysis, one major pitfall that can lead to misleading results is __________, where researchers impose their own biases or interpretations rather than allowing themes to emerge organically from the data.

When a researcher lets personal beliefs shape the themes, the analysis follows the researcher instead of the data. Other options are incorrect because...

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12

Which of the following are common pitfalls in qualitative data analysis that researchers should be aware of? (Select all that apply)

Confirmation bias makes a researcher see only what fits their idea, so themes are chosen to confirm a hypothesis. Other options are incorrect because ...

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13

Bias in qualitative research is to thematic analysis as ____ is to quantitative research.

Sampling error happens when the chosen sample does not match the whole group. Other options are incorrect because Data saturation is a goal, not a mis...

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14

What underlying cause might lead to the oversimplification of themes during qualitative data analysis in thematic analysis?

Researchers often bring their own ideas into the study. Other options are incorrect because Some think that if participants are not fully engaged, the...

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