Lessons learned on approaches to data collection and analysis from a pilot study

Watson, Fiona (2016) Lessons learned on approaches to data collection and analysis from a pilot study. Nurse Researcher, 24 (1). pp. 32-36. ISSN 1351-5578

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Abstract

Background:
Pilot studies are more commonly associated with quantitative research, and their use is under-reported in qualitative approaches. This paper discusses the value of undertaking a pilot study in a doctoral research project to examine nursing students’ understanding of recovery in mental health by adopting what is called a phenomenographic approach, which in research is concerned with the variation in how particular phenomena are experienced.

Aim:
To explore the usefulness of three different methods of collecting data – interviewing, completed exam papers and a written response to a scenario – and the Dahlgren and Fallsberg (1991) framework for phenomenographic data analysis.

Discussion:
Methodological issues experienced during the collection and analysis of data in the project are discussed.

Conclusion:
The pilot study provided an opportunity for valuable insights to be gained into the methodological issues related to phenomenography and to revise the research plan for the larger study.

Implications for practice:
While it may not be generalised to other qualitative studies, this paper may help others undertaking studies that adopt this approach and points to the general value of pilot studies in qualitative research.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	data analysis, data collection methods, nurse researcher, phenomenography, pilot study, transcribing
Subjects:	B700 Nursing X300 Academic studies in Education
Department:	Faculties > Health and Life Sciences > Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing
Depositing User:	Paul Burns
Date Deposited:	27 Sep 2016 09:01
Last Modified:	12 Oct 2019 14:39
URI:	http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/27841

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