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last.updated 4.13.08

 

Collecting and Analyzing Data

Purpose

As Brice explains, "findings do not just 'emerge'." Instead the researcher is responsible for designing how s/he will analyze the data. And this process can become even more complicated when other researchers are brought into the process to help code and interpret the data. Today we will discuss strategies and issues for collecting and analyzing data.

Before Class

  • Read Blanton "Mucking around in the lives of others" [L2WR]
  • Read Brice "Coding data in qualititative research on L2 writing" [L2WR]
  • Read Machon et al. "Using concurrent protocols to explore L2 writing processes" [L2WR]
  • Read Hudelson "Taking on English writing in a bilingual program" [L2WR]

Activity I: Collecting and Analyzing Data

In four groups, you will have ten minutes to answer the following questions about the following readings (Blanton, Brice, Machon et al., Hudelson):

  • What is the author's argument? (What philosophical stance does the author take on the production of knowledge?)
  • Based upon the context of the article, what paradigm is the author responding to?
  • Is this argument useful outside L2 writing contexts? Why is it particularly useful to the study of L2 writers? Explain.

For the designiated reading, also answer the following question:

Blanton: How might some of the methodology scholars we have already read responded to the problems Blanton experienced with her research?

Brice: What would be the advantages or disadvantages of bringing your partner into the process of developing codes? How should a researcher reconcile a disparity in the codes, especially when the data collector's interpretation is influenced by "insider" knowledge?

Machon et al.: How would you reconcile a research method that has been discussed as invalid in one's field when it appears to be the best method to answer your research questions?

Hudelson: Based upon her description of what she originally did and what she would do now, what audiences and purposes do you think her original methodology were good for? what about her revised approach?

Discussion: How Do You Analyze Data?

We will discuss the following:

  • What questions do you have about the readings for this week?
  • What is the researcher's primary goal when analyzing her/his data?
  • According to the readings, where should one's codes come from?
  • Based upon the readings we have done on L2 writing research methods, what would you say this field values in the way they do research?

Activity II: Workshop on Design

Use the latter part of the class to work on outlining your research design. You can work individually or bounce your ideas off of your peers.