Phenomenological Research in Nursing and Data Management and Organization - Essay Example

Section 1 The three types of qualitative research are phenomenological, grounded theory, and ethnographic research. What are the differences and similarities between two of the three types of studies?

Grounded theory and Phenomenological research are both used to describe and study human behavior, yet they approach the subject in different ways. Grounded theory is based on symbolic interactionism; wherein behavior develops through mingling and association with others in a process composed of negotiation and renegotiation (Morse and Field, 1996). It opposes the notion of average behavior and static reaction to symbols. Phenomenology studies behavior in the context of the individual’s experience (Morse and Field, 1996). Compared with grounded theory, phenomenological research supposes that meanings and behaviors are more internally controlled rather than a result of outside influence. Both methods require the generation of huge amounts of data because of the individualistic (phenomenology) and interaction-based (grounded theory) approaches that it takes and both are essential to Nursing research because a patient’s reaction to a healthcare practice is influenced by both internal and external factors.

Section 2 Qualitative data has been described as voluminous and sometimes overwhelming to the researcher. In what ways could a researcher manage and organize the data?
Managing and organizing qualitative data for analysis is needed to make coherent and relevant research. One way of handling large volumes of data is by categorizing each paper or resource and coding them to make it easier to find a particular resource when needed. Qualitative research analysis software (i.e. Nvivo) can also be used to index and sort massive amounts of information for quicker access. The use of online databases can also be harnessed because these databases are already organized and streamlined so the analysis will be more efficient. (Polit and Beck, 2008) Read More