Graduate Sample: Data Analysis Strategies for Qualitative Research
Qualitative Research Assignment Overview
This graduate-level qualitative research sample analyzes 18 semi-structured interviews exploring how nurse leaders sustain evidence-based practice adoption. The deliverable demonstrates rigorous data analysis strategies—ranging from transcript preparation to second-cycle coding and trustworthiness checks—while aligning with APA 7th edition scholarly writing expectations.
Course: QRM-620 – Qualitative Inquiry and Data Analysis | Author: Maya Thompson, MPH Candidate | Institution: Harrison School of Public Health | Date: November 22, 2025
Key Qualitative Data Analysis Skills Demonstrated
- Data Management & Cleaning: Produced verbatim transcripts, anonymized identifiers, and exported NVivo-ready files with metadata tags.
- First-Cycle Coding: Applied in vivo and descriptive coding to preserve participant voice and capture operational processes.
- Second-Cycle Coding & Thematic Mapping: Clustered pattern codes, developed axial relationships, and refined a thematic map linking leadership behaviors to implementation fidelity.
- Analytic Memoing: Documented analytic decisions, reflexivity prompts, and emergent questions to strengthen the audit trail.
- Trustworthiness Techniques: Integrated member checks, peer debriefing, and triangulation with policy documents to enhance credibility and dependability.
Data Corpus & Research Context
Interviews were conducted with frontline nurse leaders and advanced practice providers who recently completed an evidence-based practice (EBP) rollout in three urban hospitals. Transcripts averaged 42 minutes and captured decision-making, coaching routines, and perceptions of cultural readiness. Field notes, policy memos, and implementation dashboards were ingested into NVivo to support data triangulation.
Transcript Preparation & First-Cycle Coding
Audio files were transcribed verbatim, de-identified, and formatted with speaker labels. Using Saldaña's first-cycle techniques, the analyst applied in vivo codes to honor participant language, complemented by descriptive codes representing actions (e.g., "shadowing," "bedside huddles"). A running coding log captured decisions, code merges, and saturation checkpoints.
- Tools: Otter.ai for draft transcripts, ExpressScribe for verification, NVivo 14 for coding.
- Codebook Structure: 36 parent codes, 112 child codes, and operational definitions with inclusion/exclusion criteria.
- Memos: Reflexive memos documented positionality concerns and analytic hunches after each coding sprint.
Second-Cycle Coding & Thematic Mapping
Pattern codes grouped related first-cycle codes into conceptual clusters such as "coaching cadence" and "evidence translation scripts." The researcher used axial coding to connect causal conditions, strategies, and outcomes, then built a thematic map showing how psychological safety mediates the relationship between leadership modeling and staff adoption.
Trustworthiness & Validation Strategies
Trustworthiness was reinforced through member checks (summary tables shared with five participants), peer debriefing with the faculty advisor, and triangulation with unit scorecards. An audit trail archived raw data, codebook iterations, memos, and analytic outputs so findings remain transparent and reproducible.
- Credibility: Member checking and thick description.
- Dependability: Audit trail plus intercoder agreement check on 15% of transcripts (Cohen's kappa = 0.86).
- Transferability: Rich contextualization of hospital size, staffing ratios, and EBP maturity.
Findings & Presentation
Three overarching themes emerged: Leadership Proximity Fuels Courageous Dialogue, Micro-Coaching Converts Evidence Into Stories, and Data Visibility Normalizes Practice Change. Each theme is accompanied by exemplar quotes, within-case visualizations, and practice implications. A final dissemination plan outlines executive-friendly infographics and a 15-minute lunch-and-learn deck.
Why This Qualitative Research Assignment Excels
- Aligns analytic procedures with leading texts (Saldaña, Miles & Huberman, Guest et al.).
- Demonstrates NVivo proficiency with code hierarchy charts, matrix queries, and sentiment overlays.
- Integrates reflexivity, memoing, and trustworthiness evidence to satisfy dissertation-level rigor.
- Translates qualitative insights into actionable recommendations for nursing leadership teams.
- Balances scholarly tone with practitioner relevance to maximize stakeholder uptake.
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