Data Analysis

‘What is data analysis’ is a key question in social research, defined by the foundations of various research models. This four-volume set presents the leading directions in data analysis and published in the ‘classic’ articles in the field. It brings together the most outstanding ‘vintage’ and contemporary work that have helped define and demarcate data analysis. It covers both quantitative and qualitative aspects, as centred around realism, positivism and empiricism on the one hand, and relativism and interpretivism on the other.

Volume One: covers qualitative data analysis: choosing and processing data, approaches to analysis and analytic techniques.

Volume Two: focuses on mixed methods: mixed method approaches and techniques, and the integration of findings.

Volume Three: moves to quantitative data analysis: analysing survey data, text, structure and sequences, testing ...

Editor's Introduction

SotiriosSarantakos

Researchers begin data analysis when the research is already in motion, when all necessary decisions have been made, and when the data begin to appear, or have already been collected. Standards and practices relating to data analysis are set even before decision making, planning and data collection are considered, or are just taken for granted. For the analyst, assumptions about the nature of the world, the acquisition of knowledge, the nature and purpose of research, the focus of the analysis, and the way it is to be conducted are not a matter of choice.

This is part and parcel of the overarching research paradigm, and its ontological and epistemological foundations; and researchers are fully aware of their meaning and association with each research type. ...

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