Assignment: The Analysis and Interpretation of Qualitative Data
Assignment: The Analysis and Interpretation of Qualitative Data ON Assignment: The
Analysis and Interpretation of Qualitative DataOVERVIEWThe purpose of the Major
Assignment is to immerse you in the qualitative research process. The process includes
hands-on opportunities for you to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret qualitative data.
This qualitative research process begins with some items that have already been identified
for you:The research topic for this effort is the meaning of social change for Walden
graduate students. You have been examining videos and reading about social change as part
of the course study.The knowledge you have gained plus your reflections on the meaning of
social change will form the beginning of the inquiry. That is, the research question you will
explore is “What is the meaning of social change for Walden graduate students?”The
description of your efforts of gathering, organizing, and analyzing data will form the basis of
your methods section. And, the results of those efforts—the analysis and interpretation of
those data—will be summarized.This Major Assignment 2 is composed of four parts, each of
which will be completed over six weeks beginning in Week 5. These parts include: Part 1:
Introduction; Part 2: Role of the Researcher; Part 3: Results; and Part 4: Trustworthiness
and Summary.In preparation for Major Assignment 2, please review the following:Review
the “What Kind of Social Change Agent Are You?” webpage and take the social change quiz.
Consider how this quiz will inform your Assignment.Review the expectations of The
Analysis and Interpretation of Qualitative Data Overview and Guidelines for this Major
Assignment 2.Review the Yob and Brewer (2015) article related to social change found in
this week’s Learning Resources and consider how you can prepare yourself for social
change through your research.Consider the research topic of the meaning of social change
for Walden graduate students as well as the research question for this Major Assignment,
“What is the meaning of social change for Walden graduate
students?”assignment_the_analysis_and_interpretation_of_qualitative_data.docxassignment_
guide.pdfUnformatted Attachment PreviewRunning head: SOCIAL CHANGE ASSESSMENT 1
Major Assignment 2: The Analysis and Interpretation of Qualitative Data SOCIAL CHANGE
ASSESSMENT 2 Introduction: Part 1 Society’s constant evolution calls for ordinary citizens
to create extraordinary change. Social change highlights new ideas that cause a perpetual
change in behaviors and cultural norms. Some infamous examples of social change are the
feminist movement, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and the recent, “Me Too” movement.
Each event caused a shift in social norms, and each example of social change began on a
smaller scale to address a bigger issue. The presented literature explores the meaning of

social change for Walden graduate students, as Walden University encourages the student
body to address “challenges where they live, in their professions, and the world around
them” (Walden University, n.d.). Background Statement With continuous advancement in
technology, the means of communication have progressed. The ability to reach a large
audience via the Internet, social media, television, radio, etc. has become a platform for
expressing ideas, challenges, and present concerns. Individuals’, who have initiated
particular methods of behavior or actions, have inspired others to join in for a similar cause.
Assignment: The Analysis and Interpretation of Qualitative DataThe process of inciting
change that affects a systematic function of people, places, or things can stimulate social
change. The foundation of social change is rooted in relationship. Individuals with a concern
connect with other individuals with a similar interest to form connections and develop
“collaborative leadership” (Kormvies, Wager, 2016, p. 19). The development of the
described cohesion is extended to encourage positive changes within the community and
are continued to inspire change throughout society. Ultimately, the goal of positive social
change is to improve conditions or functions that shape the lives of others (Kormvies,
SOCIAL CHANGE ASSESSMENT 3 Wagner, 2016). Typically, events and circumstances are
assessed by day-to-day observation, and as a result, concern is produced by a presenting
problem. Social Change as a Social Issue Specific events such as terrorism, drug use, and the
lack of exposure to a particular stimulus, can encourage a scholar-practitioner to engage in
research to endorse social change, due to a social issue (Walden University, n.d.).
Nonetheless, current events around the world that have affected and continue to influence
masses of people are still disregarded. For example, some current events that continue to
impact countless people are the Flint Michigan Water Crisis, climate change, and the
seemingly continual world epidemic of poverty. These occurrences are just some examples
of daily circumstances that continue to influence many people. On the contrary, the
eradication of a systematic function within society can create a number of difficulties. The
process of “de-organizing” and re-organizing can lead to dysfunction within society. For
example, the development in the food production industry has lead to significant
environmental damage (Newman, 2009). In this example, the desirable social change
triggered social problems. These occurrences create a need for informed research regarding
present-day events and prospective methods of change. Social Change as Research Problem
A research problem requires a methodological process that outlines steps and outcomes
(Ravitch, Carl, 2016). The step-by-step process of research allows an investigator(s) to
consider the background of the issue and establish a hypothesis to serve as a starting point
for further inquiry. On the other hand, further exploration can help to develop theories that
uncover hidden meaning, motivation, and opinions (Rubin, Rubin, SOCIAL CHANGE
ASSESSMENT 4 2012). As a result, researchers gain a deeper understanding of the issue and
inspire additional research to gain new insights. Research Gap Research identifies social
change as a need throughout many communities, which would cause a shift in society.
Education and educating organizations provide the first step in rearing individuals to adopt
a moral of social change (Patil, 2012). Higher education institutions, such as colleges and
graduate programs, have adopted a mission that reflects social change. Nonetheless, no
concrete curriculum ensures students will assume a social change modality, or students will

choose pursuits of social reform or social change (Yob, Brewer, n.d.). Social change is rooted
in a personal connection to community and the desire to make improvements (Walden
University, n.d.). Identifying the meaning of social change has yet to be explored by
researchers. Purpose Statement The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore what
social change means to graduate students attending Walden University. The researcher will
explore themes of personal connection social change among graduates of Walden
University. The phenomenon of learning about social change may help students to
formulate a social change identity. By exploring students of varying cultures, the researcher
will gain a better understanding of Walden graduate students and social change. Part 2
Qualitative research is characterized by a researcher(s) interaction with the research
subject(s) developed environment (Ravitch, Carl, 2016). The research is responsible for
SOCIAL CHANGE ASSESSMENT 5 conveying the thoughts and experiences of participants in
a meaningful way (Sutton, Austin, 2015). In this study, the researcher plays a duel role as
both the researcher and a graduate student, conducting a phone interview. The researcher
experienced how social change is recognized through a multicultural lens, with hopes of
encouraging personal growth. The Role of the Researcher Ravitch and Carl (2016) state that
the role of the researcher is positionality and social location (Ravitch, Carl, 2016).
Positionality is defined as a multifaceted relationship between the researcher and the
research’s subjects, culture, subcultures, etc. (Ravitch, Carl, 2016). Assignment: The
Analysis and Interpretation of Qualitative DataA researcher’s positionality creates identity
and influences the way research is comprised, as well as interpreted (Coghlan, Brydon-
Miller, 2014). When the researcher is aware of his or her worldview and biases, the study’s
weaknesses are minimized and the opportunity to expand is presented. The Experience As a
working class woman of color, the writer recognizes that information will be sifted through
these filters of preconception. Also, the writer is also a Walden University student and is
considered a casual contributor of social change (Walden University, n.d.b). As the results
from this assessment conclude that the writer does not often engage as a social change
agent and is not affiliated with an organized religion (Walden University, n.d.b). However,
the assessment also states that the writer’s interest is based within the community, rather
than focusing on world issues (Walden University, n.d.b). Reviewing the assessment, the
writer is introduced to the subject matter believing that other Walden University students
are remarkably interested in social change, as the SOCIAL CHANGE ASSESSMENT 6
researcher’s results were corresponding with 14% of the students who took the exam.
Critically assessing this notion, the researcher makes note that there is no information
provided regarding how many students took this exam, as well as if the accounts were
truthful. The analytic memos recorded by the writer highlight themes regarding community
experiences that are familiar to the writer. For example, the writer reflects on this concept
in the field note regarding the phone interview with the research participant: “Research
participant one described her experience with accepting a role as a positive social change
agent is due to a “bigger picture.” The participant frequently discusses changing the Black
community and supporting the Black community through research that highlights domestic
violence prevention. This is a concept I am all too familiar with because other black people
to support others in the same community promote it. I have to be careful not to attribute my

experience to hers although it sounds so traditional.” Based upon this information, the
writer understands the role reflexivity plays in this study, as there are familiar concepts and
backgrounds. However, each experience is perceived differently. Keeping a log of reactions
to the content provided and assessed has assisted the writer in determining what
perception is and what is analysis. Field notes allowed the writer to compare each account
and consider the varying settings (Ravitch, Carl, 2016). Your Role Utilizing the questions
provided in the interview guide, the writer’s goal was to determine how Walden University
students define social change. Assignment: The Analysis and Interpretation of Qualitative
DataThe writer interviewed a residency four female Walden University student. As
previously mentioned, the role of SOCIAL CHANGE ASSESSMENT 7 the researcher in this
study is a graduate student and the interviewer. It is important to note that the researcher
and research participant are both familiar with the social change mission offered at Walden
University, due to the dual roles. Ethical Issues One of the most important ethical
considerations in qualitative research is the participant’s used in the study (Rubin, Rubin,
2012). Intended participation and informed consent are essential elements of research. In
this study, the researcher conducted a phone interview with a research participant.
Although the researcher informed the participant about the study, the time frame, risks, etc.,
there was no written consent provided, which can be detrimental to the study if a
participant revokes consent. Written consent protects the research participant and the
research study. Part 3: Results To better assess the meaning of social change, the researcher
conducted a phone interview with a Walden University student. The researcher also viewed
two Scholars of Change videos and collected information from the Walden University social
change website. The writer found that scholars from Walden University noticed problems
that directly affect their lives and sought to change them. The writer transcribed the phone
interview to develop codes for data development. Assignment: The Analysis and
Interpretation of Qualitative DataThe stated process was conducted for the two Scholar of
Change videos and information regarding Walden’s social change website was incorporated
into data collection for reference and background information. SOCIAL CHANGE
ASSESSMENT 8 Data Sources The data sources used in this study are two Scholar of Change
videos found on Blackboard, the Walden University social change website, and a phone
interview conducted by the writer. The writer’s objective is to explore the meaning of social
change for Walden University graduate students. Collected data by evaluating videos and
the social change website did not involve participant involvement. However, the process of
conducting a phone interview incorporated a number of steps for data collection. Interview.
The writer conducted a phone interview with a fourth-year clinical psychology graduate
student. The writer contacted the research participant a week before inquiring about
participation and collect information regarding an appropriate time to conduct the study.
The writer and participant agreed to interview in the evening. The interview took place in
the writer’s office, on the office phone, during after hours to ensure confidentiality. The
interview conduct was semi-structured, as the writer was provided with mock questions.
However, the writer inquired further based upon responses provided by the research
participant. The writer used an app called TranscribeMe to transliterate the interview. The
writer conducted a mock interview on the office phone to ensure transcribing app was

adequately functioning on the writer’s iPhone. The writer contacted the research
participant at the scheduled time and offered her a few minutes to get comfortable, as her
children were about the home. The research participant seemed relaxed and knowledgeable
of the process, as she reported that she had taken a qualitative course in the past. The
writer discussed the purpose of the study, the role of the researcher, obtains SOCIAL
CHANGE ASSESSMENT 9 verbal consent to transcribe the interview, and the writer
confirms the agreed upon time frame of 30 minutes. The research participant was
cooperative and answered all questions. Around 10 minutes into the interview, during the
researcher’s account, the research participant’s infant interrupted the interview. The writer
continued to give her statement, however, the transcription app showed that some words
were unable to be heard. The writer began to freehand transcribe as a means to protect the
data. Assignment: The Analysis and Interpretation of Qualitative DataThe writer offered to
pause to recollect and reset. However, the participant ensured she was able to continue
without distraction. The interview concluded smoothly, as the writer and the participant
were actively engaged in conversation. The writer debriefed with the participant and
thanked her for her participation. Videos. The writer gathered information from the Scholar
of Change videos during the evening at the local Barnes and Noble, workplace, and
bedroom. Video notes were recorded to during the third time watching each video. The
writer watched each video three to five times to ensure information was understood.
Typically, the writer would watch a video in its entirety and on the second review the writer
would listen to the video while reading the transcript. The writer took 25-35 minutes to
compose video notes, as the writers referred back to the transcription to ensure each
recollection of the scholar’s accounts were accurate. Social Change Website. Walden
University’s website for social change highlights a persona of scholarly change. The writer
notes that Walden’s curriculum is rooted in “application of knowledge SOCIAL CHANGE
ASSESSMENT 10 to positive social change” (Walden University, n.d.). The writer makes note
of what areas Walden’s curriculum shapes. The writer periodically viewed this website to
recollect information that would provide a foundational influence on social change. The
writer completed a series of field notes for reference. Instrumentation The instruments
used in this study were a MacBook, Microsoft Office, a digital office telephone, and the
iPhone app called TranscribeMe. Video data was collected and analyzed by the Scholar of
Change videos in the resource domain in the first four weeks. TranscribeMe was used to
transcribe the information collected during the phone interview. The writer also utilized a
PDF viewer to read the transcription provided by TranscribeMe. Who and Date. The main
data collection tools were the standard digital office telephone, iPhone X Max, and the
transcription app called TranscribeMe. The company Apple developed the MacBook used in
this study in early 2015. This computer came equip with Microsoft Office and a PDF viewer.
Assignment: The Analysis and Interpretation of Qualitative DataThe iPhone X Max is also a
product of Apple and released in 2018. TranscribeMe’s developer is unknown, however the
products have notorious reviews since 2010. Previous Use Info. The TranscribeMe app has
been used by a multitude of students, professionals, and researchers (TranscribeMe, n.d.).
Professionals in varying career levels and expertise have used this application to transcribe
phone calls with client, board meetings, and round table meetings (TranscribeMe, n.d.). The

cellular devices used in this study have SOCIAL CHANGE ASSESSMENT 11 features that
make phone calls clearer and are used by majority of individuals around the world.
Appropriateness. The TranscribeMe app was appropriate for this study, as the app is
supportive of research inquires. The voice recognition and transcription capabilities make
this app essential to recording data. The MacBook was also vital, as the writer was able to
view PDF files and view the transcription all at once. However, the transcription app has
three options based upon price. The writer chose the cheapest version that does not
guarantee 100% full verbatim style (TranscribeMe, n.d.). Due to an unexpected noise
complication, the writer was forced to transcribe by hand for 15 seconds. Data Analysis
Data analysis in qualitative research requires three functions, which consist of organizing,
transcribing, and coding (Ravitch, Carl, 2016). Preparing the data into labels and identifiable
codes is the first step to organizing data. Each researcher will have a personal method of
organizing. However, video notes, field notes, memos, etc. are compiled to intentionally
decipher. Transcribing involved a systematic process of accounting for reflective
documentation (Laureate Education, 2016). From this process, researchers create short
phrases to label to a belief or characteristic (Ravitch, Carl, 2016). The presented information
will provide a detailed account of how the writer systematically analyzed the gathered
qualitative data. Process Data analysis for qualitative data requires a process of moving
from small representations to well-rounded concepts (Ravitch, Carl, 2016). Researchers are
required SOCIAL CHANGE ASSESSMENT 12 to code small phrases and ideas from
information provided and combine these ideas into a definitive representation (Rubin,
Rubin, 2012). The information is then grouped to develop a theory, consisting of short
phrases (Rubin, Rubin, 2012). The writer highlights the step-by-step process of code to a
category to a theme. 1st Cycle – codes. Interview From the transcription, the researcher
reviewed the account given by the graduate student. The writer identified eight codes that
encompassed the participant’s lived-in experience. Assignment: The Analysis and
Interpretation of Qualitative DataThese codes are labeled as: “EDUCATION”, “UNITY”,
“BETTER PERSON”, “URGENCY FOR SELF AND OTHERS”, “AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURE”,
“RESPONSIBILITY”, “TOLERANCE AND STIGMA”, and “OPPRESSED”. The participant gave a
large amount of personal background regarding cultural norms, which acted as motivator
for future people and laws. The writer asked what is social change from the participant’s
perspective? The research participant stated: “(12:31-13:07) I feel like there is so much to
say about social change because the world is evolving. Ummmm…there is the world that has
all of these rules in place that don’t always work for everyone. You know what I mean?
Social change is using what you know to do better for not only yourself, but for others. As a
Black person, I have to do it. It wouldn’t be fair to my kids…..my baby. I’m working myself
for them” The writer documented her video memo, regarding pre-coding interpretations.
The writer noted: SOCIAL CHANGE ASSESSMENT 13 (Field Memo: Interview- 10:00-13:30)
-“The participate attributes social change to reform. Using platforms such as social media to
bring awareness to unfairness in the world. Social change is a process of personal growth
that reflects outward. It seems very culturally driven”. Scholar of Change Videos 2 & 4 In
video two, Jackie Kundert recollects on her son’s drug addiction and overdose (Kundert,
2012). Reflecting on Jackie’s experiences, the writer listened for the “lived-inexperience”

and emotions. The writer reviewed the transcription to view the bigger picture of emotions,
which seemed to encompass “GRIEF’ and “URGENCY” (Kundert, 2012). Jackie stated, (0.23-
0.27) “This issue touches me greatly as I have a son who got caught up in the cycle”, (0.54-
1.00) “When I saw those rates it spurred something in me that made me know that I had to
somehow try and make a positive impact on this community” (Kundert, 2012). The writer
notes that Jackie’s personal affiliations with the topic seemed to have sparked an inclination
to address this issue on a semi-larger scale. Jackie’s accounts reflect a need for co