Chapter 11: The Data Collection and Analysis Process

We should begin this chapter with a statement of what it is not about. It is not a detailed guide about how to analyze every possible type of data you might collect for your dissertation research. That would be impossible and, even if possible, it would be a poor substitute for the many outstanding books, papers, training experiences, internships, research team projects, advisors, and mentors who are much better sources of such guidance.

The chapter is also not even a definitive guide to how you should collect your data, regardless of type. Again, it would be impossible to provide all the details you need about collecting the many different types of data that may become part of a particular dissertation. What we will do instead is focus on some of the issues of data collection and analysis that, in our own experience as dissertation chairs and advisors, have been problematic for too many students. The chapter is organized around some of those issues along with our advice about how to handle each one.