Quantitative and qualitative data
Overview
The use of quantitative and qualitative data in a single study is referred to as a mixed methods approach. The quantitative survey data help to identify health-related trends and patterns within the sample group. Qualitative data complement the quantitative element and help to determine why and how a phenomenon exists. The cumulative findings can then help public health professionals form a conclusion about the health issue and inform future public health research, policy, and practice. The content that you create for this assignment is similar to the steps you would take as a public health professional to create and disseminate a manuscript for publication.
In this assignment, you will conduct a retrospective analysis of the publicly available Titanic Datasets. The purpose of this assignment is to analyze qualitative and quantitative data to answer the following research question: What were the causes/mechanisms that led individuals on the Titanic to survive or perish? Examples of explanatory variables that may lead to higher probability of surviving on the Titanic are class, gender, physical strength, social ties, cabin location, etc.
Please note there is inherent bias in those who provided a testimony, because it only includes those that survived.
Background Information
The Titanic hit an iceberg on April 14, 1912, at 11:40 p.m. and sunk completely about 2 hours and 40 minutes later.
A total of 2207 individuals were on board at the time of the collision and only 710 survived, despite the fact that the lifeboats could have saved 1178, so they had been used at only 60% of their capacity.
The survival rates of individuals differed greatly according sex, classes, and types of crew.
For this assignment, you will use:
The quantitative Titanic dataset.
Qualitative testimonials from either Boat 1, 6, or 16.
Note: You will conduct the analyses for Parts 1 and 2. You will then use this information to write Part 3: Mixed Methods Paper
Part 1: Quantitative Analysis
Review the “Quantitative Titanic Dataset” and the accompanying “Codebook.” Consider what descriptive and inferential statistics you will conduct to help answer the research question.
Prepare the data to complete the analysis.
Using SPSS, conduct descriptive statistics to summarize the sample.
Using SPSS, select appropriate quantitative inferential statistical tests to analyze the data to answer the research question.
Part 2: Qualitative Analysis:
Select testimonials from one boat to review by using the Boat 1, Boat 6, or Boat 16 zip files.
Based on your findings in Part 1 (Quantitative Analysis), read and review testimonials from the boat. Code the transcripts and identify at least three key themes.
Part 3: Mixed Methods Paper
Prepare a 1,250-1,500-word paper to address the following. Headers should be used based on the component structure outlined below:
Introduction
Discuss the relationship between socioeconomic status and health from a general perspective.
Summarize the purpose of this research study and the proposed research question.
Quantitative Analysis
Methods
Describe the variables used in the analysis.
Describe the descriptive and inferential statistical tests that was conducted.
Identify the software that was used to conduct the analysis.
Results
Summarize the sample using the results of the descriptive statistics.
Describe the main outcomes of the inferential statistical analysis. Discuss the statistical significance of the results.
Include at least two tables and two figures to support the results.
Qualitative Analysis
Methods
Describe the process used to analyze the qualitative data.
Results
Summarize the results of the qualitative analysis from the selected boat testimonials. Discuss at least three key themes.
Discuss what methods you would employ to analyze the remaining transcripts from all 20 boats/vessels.
Discussion
Interpret the quantitative and qualitative study results in relation to the related literature and research question.
Explain what implications this has on future public health policy and programs.
Discuss the overall study limitations.
Sample Solution
Overview
This assignment requires a mixed-methods approach to investigate the factors influencing survival on the Titanic. By combining quantitative and qualitative data analysis, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the tragedy.
Data
- Quantitative data: This dataset provides numerical information about passengers, such as age, sex, class, survival status, etc.
- Qualitative data: Testimonials from survivors on a specific lifeboat will offer personal narratives and insights into the survival experience.
Research Question
- What were the causes/mechanisms that led individuals on the Titanic to survive or perish?
Key Steps
- Quantitative Analysis:
- Descriptive statistics to summarize the data (e.g., mean, median, mode, frequencies).
- Inferential statistics to identify relationships between variables (e.g., chi-square test, t-test, logistic regression).
- Qualitative Analysis:
- Thematic analysis of the chosen boat’s testimonials to identify key themes.
- Mixed Methods Paper:
- Integrate quantitative and qualitative findings to answer the research question.
- Discuss implications for public health.
Potential Challenges and Considerations
- Data Limitations: The Titanic dataset may have missing values or inconsistencies.
- Survivor Bias: Testimonials only represent survivors, potentially skewing the qualitative findings.
- Time Constraints: Balancing the demands of quantitative and qualitative analysis within the assignment timeframe.
- Statistical Software Proficiency: Ensuring accurate use of SPSS for data analysis.
- Qualitative Analysis Skills: Developing strong thematic analysis skills to extract meaningful insights from the testimonials.
Next Steps
To proceed, you’ll need to:
- Access and familiarize yourself with the datasets.
- Develop a detailed data analysis plan.
- Choose a specific boat for qualitative analysis.
- Start conducting the quantitative analysis using SPSS.