Discuss+how+researchers+analyse+data+obtained+in+observational+research.

one way to analysis data obtained in observational research is with grounded theory analysis. these theory enables researchers to study social processes.


 * description**,and **coding and connecting themes** to **produce an account**, are the three processes related to the theory.

first a complete description of the phenomenon of interest is provided in observations. the description includes:context of the action, intentions of the actor, process in which the action is embedded.
 * description**

this means that the data is organised into categories. the purpose is to provide tools for the analysis since without categorizations it would be impossible to know what is analysed and the data would not be able to be compared. the researcher must be able to identify bits of data and create such categories. graphical representations of the categorizations and connections with case examples can be created, making it easier to spot their relationship by themes. the researcher has to write a summary of the analysis in order to let independent readers understand his line of thought of how connections were made. these notes are called memos. after the data has been classified into themes, the researcher now can low for main themes and subthemes, the interpretation of the data is on comparison of the collected data. including evidence from other sources, sometimes. the researcher should look not only for data that supports his interpretation, but for evidence that could contradict his results. a search for alternative explanations should always be present.
 * coding and connecting themes**

the final product is a written account contemplating all the elements of the analysis which will produce a coherent explanation and a theoretical framework for understanding the phenomenon. if the theoretical framework is "grounded" it means that it is based on the categories identified during observation. whereas if researchers use theoretical triangulation it means they are including alternative theories to explain the studied phenomenon. researchers can also ask the participants whether they can support the interpretation, as well as other researchers. the researcher has to make it possible for the reader to track how the conclusion was reached.
 * producing and account**

it is important to remember that generalizations from an observational study can be made. inferential or theoretical generalizations can be presented.