How does a researcher know if data are from a primary source? The researcher:

Question

a. checks with other researchers for their opinion and goes with the majority.
b. identifies where the data were found and uses geographic proximity to other primary sources as support.
c. tries to identify common themes and patterns.
d. thoroughly evaluates the data with all means available to determine its status as a primary source.

Answer 1

ANS: D
The well-prepared researcher scrutinizes, criticizes, and analyzes before even accepting that it has been written by the subject of research.
This is not the process used, although experts in the field may be one source of information used by the researcher to make the decision. During data analysis, the qualitative researcher attaches meaning to elements of the data; classification of things, persons, events, and properties are initiated. Regularities are noted.
Identifying where the data were found may be important to an overall understanding of their source, but would only be one piece of information used. During data analysis, the qualitative researcher attaches meaning to elements of the data; classification of things, persons, events, and properties are initiated. Regularities are noted.
This may be something the researcher ultimately does with the data, but it is not the method of determining a primary source. During data analysis, the qualitative researcher attaches meaning to elements of the data; classification of things, persons, events, and properties are initiated. Regularities are noted.