Student Category 3 – Qualitative Data Collection & Analysis Plan (QRDC 2025)
QRDC 2025 · STUDENT CATEGORY 3
GUIDELINE – STUDENT CATEGORY 3: QUALITATIVE DATA COLLECTION & ANALYSIS PLAN
Guideline, rubric and awards for Student Category 3, focusing on detailed qualitative data collection workflows, instruments and analysis plans.

1. Purpose

Student Category 3 evaluates the ability of students to design a clear, detailed and logical plan for qualitative data collection and analysis. The focus is on how data will be generated, managed, coded and transformed into themes.

  • Designs appropriate qualitative data collection strategies and instruments.
  • Shows a clear step-by-step analysis workflow.
  • Develops a simple but meaningful coding framework.
  • Addresses trustworthiness and reflexivity in handling data.

2. Writing Guideline (Qualitative Data Collection & Analysis Plan)

A. Brief Study Context

  • Short description of the topic, phenomenon or issue to be studied.
  • Target group and setting where data will be collected.

B. Data Collection Design

  • Chosen methods (e.g. semi-structured interview, focus group discussion, observation, document analysis).
  • Justification for choosing these methods.
  • Overview of how many sessions, approximate duration and mode (online/face-to-face).

C. Instruments & Protocols

  • Interview / FGD protocol: sections, key questions and prompts.
  • Observation framework or checklist (if relevant).
  • Document analysis matrix or criteria (if documents are used).
  • Brief notes on piloting or refining the instruments (if applicable).

D. Data Management Plan

  • How data will be recorded (audio, video, field notes, digital documents).
  • File naming, folder structure and backup strategy.
  • Use of software (e.g. NVivo/Atlas.ti/MAXQDA/Excel) – optional but encouraged.

E. Analysis Workflow

  • Step-by-step description from raw data to findings (e.g. transcription, initial reading, coding, categorising, theme development, interpretation).
  • How codes will be generated (inductive, deductive, or combination).
  • How patterns and themes will be identified and refined.

F. Codebook / Coding Framework

  • Short example of a codebook (code, definition, example excerpt).
  • Illustration of how 1–2 sample excerpts might be coded.
  • Basic structure showing relationship between codes, categories and themes.

G. Trustworthiness & Reflexivity

  • Strategies to enhance credibility (e.g. member checking, peer debriefing, triangulation if applicable).
  • Brief reflexive statement on the researcher’s position and how bias will be monitored.
  • Any steps taken to ensure transparency and auditability (e.g. analytic memos, audit trail).

H. Ethical Considerations

  • Informed consent process for data collection activities.
  • Confidentiality, anonymity and secure storage of sensitive data.
  • Management of any potential risk or discomfort to participants.

3. Assessment Rubric (100%)

Component Description Excellent Good Basic %
Data Collection Design Suitability and clarity of chosen methods and design. Very clear, well-structured and well-justified. Clear and generally suitable. Unclear, generic or weakly justified. 25%
Instruments & Protocols Quality and relevance of interview/FGD/observation/document tools. Comprehensive, detailed and well-aligned with purpose. Reasonably clear; minor gaps or missing details. Limited or superficial; lacks alignment. 25%
Analysis Workflow & Coding Framework Logic and clarity of analysis steps and coding structure. Highly logical, detailed and easy to follow. Generally logical; some steps could be clearer. Superficial or fragmented. 30%
Trustworthiness, Reflexivity & Ethics Awareness of rigour, researcher role and ethical issues. Clear and thoughtful explanations. Mentioned but limited in depth. Minimal or unclear. 20%
Total Overall Score 100%

4. Suggested Document Structure

  • Title Page & Basic Information.
  • Brief Study Context (Topic, Setting, Participants).
  • Data Collection Design.
  • Instruments & Protocols (with examples).
  • Data Management Plan.
  • Analysis Workflow.
  • Codebook / Coding Framework (sample).
  • Trustworthiness & Reflexivity.
  • Ethical Considerations.
  • Key References (if used).

5. Awards & Recognition (Student Category 3)

A. Certificates

All student participants will receive a QRDC 2025 Digital Certificate of Participation (Student Category 3).

B. Medal Tiers (Based on Final Score)

  • Gold (Emas): 85% – 100%
  • Silver (Perak): 70% – 84%
  • Bronze (Gangsa): 50% – 69%

C. Best Qualitative Methods & Analysis Plan – Student Category 3

Awarded to the highest-scoring Student Category 3 entry with 90% and above, based on panel evaluation.

D. Publication & Showcasing

  • Top Gold entries may be shared as exemplars on the QRDC platform.
  • Selected students may be invited to demonstrate their coding/analysis process at QRDC 2025 events.
Designed as a premium reference and for A4 PDF export (Student Category 3).