Familiarization in research is the initial step in getting to know your data intimately before beginning formal analysis.
Understanding Familiarization in Research
Familiarization is fundamentally the process of becoming familiar with the data. According to research methodologies, this often involves reading and re-reading interview transcripts multiple times.
This deep engagement with the raw data helps researchers gain a holistic understanding of the participants' perspectives, the nuances within the responses, and the overall flow and content of the dataset. It's a crucial phase for immersing oneself in the research material.
How Familiarization Occurs
Based on research practices, the process of familiarization primarily happens through:
- Reading and Re-reading: This involves systematically going through collected data, such as interview transcripts, several times to absorb the information and begin noticing patterns or key themes.
- Transcription: If a qualitative researcher undertakes the task of transcribing their own interview data, this act itself serves as a powerful method of familiarization. The detailed process of typing out every word spoken provides an in-depth exposure to the data.
Engaging in familiarization ensures that the researcher is thoroughly acquainted with the dataset before moving on to more analytical stages like coding or thematic analysis.
