STUDENT RESEARCH
be identified and marked or coded for analysis . Coded data will be used to create a structured framework of significant patterns / themes that address the study outcomes . The Constant Comparison Model ( CCM ) of analysis will be used to compare and contrast the themes that become prominent . This model is an inductive method of analysis based heavily on grounded theory , which continues to compare data until nothing more can be linked and / or
19 , 20 learned .
Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software ( CAQDAS ) will be used to assist coding and developing the emergent themes , to support transparency of this data and meet current scientific quality standards . Each researcher will be assisted by NVivo , one of the most widely used CAQDAS programs , to code data into content themes using CCM . NVivo is used to manage the volume of data . NVivo is highly compatible with the grounded theory and thematic analysis approaches of this study . 21
The Beck Anxiety Inventory questionnaire outcomes and biometric measurements will be compared from baseline to completion for statistical significance .
Verifying
Generalisability : generalisability from the results of the study will be limited , as it consists of female college students from the University of NSW , undertaking a single and specific form of Hatha Vinyasa Yoga . The results may vary with different styles of yoga , female populations from different colleges or universities , and from different countries and cultures . Therefore , results of the study cannot be generalised to the overall population . 21
Reliability : There is high inter-rater reliability resulting from use of the CCM , which is based on grounded theory with proven reliability for coding data . The CCM is designed to be integrated throughout the entire research process , producing continual data analysis whereby researchers constantly move back and forth between codes and emerging data to assess similarities and differences . This ensures accuracy and verifies theory components . 21
Test-retest reliability is high through use of the Beck Anxiety Inventory ( BAI ), a 21-item self-report inventory for measuring the severity of anxiety symptoms . 18 Furthermore , participants will receive similar instructions before and after the study , thereby supporting test re-test reliability .
High internal consistency is made possible through the BAI ’ s Cronbach ’ s alpha ranging from 0.90 to 0.94 quantitative analysis , which is reliable over time-lapses . 18
Validity : High Internal validity can be achieved due to implementation of the CCM by an analysis group consisting of more than one researcher . The CCM limits the possibility of the researcher ( s ) forcing a predetermined result , thereby allowing data and themes to emerge , and protecting against over-analysing qualitative
19 , 20 data .
The BAI is one of the most widely used and validated anxiety instruments as a result of its easily scored measure of anxiety , which will add to the study ’ s high construct validity . 18
Limitations of the study include :
• small sample size of 100 participants
• single university sampled
• single style of Yoga ( Hatha Vinyasa )
• unpredictable dropout rate ( possible injury or illness , change to anxiety protocol , etc )
• study results may not be reproducible with other styles of Yoga , or in other countries / cultures where Yoga is less accepted due to cultural or religious beliefs
• daily academic focus may change students ’ perceived anxiety level depending on the time of year , for example during exams or finals
• process of qualitative analysis is labour-intensive , thus timeconsuming and expensive , especially with CCM , coding line by line and ensuring all information is lodged within the code structure
Reporting
Reporting will include a discussion of participant interview quotes and observational anecdotes , separated by emerging themes , to reinforce the findings and their validity . A table showing the results of the participant interview analysis will be broken down into the most prominent themes and relationships . The results of all content themes at baseline interview compared with completion interview will be displayed as a bar graph showing the number of participants displaying each theme . Participant results for the BAI and biometric indicators ( blood pressure and resting heart rate ) will both be presented in separate line graphs . Each graph will contain a bell curve , showing the mean and standard deviations with scores of the participants at baseline and completion being compared on the same graph , with baseline and completion data represented on separate lines to assess any changes .
Ethical Matters Ethical approval is provided by the University of NSW Sydney ’ s Human Research Ethics Committee . 23 The study contains the following ethical criteria for participants : 24
Informed Consent - participants will be given consent forms prior to the study informing them of the details of the study including its purpose , how the study findings will be used , source of funding , and information provided if a participant experiences distress during the study .
Voluntary Participation - participants are informed before the study of their right to withdraw from the study at any time without consequence . Participants will not be coerced or forced to stay in the study until completion , and are
154 | vol27 | no3 | JATMS