What ’ s lit got to do with it ? Deconstructing the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
were first explored with an open mind allowing patterns to emerge , then , after patterns had been identified , each was examined in depth and from various angles . Many reviewers , for example , mentioned stopping in the gift shop as a part of their visit to the Carl Sandburg Home . In the initial phase of data analysis , mentions of the gift shop would have simply been coded gift shop . Upon closer inspection , a reviewer ’ s mention of the gift shop would be examined for its relationship to other themes developed . Visitors who mentioned a primary interest in Mrs . Sandburg ’ s goats , for example , then mentioned purchasing fudge made from the site ’ s goat milk at the gift shop would then be cross-coded as having been influenced by both the goats , and in turn , the gift shop . Codes were also considered in terms of their contribution to a reviewer ’ s visit . For instance , the steep trail from the parking lot was a positive aspect of their visit for some reviewers as the climb afforded them incredible views . However , the same trails were noted as challenging for other parties and therefore detracted from their overall experience . Themes were analyzed in aggregate and several overall conclusions were drawn .
With reliability and validity in mind , initial findings were scrutinized , and alternate explanations explored . Additionally , the researcher engaged in reflexivity by keeping in mind that literature is not often as important to tourists as it is to researchers . Sandburg ’ s relative obscurity was helpful in this regard as , despite having an extensive background in American literature , the researcher had no prior knowledge of either the author or his literary works . Finally , the researcher also engaged in memoing , where developing themes , findings , and conclusions were noted as data analysis progressed . Babbie ( 413 ) points out that both reflexivity and memoing are important aspects to ensure validity and reliability .
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