Studying artifacts included student-generated lecture notes, study traces made in lecture notes, and study materials students made as they studied for the course test. Students took lecture notes and produced study materials on their own accord. Study traces in lecture notes were indicated by the marks students made on lecture notes as they studied. Analyzing Data Data collected from the four sources were coded and sorted using a variety of analysis techniques. For example, the qualitative analysis process used to interpret interview data was categorical aggregation.
Categorical aggregation occurs when researchers find recurring themes in qualitative data.
Five meaningful themes emerged through the categorical aggregation process. Because qualitative research by its nature is open to interpretation, certain procedures for judging the quality of the data were followed. The verification plan for this study contained elements for internal and external validity. Triangulation, member checks, audits and peer examinations were conducted to assure internal validity. External validity was promoted by using typical college students studying for a real course test and by examining a variety of studying perspectives through several data sources.