Using Integrative Data Analysis to Investigate School Climate Across Multiple Informants

• In Event: Methodological Advances to Improve Survey Data Collection and Analysis

Abstract

Survey research frequently involves the collection of data from multiple informants and analyzes results separately by informant group. Integrative Data Analysis (IDA) is a relatively new technique that allows for the pooling of data from multiple sources into one dataset when they share an overarching construct (Bauer & Hussong, 2009). The ability to analyze data from multiple sources makes IDA extremely flexible and enables researchers to more easily and affordably advance their research interests in their respective fields. This study will examine pooled data from student and teacher school climate surveys using the IDA framework. While this study illustrates the IDA framework with a school climate example, the practical applications of IDA extend across many social science constructs and disciplines.

Authors

• Kathleen McGrath, University of South Carolinia

• Elizabeth Leighton, University of South Carolina

• Mihaela Ene, University of South Carolina

• Christine DiStefano, University of South Carolina

• Diane M. Monrad, University of South Carolina