The essential elements for developing an effective and reliable qualitative research plan will be based, in-part on the ability of the principal investigator to incorporate effective processes for collecting and managing data, within the plan. During the data collection process, elements of bias attributable to the particular collection method should be addressed. Ensuring a high standard of ethical practices will also be of legal necessity. Furthermore, the subsequent management of diligently obtained data must consider the particular data set, and desired analysis.

Experts from various fields of academia, will agree that the essentials of an effective research plan must based on the investigators proposed research and desired data based analytical methods, in relation to the; (1) Specific Aims, (2) Background / Significance, (3) Preliminary Studies, and (4) Research and Design Methods, of the study (Agency for Healthcare Research, 2014). While the specific aims and background/significance of the particular study may indicate the rationale for the proposed study, data collection and management techniques will be critical for organizing and interpreting the obtained results.

A diligently executed research proposal may utilize various methods for conducting data collection within preliminary studies, and cataloging additional data. The most commonly utilized methods for obtaining data in qualitative research are; (1) Interviews, (2) Observations, and (3) Review of documents (Agency for Healthcare Research, 2014). This report will consider various applications for which these methods may or may not be optimal. Concerns, related to ethical issues, legal issues, and bias will be of particular interest as any research which contains a flawed internally designed system should not be considered, within the scope of its original intent. In addition, optimal data management systems will be considered. As a reference point, the NVivo software and its subsequent advantages will be addressed.

An efficient data collection plan should consider utilizing more than one method for scientifically obtaining information. The rigor of the data and its collection methods will correlate to its reliability and therefore will determine the analytical outcome of the proposed study (Gregory et.al, 2010). An optima data collection plan must ensure that certain minimum parameters are met. These include but are not limited to; (1) Sample Population, (2) Sample Size(s), (3) Age of the Data, (4) Reliability of the source(s), and (5) Consideration of variables (Gregory et.al, 2010). At this point it should be noted that data diligently obtained data through performance of interviews, and observations must consider the possibility for inherent bias, within the scope of the sample size/population. Regardless of the cause for which this data may be considered bias, the fact remains that bias will eliminate the viability of any qualitative study (Cochrane Bias Methods Group, 2014). Bias within a study may function to yield results, which indicate underestimation and/or overestimation, within respect to the hypothesis (Cochrane Bias Methods Group, 2014). Any principal investigator should design their qualitative research plan to account for a certain minimum amount of bias within interviews.

A quality based research plan should consider avoiding design flaws such as; a lack of allocating concealment in the collection process (Gregory et.al, 2010). Concealing the purpose of the interview from both the secondary investigators (i.e interviewer) and the interviewees may reduce the accumulation of bias. Design and conduct of randomized interviews (i.e. Trials), for which all individuals participating within the study are not made aware of the scope of the research plan, will reduce methodological flaws. During development of the data collection procedures, all studies should be subjected to initial and periodic assessments by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) (Institutional Review Board, 2014). As a part of the IRBs mission, the intent is to ensure high standards for governing the process in which, data may be ethically extrapolated from test subjects. In addition, the IRB will ensure that legal rights are protected for the participants. All research protocols that include interaction within humans should be subjected to the extensive peer-review process inherent to the IRB. An executed study, which has not met the requirements of the IRB, may be considered to be a breech of legal statues (where applicable).

Cataloging, organizing, and interpreting data will be critical components of a satisfactory data management plan. Data management within a study will be essential for ensuring accurate representation of the particular statistical model of a qualitative study. Favorable data management, during execution of the study will typically yield a facilitated research study in which, the raw data may be easily identifiable and interpreted by the reviewer (Gregory et.al, 2010). Due to the large quantities of data within a thorough qualitative study, the principal investigator should consider utilizing an effective software program. With respect to management of qualitative data, the NVio software is classified within the Top 10 for all global data management software (NVivo, 2014).

Tools included within this program include the ability to; (1) Collate surveys, (2) Transcribe Data, (3) Obtain Literature Reviews, (4) Incorporate the use of Social Media and (5) Maintain cost effectiveness. Benefits of NVivo include the ability to collect and manage data within the field, through the use of Android and Macintosh compatible apps. A researcher may therefore obtain any particular data set within the program, as the scope of the study evolves within the field. Further benefits of the software include the ability to transcribe various media files, transcripts and to apply pattern based tools, which identify possible bias within a data set (NVivo, 2014).

In conclusion, an adequately constructed qualitative research plan should be crafted with great care for the design. The methods utilized to obtain data should not be restricted to one mode alone. The incorporation of various methods and the trending of data as it is collected through various methods, will aid to identify and possibly eliminate bias. During the construction of a research proposal, the investigator should consider all legal and ethical responsibilities. Submission of the proposed research plan to the IRB will function to safeguard both the patients and the researcher (from a legal perspective). Additionally, all qualitatively obtained data should employ random sampling when applicable. Furthermore, raw data, within a qualitative study should always be interpreted by multiple, and qualified personnel, prior to determining a conclusion.