Handling Qualitative Data

Question 1

What is a transcript?

Answer 1

• A necessary step on the way to interpreting textual qualitative data
• No ‘standard’ established

Question 2

What are two forms of transcripts?

Answer 2

Precise transcription

-Verbatim transcription

Question 3

What can be used in precise transcriptions?

Answer 3

-Linguistic analysis dictates maximum exactness (no para-phrasing) (Jefferson)
. Symbols used in conversation analysis

Question 4

Explain verbatim transcription

Answer 4

-As much as is required by the research question

. Line numbers down the side allowing quick reference to quotes

Question 5

What are some key points about transcription?

Answer 5

. The level of transcription has an influence on the quality of data for interpretation
. Transcription takes time
. Badly recorded interviews take longer to transcribe
. The words of the interviewer should also be included
. Transcription services – quality check

Question 6

Explain the interpretation stage of data analysis?

Answer 6

• Locate meaning in the data
• Skilful expedition-usually better if done by researcher
• Coding – a label, note, a query, or a tag
associated with an extract of data
• Theme – a group of coded data which
represent a similar pattern / concept
Thematic Analysis (next Semester)

Question 7

Explain coding

Answer 7

• Starting blocks for interpretation of data
• Used to categorise the text and develop theory
• Codes are applied to a ‘unit’ of textual data
• A code is a ‘label’ that captures a segment of the data

Question 8

What are the two types of coding?

Answer 8

•Deductive (Top down / A priori). Driven by a specific
research question
• Inductive (Bottom up / Emergent). Codes are linked to
the data

Question 9

What should be coded?

Answer 9

• Themes, topics, concepts, terms, phrases, key

words

Question 10

What should you look for when coding?

Answer 10

• What is happening?
• What are the people saying?
• What emotions / attitudes might they be implying

Question 11

When is deductive coding used?

Answer 11

Used when a predetermined theory / concept needs evidencing

Question 12

When is inductive coding used?

Answer 12

Used to build new theory or develop new concepts.

Question 13

How can the analysis be developed?

Answer 13

• Codes need to be organised-e.g. Similar concepts
• Categorise them into separate groupings (sub-themes) and organise based on similarities
• Refine into general themes (patterns in the data)
• Reliant on researcher interpretive skill – keep analytical notes /memos
• Process of reducing the data so it is manageable and understandable