The goal of qualitative data analysis should align with…
the research question/study purpose
Inductive data analysis:
researchers identify themes or theory from the data
Deductive data analysis:
there is an existing framework or starting list of categories
Is it possible to have a combination of inductive and deductive processes?
start with a framework but allow data to form emergent categories
3 categories of qualitative data analysis:
- immediate
- ongoing
- spiral
Data analysis begins…
at the very beginning of the research process
Ongoing category of qualitative data analysis:
- researchers engage in data analysis throughout the entire research study
- new information may challenge previous interpretations
- researcher reflexivity is continuous
Spiral: data analysis is not a ____ or _____ approach.
- fixed
- linear
Analytic circles create a ____ from…
- spiral
- the beginning of data generation through to the final reporting of findings
- researchers will return to new steps as new insights emerge
The _____ of this data analysis process is at the heart of qualitative research.
fluidity
It is necessary that ______ is consistent with _____ ____ ____.
- analysis
- qualitative study design
6 step approach to qualitative data analysis:
Step 1: organize and prepare the data Step 2: read or look at all the data Step 3: start coding all the data Step 4: generate descriptions or themes Step 5: decide how the findings will be represented Step 6: interpret the findings
Step 1: organize and prepare the data includes:
- transcribe interviews
- type field notes
- scan images
- create files
Step 2: read or look at all the data includes:
- read and memo
- gain a sense of the data
- reflect on overall meaning (immersion in entire database)
- get overall sense of information as a whole before breaking it into parts
- make margin notes (general thoughts, short phrases, ideas, key concepts)
Step 3: start coding all the data includes:
- systematically organize and reduce the data into meaningful segments/chunks/categories
- assign names for segments
Various methods for coding:
- sticky notes
- highlighters
- electronic comments
- spreadsheets
Step 4: generate descriptions or themes includes:
- combine codes (from step 3) into broader categories or themes
- researchers need to represent/tell the story that best represents the data
Typically, researchers generate between ____ themes.
- 5-7
- it is not unusual to see less than 5, and the inclusion of sub-themes
Many ways to represent findings of a qualitative study including:
journal articles
How can journal articles be limiting?
- page limits
- might miss the intended audience
Step 6: interpret the findings includes:
- make an interpretation by making sense of the data and going beyond the themes to the larger meaning
- what is the larger story?
- what is the essence?
- how do the themes interrelate?
Data analysis reminders:
- slow down
- consider looking for commonalities and differences
- remember that you only have a “piece”, not the whole
- be aware of challenges
- there are systematic ways to analyze data, but we need to remember to rely on our brains and not just specific techniques
Challenges:
multiple researchers might mean dominant voices or different assumptions and perspectives
Rigor:
.
