Qualitative Data Analysis

Qualitative Data Format: text, transcripts

Challenge is how to make sense of all of this data, how to group it together

Method is inductive: data collected, grouped into meaningful categories, explanations emerge from the data analysis Data analysis starts early and continues

throughout the research project

Steps in Qualitative Research Data Analysis1. Prior to data examination:

Review and confirm your research question(s) and your research goal(s)

Evaluate your sample and note any limitations

2. Data examination: Review data with an open mind, critical eye and

ear Look at what is said and what is not said Try to note the intensity/emphasis placed on

certain topics Explore why participants may have felt that way

3. Identify themes, evaluate, revise: Read through the transcript, then read through it

again (several times) “Bracket” your own subjectivities, biases,

opinions (what your textbook refers to as “epoche” on p. 117).

Record themes as you read. Make note of them. Collapse “related” themes together into larger

categories

Steps in Qualitative Research Data Analysis

3. Identify themes, evaluate, revise (cont.): Determine your categorization scheme Revise as you read and re-read your transcripts 2 techniques discussed in your textbook:

Constant Comparison Technique Analytic Induction Strategy

Steps in Qualitative Research Data Analysis(see PDF and link on Blackboard)

Steps in Qualitative Research Data AnalysisConstant Comparison Technique

1. Comparative assignment of incidents to categories Creating “provisional categories” and altering them as necessary

(deleting, combining, creating); refine and “fine tune” categories

2. Elaboration and refinement of categories Writing rules or propositions that may be revised over time

(creating “definitions” for key themes)

3. Searching for relationships and themes among categories

Developing a more general, broad category for your already existing categories

4. Simplifying and integrating data into a coherent theoretical structure:

Integrate findings (categories, themes) into a theoretical framework

Steps in Qualitative Research Data AnalysisAnalytic Induction Strategy: Blends together hypothesis construction and

data analysis Hypothesis generated at the beginning of the

study (constant comparison technique, explanation given at the end)

The hypothesis is not “tested” like it is in quantitative research; instead, it is given at the beginning and then changed as necessary throughout the research

Steps in Qualitative Research Data AnalysisAnalytic Induction Strategy: Steps1. Define topic of interest and develop a

hypothesis2. Study a case to see whether or not the

hypothesis “works”3. Study other cases until hypothesis is refined4. Look for negative cases that might disprove

hypothesis5. Continue until hypothesis is adequately

“tested”

How do you sort through data? Use headings Highlight recurring and/or common

themes/areas of discussion “Map” it out (use a “tree”)—see next slide

Reasons women watch The Bachelor

entertainment

Social aspects

Relate to characters, situations

Bond with friends

“Watercooler”

conversation

Means of escape

“Personalized”

experience

Writing the Qualitative Report Consider the audience you are writing the

report for What does your data “look” like?

Quotes, paragraphs of thick description, pictures, diagrams, etc. Use whatever evidence helps you prove your point

Should “paint a picture” of the research, the setting, etc.

Method section is usually lengthy and complex Sections:

Introduction Method (data collection, research setting, sampling

procedure, data collection procedure) Findings Discussion/Conclusion

Reliability & Validity in Qualitative Research Problems with qualitative data:

Completeness Selective perception Reactivity

Think about the credibility or trustworthiness of the data instead of using words like reliability and validity Use multiple methods Audit trail of procedures, etc. Member checks Research team: observe the process, have a set of

procedures Debriefing