Qualitative Data Analysis in Research

Questions and Answers

To ensure consistency in coding among multiple researchers

Collecting data in the form of a text file, such as fieldnotes

To check for consistent patterns of themes development among several investigators or a team

To assign a code to label text segments Signup and view all the answers

To transcribe fieldnotes and prepare data for analysis Signup and view all the answers

Report writing Signup and view all the answers

To assign a code to label text segments Signup and view all the answers

To provide guidance on qualitative and mixed method research Signup and view all the answers

To obtain a general sense of the material being analyzed Signup and view all the answers

Locating text segments and assigning a code to label them Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Qualitative research designs involve non-numerical examination and interpretation of observations to discover meanings and patterns of relationships.
Qualitative analysis is an ongoing process that involves exploratory patterns, manual techniques, and computer programs like CAQDAS and NVivo.

Step 1: Organize and prepare the data for analysis (transcribing interviews, optically scanning material, typing up field notes, etc.)
Step 2: Read through all the data to obtain a general sense of the information and reflect on its overall meaning
Step 3: Begin detailed analysis with a coding process (organizing material into "chunks" and labeling them with terms)
Step 4: Use the coding process to generate a description of the setting or people, as well as categories or themes for analysis
Step 5: Advance how the description and themes will be represented in the qualitative narrative
Final step: Make an interpretation or meaning of the data (lessons learned)

Validity is seen as the "strength of qualitative research" and is used to determine whether the findings are accurate
Recommended strategies to ensure validity include:
- Triangulating different data sources of information
- Using member-checking to determine the accuracy of qualitative findings
- Using rich, thick description to convey the findings
- Clarifying the bias the researcher brings to the study
- Spending prolonged time in the field
- Using peer debriefing to enhance the accuracy of the account
- Using an external auditor to review the entire project