Understanding Qualitative Data Analysis

• Qualitative Data Analysis is a method of analysis that focuses on meaning
• Qualitative analysis is more concerned with meaning, rather than quantifying data

Data Management

• Data Management involves the operations needed for a systematic and coherent process of data collection, storage, and retrieval

Data Analysis

• Data Analysis consists of describing, summarizing, and interpreting data obtained for each study unit or group of study units
• Data Analysis is used to make sense of massive amounts of data
• Data Analysis is used to reduce the volume of information and identify significant patterns
• Data Analysis constructs a framework for communicating the essence of what the data reveal

Data

• Data is valid information that can help a researcher answer their questions
• Data can come from notes/observations, interview tapes and transcripts, newspaper clippings, personal journals and surveys/questionnaires
• Data aquisition consists of Capture plus Transcription

Transcription

• Transcription includes deliberate alteration of data, where you can remove "uhm, err.."
• Transcription includes accidental alterations of data, such as correcting grammar and spelling
• Transcription includes unavoidable alterations of data, where meaning is added and must be taken note of

Coding

• Coding involves choosing an appropriate code; a repertory grid is easier

Categorization

• Categorization converts data into manageable units

Phenomenology

• Steps include Interviews, Transcription, Coding, Clustering, Thematic Structure Formation, Eidetic Insight Formation
• Coding involves meaning units
• Clustering clusters all meaning units of all informants
• Thematic Structure Formation makes a story from the clusters
• Eidetic Insight Formation creates a photographic description/simulacrum

Steps Used for Qualitative Analysis

• Step 1: Organizing the Data
• Step 2: Finding and Organizing Ideas and Concepts
• Step 3: Building Over-Arching Themes in the Data
• Each of the response categories has one or more associated themes
• Themes give a deeper meaning to the data
• Different categories can be collapsed under one main over-arching theme
• Step 4: Ensuring Reliability and Validity in the Data Analysis and in the Findings
• Validity is the accuracy with which a method measures what it is intended to measure and yields data that represents reality
• Reliability is the consistency of the research findings
• Ensuring reliability requires diligent efforts and commitment to consistency throughout interviewing, transcribing, and analyzing the findings
• Step 5: Finding Possible and Plausible Explanations of the Findings
• Start by making a summary of findings and themes
• Ask if the findings what you were expecting, based on the literature
• Determine the implications of the findings

Qualitative Transcript

• I = Interviewer, P = Participant, includes turning on tape recorder

Similarity in Phenomenological Analysis

• The similarity between Phenomenological analysis methods is identification of essential themes

Distinction in Phenomenological Analysis

• Collaizi’s method returns back to study participants
• Giorgi’s method validates results which relies solely on researchers
• Van Kaam’s method requires that intersubjective agreement be reached with other expert judges

Cool Analysis

• Cool Analysis culls significant statements and extracts responses related to topic, and deletes responses which are non-significant

Warm Analysis

• Warm Analysis involves grouping and sorting and then giving a name to the theme
• Warm Analysis involves Repertory Grid Construction

Themes

• Themes are an abstract entity that brings meaning and identity to a current experience and its variant manifestations
• Themes capture and unifies the nature or basis of the experience into a meaningful whole

Template Analysis

• Uses analysis guide or template where narratives are coded
• They usually consist of typical behavior, events and linguistic expressions
• Includes Hopes, fears, the day to day life within the phenomenon of study, individual meaning and explanation of the phenomenon according to the key informants

Editing Style

• Involves reading through the narratives and searching for meaningful segments and units
• Repertory Grid method

Metaphor

• A symbolic comparison using figurative language to evoke a visual analogy

Qualitative Research Discussion Outline

• Findings
• Themes emerged
• Model/ Metaphor
• Individual Theme
• Definition
• Story tell
• Verbalizations
• Cross Reference
• Moderatum Generalization
• References