Data Analysis

Bennett, D., Barrett, A., & Helmich, E. (2019). How to analyse qualitative data in different ways. Clinical Teacher, 16(1), 7–12. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,sso&db=ehh&AN=134359901&custid=s7439054

Summary of "How to Analyze Qualitative Data in Different Ways"

Introduction:

• Qualitative research focuses on what is said (content) and how it is said (language).

• Method involves procedural steps for data collection and analysis.

• Methodology is a framework of assumptions, values, and theories underlying the entire study.

Methods of Qualitative Data Analysis:

1. Inductive Thematic Analysis:

   • Open coding to identify themes emerging from data.

2. Deductive Somatic/Content Analysis:

   • Utilizes predetermined categories to analyze content.

3. Grounded Theory:

   • A methodology focusing on generating new theories from data.

   • Seeks explanatory links between categories.

   • Involves constant comparison and memo writing.

4. Analyzing Language:

   • Foucauldian Discourse Analysis: Examines societal construction of ideas and power relationships.

   • Gee’s Discourse Analysis: Focuses on social, cultural, and political meanings using defined tools/questions.

   • Conversation Analysis: Studies natural, unscripted social interactions, including nonverbal cues.

5. Analyzing Visual Data:

   • Questions for Content: What is depicted? How are elements interrelated?

   • Questions for Language: Focus on visual language like shape, color, icons, and metaphors.

   • Open description, open coding, focused coding/categorizing for visual data analysis.

General Steps in Qualitative Data Analysis:

• Immerse in data repeatedly with the research question in mind.

• Transcribe audio data if necessary, with varying levels of detail.

• Code data, selecting meaningful terms or codes.

• Group codes for higher understanding.

• Coding can be manual, in word, or with specific software.

• Maintain an audit trail with notes, memos, and reflexivity.

• Thematic Analysis steps: Descriptive coding, interpretive coding, identify overarching themes.

• Grounded Theory: Consistency with theories and values, constant comparison, writing memos.

• Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA): Looks beyond content to study social structures, power, relationships, and identity.

• Conversational Analysis: Studies natural, unscripted social interactions, considering nonverbal cues.

Conclusion:

• Qualitative data can be audio, written, or visual.

• Various methods and methodologies cater to different research questions and approaches.

• Immersion, careful coding, and consistent analysis are vital across methods.