Data Analysis

Owned by Darlene Edgar
Nov 25, 2023
2 min read

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.