Policy Press
12 Qualitative data analysis
Abstract
Qualitative data comes in a variety of forms: text, images, sound and so on, which can be difficult for researchers to analyse confidently. This chapter begins by setting out how qualitative data can be prepared, for example by transcribing interview or focus group data, converting pictorial data to text or creating metadata records ready for analysis. This is followed by guidance on how to code the prepared data, using a coding frame or emergent coding, and an overview of the pros and cons of each method. Next, various ways of analysing qualitative data including content analysis, thematic analysis, discourse analysis and narrative analysis are outlined, followed by a real-life example of qualitative data analysis. Data synthesis is discussed briefly, and the chapter concludes with an update of the case studies followed by exercises, discussion questions and a debate topic.
Abstract
Qualitative data comes in a variety of forms: text, images, sound and so on, which can be difficult for researchers to analyse confidently. This chapter begins by setting out how qualitative data can be prepared, for example by transcribing interview or focus group data, converting pictorial data to text or creating metadata records ready for analysis. This is followed by guidance on how to code the prepared data, using a coding frame or emergent coding, and an overview of the pros and cons of each method. Next, various ways of analysing qualitative data including content analysis, thematic analysis, discourse analysis and narrative analysis are outlined, followed by a real-life example of qualitative data analysis. Data synthesis is discussed briefly, and the chapter concludes with an update of the case studies followed by exercises, discussion questions and a debate topic.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures, tables and boxes ix
- About the author xi
- Acknowledgements xii
- Introduction 1
- Overview of research 19
- Research and evaluation ethics 31
- Methodologies, approaches and theories 43
- Topics and proposals 63
- Managing your research or evaluation project 79
- Background research 101
- Secondary data 123
- Primary data collection: conventional methods 135
- Primary data collection: creative methods 155
- Quantitative data analysis 173
- Qualitative data analysis 187
- Writing for research and evaluation 203
- Disseminating research and evaluation 223
- How can research create positive change? 239
- Conclusion 249
- Job titles of interviewees 253
- Sample record-keeping grid 254
- Notes 255
- References 257
- Further reading 265
- Glossary 275
- Index 283
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures, tables and boxes ix
- About the author xi
- Acknowledgements xii
- Introduction 1
- Overview of research 19
- Research and evaluation ethics 31
- Methodologies, approaches and theories 43
- Topics and proposals 63
- Managing your research or evaluation project 79
- Background research 101
- Secondary data 123
- Primary data collection: conventional methods 135
- Primary data collection: creative methods 155
- Quantitative data analysis 173
- Qualitative data analysis 187
- Writing for research and evaluation 203
- Disseminating research and evaluation 223
- How can research create positive change? 239
- Conclusion 249
- Job titles of interviewees 253
- Sample record-keeping grid 254
- Notes 255
- References 257
- Further reading 265
- Glossary 275
- Index 283
