The Practice of
Social Research
Chapter 13 – Qualitative Data Analysis
DR. JOE NJOROGE
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Linking Theory and Analysis
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Qualitative Data Processing
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Computer Programs for Qualitative Data
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The
Qualitative Analysis of Quantitative Data
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Evaluating the Quality of Qualitative Research
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Ethics and Qualitative Data Analysis
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Quick Quiz
Qualitative Data Analysis
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Qualitative analysis – the non-numerical examination and interpretation of
observations, for the purpose of discovering underlying meanings and patterns of
relationship.
Linking Theory and Analysis
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Discovering Patterns
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Frequencies, Magnitudes, Structures, Processes, Causes, Consequences
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Cross-case analysis – an analysis that involves an examination of more than one
case; this can be either a variable-oriented or case-oriented analysis.
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Variable-oriented analysis – an analysis that describes and/or explains a
particular variable.
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Case-oriented analysis – an analysis that aims to understand a particular case
or several cases by looking closely at the details of each.
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Grounded Theory Method (GTM) – an inductive approach to research in which
theories are generated solely from an examination of data rather than being
derived deductively.
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Constant comparative method – a component of the Grounded Theory Method in which
observations are compared with one another and with the evolving inductive
theory.
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Four Stages of Constant Comparative Method (Glaser and Strauss):
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Comparing incident application to each category
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Integrating categories and their properties
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Delimiting the theory
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Writing theory
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Semiotics – the study of signs and the meanings associated with them, “the
science of signs.”
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What is the meaning of:
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…a blue ribbon?
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…”say cheese”?
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…a cross?
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…a horseshoe?
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Conversation Analysis – a meticulous analysis of the details of conversation,
based on a complete transcript that includes pauses, hems and haws.
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Fundamental Assumptions
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Conversation is a socially constructed activity.
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Conversations must be understood contextually.
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Conversational analysis aims to understand the structure and meaning of
conversation through excruciatingly accurate transcripts of conversations.
Qualitative Data Processing
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Coding
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Coding Units
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Coding as a Physical Act
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Creating Codes
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Open Coding – the initial classification and labeling of concepts in qualitative
data analysis.
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Axial coding – a reanalysis of the results of open coding in the GTM, aimed at
identifying the important, general concepts.
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Selective coding – in GTM, this builds on the results of open coding and axial
coding to identify the central concept that organizes the other concepts that
have been identified in a body of textual materials.
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Memoing – writing memos that become part of the data for analysis in qualitative
research such as grounded theory. Memos may describe and define concepts, deal
with methodologies issues, or offer initial theoretical formulations.
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Code Notes
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Theoretical Notes
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Operational Notes
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Concept Mapping – the graphic display of concepts and their interrelations,
useful in the formulation of theory.
Computer Programs for Qualitative Data
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QDA
Programs
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Example: Leviticus as Seen Through NUD*IST
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Example: Using NVivo to Understand Women Film Directors
The Qualitative Analysis of Quantitative Data
Evaluating the Quality of Qualitative Research
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Validity
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Reliability
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Questions/Assessments for Evaluating Qualitative Research
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How credible are the findings?
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How has knowledge or understanding been extended by the research?
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How well does the evaluation address its original aims and purpose?
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How well is the scope for drawing wider inferences explained?
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How clear is the basis of evaluative appraisal?
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How defensible is the research design?
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How well defended are the same design/target selection of cases/documents?
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Questions/Assessments for Evaluating Qualitative Research
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How well is the eventual sample composition and coverage described?
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How well was the data collection carried out?
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How well has the approach to, and formulation of, analysis been conveyed?
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How well are the contexts of data sources retained and portrayed?
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How well has diversity of perspective and content been explored?
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How well has detail, depth, and complexity of the data been conveyed?
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Questions/Assessments for Evaluating Qualitative Research
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How clear are the links between data, interpretation, and conclusions?
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How clear and coherent is the reporting?
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How clear are the assumptions/theoretical perspectives/values that have shaped
the form and output of the evaluation?
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What evidence is there of attention to ethical issues?
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How adequately has the research process been documented?