Analysis of Qualitative Data

Planning Research Chapter 9

Analysis requirements It requires that you make your own

Interpretation and Highlighting patterns

Grounded in the data in a way that can be recognized and understodd by readers of your research

Influence on Analysis The analysis of your data will largely be

influenced by

your theoretical perspective Your research strategy Your understanding about what might

be relevant and improtant in answering your research question

1. Deductive Approach The theory-driven approach helps you:

To describe and explain the patterns of relationships and interactions better, because you group the data according to codes

To bring to the surface themes that might not emerge from the inductive mode of analysis

Coding Schema Highlighting the elements in the theory as

codes to interoretation

A matrix of codes can be constructed

Exampel Boston Matrix

2. Inductive Approach Try to have a relatively open mind towards

the topic Prevent yourself from being over-

structured by ane preconceptions Improve the quality and depth Increase the validity and reliability Use the following stage model:

Stage Model for Inductive Approach1. Familiarization with the data2. Coding, conceptualization and ordering

Open coding Axial coding Selective coding Enfolding litterature

Stage 1. Familiarization Interviews:

Listen to interviews several times Take notes about possible interpretations Identify emerging patterns

Other qualitative data Re-read materials Review organizational documents and

published reports

Stage 2: Coding Involves the generation of concepts

through the process of coding

”operations in which data are broken down, conceptualized, and put back together in new ways”

Open Coding This is the initial stage of data analysis Describing the overall features of the

phenomenon Data are broken down by asking simple

questions like: What, where, when, how and how much

Observations: Use of a Park

Axial Coding Is the next stage after open coding Puts data back in new ways

By making explicit connections between categories

You need to create a system of coding to be able to identify causal relationships

Categories

System of Coding

Selective coding Involve both open and axial coding

Forming a theoretical framework (Often called a grounded theory)

The codes and categories are explored further by revisiting the data

Enfolding Literature The data analysis yilds a number og

themes, that can be compare to existing literature

Asking what these themes are similar to, what they contradict and why