Introduction to Analyzing Qualitative Data

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Introduction to Analyzing Qualitative Data

• HON101
• October 16, 2007

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The world of qualitative research is

• Tentative
• Problematic
• Ever-changing

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Main research techniques

• Observations
• Participant
• Participant Observer
• Observer Participant
• Observer
• Interviews

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Two common misconceptions

• Qualitative research is easy to conduct
• Most people can do interviews and observations
  with little practice

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Rules of thumb for qualitative research

• Try to refrain from studying own group
• Use outside reader / peer reviewer
• Design study to understand something
• Time in field time in analysis
• Develop a model
• Always allow participants access to your data
• Look for conflict, tension, and contradiction
• Estimate costs and time and then add more
• Pilot!
• Write every day
• Janesick (2004, p. 116-120)

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Initial analysis

• Look for themes in the data
• Emphasis is on the subject(s) and/or the voice of
  the participants
• Understand if you are an insider or an
  outsider
• Member checks
• Be careful of personal biases
• Knowing when to stop analyzing

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The key to presenting your findings

• Narrative writing!
• Purposes
• Methods
• Findings
• Interpretations

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References

• Creswell, J. W. (2007). Qualitative inquiry
  research design Choosing among five approaches
  (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA Sage.
• Janesick, V. J. (2004). Stretching exercises
  for qualitative researchers (2nd ed.). Thousand
  Oaks, CA Sage.
• Jones, S. R., Torres, V., Arminio, J. (2006).
  Negotiating the complexities of qualitative
  research in higher education Fundamental
  elements and issues. New York, NY Routledge.
• Merriam, S. B. (1998). Qualitative research and
  case study applications in education. San
  Francisco, CA Jossey-Bass Publishers