Qualitative Methods
Analyzing Qualitative Data
Analyzing Qualitative Data
Qualitative analysis is a multi-step and multi-layered process that is completely dependent upon having a large quantity of thickly descriptive data, good organizational skills, interpretive ability, and sufficient time! Qualitative analysis can be a time consuming, detail oriented, and seemingly overwhelming task at times--primarily to the sheer volume of text qualitative data collection generates. The process of analysis can take as much time as the data collection phase, and sometimes much more, depending upon the complexity and wealth of data collected.
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"Analyzing Qualitative Data" Professor Janis Hutchinson]
However, qualitative data analysis is not a single discrete step that occurs only after all the data has been collected. Qualitative researchers begin their analysis while still collecting data by making analytic notes to themselves as they write up their fieldnotes, or as they review interview transcripts. Analytic notes are the ideas that occur to you at the time--they can be questions (Why does he leave the building promptly at 2.52p each day? or is this about social control?), possible explanations (Sally always gets assigned to the kitchen because she is female--gendered division of labor) or other thoughts (Even when they are behaving, Mr. Smith seems always respond negatively to Joe and Paul). As data collection continues, the researcher will continue to weave together some ideas about what is occuring in the setting or interviews or documents or images.... Many qualitative researchers maintain a research journal to document these thoughts and ideas while doing data collection. These initial steps into analysis can be very helpful to the researcher after data collection, when more focused and directed analysis begins.
We will talk about the process of qualitative analysis in four sections:
