Chapter 9: Qualitative Methods

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descriptive methods

type of data analysis: an approach to analysis where the researcher stays close to the data, uses limited frameworks and interpretation for explaining the data, and catalogues the information into themes

• not much interpretation or theory, summary of what the data says

Analytic framework (opposite of descriptive)

type of data analysis: procedures used in interpreting data fit into a predetermined structure identified in the literature

• interpreting the data using an existing theory or model

Saturation

term used to describe the point where more data just repeats what you already know

• fresh data no longer sparks new insights or reveals new properties

as an appendix

Where do you attach the approval letter from the IRB?

• observations

• interviews

• documents

• audiovisual, social media, and digital materials

What are the data collection procedures in qualitative data?

observational protocol

recording information while observing

• descriptive notes, reflexive notes, demographics, setting

interview protocol

asking questions and recording answers

• info about interview, intro, questions, probes, closing instructions

• 5-10 questions

• memorize questions and prepare in advance

reflexive notes

your own interpretation of the interviewee’s answers, not included in the data but may help come up with themes

• can be about body language or tone of voice while answering

1) organize and prepare the data for analysis

2) read or look at all the data

3) start coding all the data

4) generate a description and themes

5) develop a Story Line interpretation

6) further analyze the data using an analytic framework

7) represent and interpret the data (visuals)

How do you analyze qualitative data?

coding

organizing data by bracketing chunks

• expected codes (the ones you anticipated)

• surprising codes

• codes of unusual or conceptual interest (uncommon but interesting)

• predetermined codes (you decide before analyzing the data)

categories of codes

qualitative validity

determining whether findings are accurate from the standpoint of the researcher, participant, or readers

qualitative reliability

researcher uses an approach that is consistent across different analysts and projects

member checking

method used to check the validity:

If there is more than one researcher, all of the researchers look at all of the notes and data to make sure every person’s information is accurate

• ex. Make sure they asked all the questions they were supposed to

external auditor

method used to check validity:

a person outside of the research looks at it and sees if everything makes sense with the procedure, etc.

• characteristics of qualitative research

• data collection

• data analysis

• expected outcomes

• strategies to validate

components of a qualitative methods section