Analyzing and Interpreting Qualitative Data – Lecture 10

32 vocabulary flashcards covering research problem distinctions, six-step analysis process, coding types, representation methods, interpretation practices, and CAQDAS tools from the lecture notes.

Quantitative Research

An approach that measures variables, tests theories, assesses variable impact on outcomes, and seeks results generalizable to large populations.

Qualitative Research

An approach used to explore participants’ views, study processes over time, generate theories from perspectives, and obtain in-depth information on few cases or sites.

Variable Measurement

Core activity in quantitative studies involving assigning numeric values to characteristics or behaviors for statistical analysis.

Participant Perspectives

First-hand views, experiences, or meanings expressed by study participants, central to qualitative inquiry.

Six Steps in Qualitative Data Analysis

(1) Prepare & organize data, (2) explore data via coding, (3) develop descriptions & themes, (4) represent findings, (5) interpret meaning, (6) validate accuracy.

Data Preparation (Qualitative)

Initial step of transcribing fieldnotes, interviews, or documents into analyzable text files.

Coding (Qualitative)

Process of labeling text segments to retrieve relevant data, reduce volume, and build descriptions or themes.

Open Coding

First-level coding that breaks data into discrete parts and assigns preliminary labels capturing ideas or processes.

Axial Coding

Second-level coding that organizes open codes into major/minor categories and reveals relationships such as causes, consequences, or conditions.

Selective Coding

Final coding phase that integrates core categories, selects illustrative data segments, and refines themes for the report.

Description Development

Crafting detailed accounts of participants, settings, or events based on coded data.

Theme Development

Identifying broader patterns or central topics that emerge across coded data segments.

Narrative Representation

Presenting qualitative findings through stories or textual explanations that convey themes and participant experiences.

Visual Representation

Use of figures, diagrams, or tables to illustrate relationships among themes or participant characteristics.

Comparison Table

Table format comparing groups or cases across a single theme or variable in qualitative results.

Hierarchical Tree

Diagram that visually displays themes and sub-themes along branching lines to show their interconnections.

Elemental Coding

Primary method for reviewing the entire data set, encompassing structural, descriptive, and in vivo coding techniques.

Structural Coding

Applying content-based phrases linked to specific research questions to data segments, suitable for semi-structured interviews.

Descriptive Coding

Assigning labels that summarize the basic topic of a passage in a word or short phrase.

In Vivo Coding

Using participants’ own words as codes to preserve their voice and authentic expressions.

Unit of Analysis

The specific element (word, phrase, sentence, event) selected for coding and examination in qualitative research.

Data Validation Strategies

Techniques such as member checking, triangulation, or peer debriefing used to ensure accuracy and credibility of findings.

Interpretation of Findings

Stage where researchers summarize results, reflect personally, relate to literature, note limitations, and recommend future research.

Personal Reflexivity

Researcher’s critical reflection on how their background, biases, or values influence data interpretation.

Thematic Analysis

Inductive process of coding, categorizing, and synthesizing data into themes that tell the study’s story.

Storytelling Presentation

Reporting approach that narrates participant experiences chronologically, through flashbacks, or critical incidents.

Use of Participant Quotes

Inclusion of verbatim excerpts to illustrate points, show range of issues, or present opposing views, enhancing credibility.

Cold Turkey Technique

Smoking-cessation strategy involving abrupt quitting; used as an example category in lecture’s reporting section.

CAQDAS

Acronym for Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software that aids coding, theory building, and concept mapping.

ATLAS.ti

A CAQDAS program that supports coding, memoing, and visual network building for qualitative data.

NVivo

Widely used CAQDAS tool offering coding, query, and visualization features for qualitative researchers.

MaxQDA

Qualitative data analysis software providing functions for coding, retrieval, and mixed-methods integration.