Qualitative data analysis

What is content analysis?

A method used to analyse qualitative data. It allows a researcher to take qualitative data and transform it until quantitative data.

How is content analysis done?

Using the coding system, which breaks down information into coding units (eg- positive and negative language used towards mental health). The researcher can then complete a tally of coded units for artefacts and conduct a chi-squared test to work out whether findings are significant or not.

What is thematic analysis?

A method used to analyse qualitative data. It is very flexible and can be used in different ways. It retains qualitative data in qualitative form by organising themes so patterns are identified and conclusions are drawn. 

Steps for thematic analysis?

1. Read the text carefully and identify any themes that appear frequently or appear to be important 

2. Identify any categories within the themes (eg- positive / negative), these are classed as ‘codes’

3. Analyse the data using the codes. This may just involve counting how many times each code appears or the researcher could pick quotes demonstrating the main themes

4. The process is reviewed and copies are adapted and refined until the themes can be stated, supported and used to summarise data

Example of how thematic analysis can be used in clinical?

Converting the data from an interview to diagnose a patient with a certain disorder. Key words found can be looked over in a classification system.

Two strengths of thematic analysis?

• Creates more detailed and meaningful data than basic quantitative analysis 

• Allows researchers to adapt to new / unexpected data better than with quantitative analysis 

Two weaknesses of thematic analysis?

• Codes and themes are highly subjective, giving opportunity for researcher bias in choosing them

• It is more time consuming and prone to human error than quantitive analysis 

What is inductive thematic analysis?

Where the researcher would read, and re-read the qualitative data gathered and themes would emerge from the data without the researcher imposing any of their own ideas or expectations from it

What is deductive thematic analysis?

Where the researchers specifies the themes they are going to look for before analysing the data