11c Qualitative Data Analysis

What are the 2 general strategies of qualitative data analysis introduced in this course

• Analytic induction - with numbers and hypotheses that are revised based on contradictory cases

• Grounded theory - theory derived from data gathered during research

How does analytic inductions work

• General reserach question devised and hypothesis proposed and data gathering

• If case contradicts hypothesis - redefined, dropped or revised

• Data collection continues until no contradictory cases are found

What are difficulties with analytic induction

• Hypotheses can become too broad to be useful - all cases must be explained

• Lack of guidelines on how many cases must be reviewed to validate the hypothesis

What is grounded theory

• Developed theory from data systematically gathered and analyzed

• Inductive and interative - involving constant comparison and theoretical saturation

What are the basic features of gorunded theory?

Coding: labeling and organizing data

Constant comparison: compare data and concept iteratively

Theoretical saturation: point where no new insights emerge from additional data

What are the 3 types of coding in grounded theory

• Open coding

  • Identify initial concepts

• Axial coding

  • Review data for linkages and possible areas to reorgazine the codes

• Selective coding

  • Selecting core categories, validating relationships, conceptualizing phenomenon

What are the outcomes of grounded theory?

• Concepts - building blocks of theory

• Categories - encompass multiple concepts

• Properties - attributes of categories

• Hypotheses - initial hunches

• Theory - substantive

What are the steps in grounded theory analysis?

1. Start with general research question

2. Sample relevant people/incidents

3. Collect data

4. Code data

5. Constant comparison to refine categories

6. Saturate categories

7. Explore relationships between categories to form hypotheses

8. Test hypotheses and develop substantive/formal theory

What is the role of memos in grounded theory?

Notes describing what each concept or code refers to

Aid in conceptural and theoretical reflection and comparison between cases

What are the criticisms of grounded theory?

• Vague distinctions between concepts and categories

• Data gathering may not be as theory neutral as claimed - pre-existing biases going into ground work

• Coding may fragment data and result in losing narrative flow

• May not always result in a formal theory

What questions guide qualitative coding?

• What is the data about/represent?

• What are people doing

• What kind of events occur

What are the steps and considerations in coding?

• Code and transcribe promptly - still fresh in your head

• Read data multiple times before interpreting

• Note keywords/themes - don’t worry about too many initial codes

• Review codes for associations, redundancy and theoretical evidence

What are the problems with coding?

• Loss of context - breaking data into codes may weaken connection to social setting

• Fragmentation - data can lose narrative flow - lead to partial interpretations

How can data be turned into fragments during analysis?

• Basic coding: superficial labels (ex. positive/negative consequences)

• Deeper awareness: reworking of codes to reflect content and research focus

• Broader themes: move beyond specific interviews to analytical themes

What are the advantages of using computer software in qualitative analysis?

• Eliminate clerical tasks

• Stimulate holistic perception of data

• Improve transparency and allows estimation of quote representativeness

What are the criticisms of using computer software in qualitative analysis?

• Quantifies coded text, negating thematic interpretation

• Fragment data, breaking natural narrative flow

• Overemphasis on grounded theory may reduce flexibility

What is narrative analysis and how is it used in health sciences ?

• Examine stories people tell to understand their lives

• Focus on how people make sense of events, not just what happened

What are the 4 models of narrative analysis

1. Thematic - focus on what is said

2. Structural - examine how the story is told

3. Interactional - analyze dialogue between teller and listener

4. Performance - explore narrative as performance

Criticisms of narrative analysis?

• Over reliance on participant accounts as sole explanations

• Stories may be taken at face value without critical analysis of motives/social context

How can reliability and validity be enhanced in qualitative studies?

• Audiotaping, detailed transcription, multiple coders

• Member checks, handling contradictions, using rich data (quotes)

What are Guba’s 4 components of trustworthiness?

Credibility - Is it true

Transferability - applicability to other contexts

Dependability - consistency of results

Confirmability - data shaped by participants not researcher bias

What are Kupers suggestions for assessing qualitative studies

• Appropriate sampling

• Ethical issues addressed

• Clear research with credibility and limitations acknowledged