Qualitative Data Analysis: Stages, Coding, Themes, and Trustworthiness

What are the main topics covered in Chapter 14 on qualitative data analysis?

The principles of qualitative analysis, codes and themes, types of coding, graphical displays of analysis, and ways to maximize trustworthiness of interpretations.

What is the first stage of qualitative analysis?

Data familiarization - getting to know your data inside out and beginning the analytical process.

What is meant by data familiarization?

Spending time reading and re-reading the data to become deeply familiar with it.

What is the second stage of qualitative analysis?

Data reduction - discarding all irrelevant information.

What is the goal of data reduction?

To remove information that is not relevant so you can focus on material that addresses the research questions.

What is the third stage of qualitative analysis?

Data organization - first through coding and then through developing broader themes.

What is the fourth stage of qualitative analysis?

Data display - using tables, charts, networks, and other graphical formats.

What is the final stage of qualitative analysis?

Conclusion drawing and verification.

What is coding in qualitative analysis?

The organization of raw data into conceptual categories called codes.

What does each code represent?

A particular meaning or idea found in the data.

How are codes related to themes?

Codes can be grouped together under broader themes.

Why are themes important in qualitative analysis?

Themes help make sense of the data by linking related codes into larger patterns of meaning.

When should direct quotes be used in qualitative reporting?

When they describe a phenomenon particularly well, show unusual cases, or present unexpected data.

What is member checking?

Sharing findings or interpretations with participants to see if they feel accurate and fair.

What does searching for negative cases involve?

Looking for data that contradict your emerging interpretations or themes.

What is triangulation in qualitative research?

Using multiple data sources, methods, or perspectives to check and support your interpretations.

What is an audit trail in qualitative research?

A clear record of decisions and steps taken during the research and analysis process.

What is reflexivity?

The researcher's ongoing reflection on their own role, assumptions, and potential influence on the research.

What does it mean for a qualitative account to be 'contextually complete'?

It fully describes the setting and context, including any idiosyncratic features that help the reader understand the data.

What does it mean to 'tell a good story' in qualitative writing?

To present findings in a coherent, engaging narrative that makes sense to the reader.

What is 'verisimilitude' in qualitative writing?

The writing gives readers a sense of almost being there and helps them feel they understand the culture or setting.

When should qualitative data analysis occur?

It should be an ongoing process throughout data collection as well as after data collection is finished.

What does coding involve according to the chapter summary?

Assigning units of meaning to chunks of data so they can be displayed or organized for drawing conclusions.

What is the overall purpose of strategies like member validation, negative cases, triangulation, audit trail, and reflexivity?

To maximize the trustworthiness and credibility of qualitative interpretations.