Qualitative Research Notes

Overview of Qualitative Research

• Qualitative Research Focus: In-depth exploration of participants’ perspectives and experiences.

• Research Process: Similar for quantitative and qualitative but differs in research questions.

• Methodologies: Various qualitative methodologies necessitate distinct data collection and data analysis methods.

Key Definitions

• Inductive Approaches:

  • Bottom-up methods where meanings arise directly from data.

• Deductive Approaches:

  • Top-down methods utilizing pre-existing theories to inform data exploration, confirming or disconfirming hypotheses.

• Thick Description:

  • Defined by Tracy (2020) as providing deep contextual understanding of behaviors, requiring immersion, time, and interpretation.

Grounded Theory

• Definition: A major qualitative research approach pioneered by Glaser and Strauss in the 1960s to validate qualitative methods.

• Characteristics:

  • Emphasis on objectivity and a positivist approach.

  • Systematic bottom-up analysis to generate theories from data.

  • Various types of grounded theory exist, differing in epistemological viewpoints.

Thematic Analysis Process

• Phases of Analysis:

  • Thematic analysis consists of phases, not linear stages; involves iterative engagement with the data.

• Main Phases:

  • Familiarization

  • Initial Theme Generation

  • Coding

  • Developing and Reviewing Themes

  • Defining Themes

  • Writing the Report

Research Design Example

• Data Source: Archival data and interviews with 22 ex-evacuees from the Wartime Evacuation project.

• Methodology: Narrative approach highlighting experience construction through stories, influenced by context.

Data Analysis Steps

• Familiarization: Transcription, reading, and exploratory note-taking.

• Coding: Line-by-line encoding capturing meanings of raw data.

• Theme Generation: Clustering similar codes, reviewing, defining, and revising themes.

• Creative Engagement: The researcher must be flexible and engage deeply through the process.

Findings Summary

• Sibling Dynamics During Evacuation:

  • Siblings play significant roles, with varied attachments and responsibilities.

  • Lack of recognition in historical contexts about the importance of sibling relationships.

  • Emotional and caregiving aspects often fell on older siblings.

Manual vs Computer Aided Analysis

• Manual Approaches: Utilize colored pens and manual coding processes to generate themes.

• Computer-Aided Approaches:

  • Use of software like NVivo and ATLAS.ti for organizing and managing data efficiently.

  • Benefits include ease of sorting, coding, and organizing themes without analyzing data independently.

The Art of Interpretation

• Differentiating Coding and Claim Making:

  • Coding lays groundwork for identifying patterns.

  • Interpretation and claim-making require active engagement through writing and creative processes.

• Creative Analysis:

  • Analysis involves revisiting data and recognizing significant pathways.

Reporting Research Findings

• Structure of Report:

  • Introduction, Method, Data Collection, Analysis, Findings, and Discussion.

  • Each theme should be introduced and presented with rich data extracts.

Ensuring Quality in Qualitative Analysis

• Rigor: Establish a systematic data analytic process allowing for a clear data trail.

• Credibility: Findings should convincingly illuminate the data with supportive extracts.

• Member Reflection: Engaging participants in discussions about findings for additional insights, although not required.

Reflection Questions

• Difficulty of Research Types: Discuss preconceptions about the difficulty of conducting qualitative vs. quantitative research.

References

• Tracy, S.J. (2020) Qualitative Research Methods. Wiley Blackwell.

• Terry, G. & Hayfield, N. (2021). Essentials of Thematic Analysis. American Psychological Association.

Instructor Contact

• Email: Lisa.savilleyoung@murdoch.edu.au

Note: "Ngala kwop biddi" - Building a brighter future, together.