14 - Qualitative Data Analysis

Question 1

what did Miles call qualitative data?

Answer 1

“an attractive nuisance”

Question 2

iterative

Answer 2

analysis is done after some of the stat has been collected, and implications of that analysis form further data collection

Question 3

analytic induction

Answer 3

an iterative process, begins with rough definition of research question proceeds to a hypothetical answer, then moves to data collection.

Question 4

what makes analytical induction unique to other grounded theory approaches?

Answer 4

seeks universal explanations, thus is not a very popular method. most examples of analytic induction are not recent, and does not provide guidelines for when theoretical saturation has been reached

Question 5

grounded theory

Answer 5

theory derived from data, systematically gathered/analyzed; most widely used framework for analyzing qualitative data, critiqued for vague difference between concepts and categories

Question 6

two central features of grounded theory

Answer 6

1. development out of data

2. iterative/recursive approach in which data collection and analysis proceed each other in tandem

Question 7

coding in grounded theory

Answer 7

the key process; data is broken into component parts and given names, starts soon after data collection.

Question 8

coding in grounded theory vs quantitative research

Answer 8

interpretation shapes emergent codes instead of fitting data into preconceived codes. grounded theory coding is more fluid and tentative. grounded theory often generates new theories while quantitative usually tests existing theory.

Question 9

grounded theory uses ____ comparison

Answer 9

constant. new and existing data within concepts/categories are frequently compared.

Question 10

theoretical saturation

Answer 10

nothing can be gained by further reviewing of old data nor collection of new data

Question 11

three types of coding

Answer 11

open, axial, selective
all different parts of the same process
not all researchers operate on this three-fold distinction

Question 12

open coding

Answer 12

process of breaking down, examining, comparing, conceptualizing, and categorizing data. stays close to data. yields concepts later grouped into categories.
ex: “anger”, “jealousy”, “affection” are all grouped into the category “emotion”

Question 13

axial coding

Answer 13

set of procedures whereby data are put together in new ways after open coding by making connections between categories. most controversial step because it is perceived as closing off coding process too quickly
ex: “emotion” + way it is expressed –> hardship/loss

Question 14

selective coding

Answer 14

selecting core category, systematically relating it to other categories, validating those relationships and filling in categories that need further refinement
ex: core category of hardship/loss can be “adaption”

Question 15

selective/focused coding

Answer 15

codes determined significant if revealing or frequently occurring. codes are combined. data is reevaluated/reexplored in terms of selected codes.
ex: daughter/mother relationships coded for “closeness”, but after selective/focused coding, was redefined into “closeness” and “overcloseness”

Question 16

(grounded theory) concepts

Answer 16

building blocks of theory, produced through open coding

Question 17

(grounded theory) categories

Answer 17

subsumes two or more concepts, an especially crucial category may be a core category

Question 18

(grounded theory) properties

Answer 18

attributes/aspects of a category

Question 19

(grounded theory) hypothesis

Answer 19

initial hunches about relationships between concepts

Question 20

(grounded theory) theory

Answer 20

a set of well-developed categories systematically interrelated through statements of relationship to form a theoretical framework that explains relevant social (or other) phenomenon. can be substansive or formal.

Question 21

substansive theory

Answer 21

pertains to a certain empirical instance of a phenomenon,

ex: racial prejudice in hospital setting

Question 22

formal theory

Answer 22

higher level of abstraction, has applicability to several susbstansive areas; requires data collection in different settings

Question 23

memos

Answer 23

notes that researchers write for themselves or their colleagues as a reminder of what a particular concept/category refers to. Can help crystalize ideas and keep track of thoughts.

Question 24

problems with coding

Answer 24

loss of context

fragmentation of data

Question 25

narrative analysis

Answer 25

sensitive to connections between people’s past, present, future, and their sense of place and role in these events

Question 26

4 models of narrative analysis

Answer 26

1. thematic examines what is said, not how it is said
2. structural emphasizes the way the story is told
3. interactional looks at dialogue between storyteller and listener; prominence is placed on co-construction of meaning
4. performative analyzes narrative as performance, explores use of words and gestures